DRI partners with the BMECP: a new chapter for community support in Sussex
We have formalised a partnership with the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP), united by a shared goal: to strengthen the support available to ethnically diverse communities across Sussex.
This collaboration is grounded in a mutual commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy, particularly for seldom-represented groups.
At its heart, this partnership is a pledge to work together, share knowledge and resources, and amplify voices that are often unheard or overlooked.
A shared mission of putting people first
Diversity Resource International (DRI) C.I.C., a 20-year-old community interest company based in Lewes, and the BMECP, a Brighton-based community-led infrastructure organisation founded in 2000, have both spent decades working in parallel to support ethnically diverse communities across Sussex.
From delivering culturally relevant services to advocating for inclusive policy change, we both bring a deep well of knowledge and community trust. Now, by joining forces, we aim to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
In May 2025, our partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement outlines a five-year plan to collaborate strategically, co-develop training programmes, host joint community events, and seek shared funding opportunities.
At the heart of this partnership is a clear message: by working together, we can do more to put people first.
Nason Bimbe, BMECP Trustee and Chair, shares:
“We are proud to formalise our partnership with DRI through this Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to racial equity, social justice, and meaningful community engagement.
The MoU is more than just a formal agreement; it represents a shared vision for transformative change, built on mutual respect and a deep understanding of the issues affecting our communities. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen our advocacy efforts, and support the development of local leadership within our communities.”
Strengthening support through training and leadership
One of the most practical and impactful aspects of our partnership lies in training and capacity building. Together, we will deliver a series of workshops designed to upskill local individuals and grassroots organisations.
These sessions will focus on leadership development, governance, employability, and digital skills, equipping participants with the tools to become confident leaders and advocates within their communities.
Imagine a young refugee woman, inspired by a leadership training session, gaining the confidence to start a peer support group for newly arrived families. Or a father from a recently resettled household who attends an employability workshop and secures his first stable job in the UK. These are the stories we hope to continue to facilitate through this partnership, creating culturally safe and community-led spaces for self-development.
Enhancing community engagement in Sussex
Through the joint organisation of community outreach events, DRI and BMECP aim to increase community engagement across Sussex.
This collaborative approach directly addresses a key barrier faced by many ethnically minoritised communities: not knowing where to turn for support. By combining our networks and increasing the visibility of available services, we aim to make access to local support easier to navigate.
Sharing resources and referrals
Another key strength of this partnership is our commitment to collaboration over duplication. Rather than running parallel services, DRI and BMECP will actively refer individuals across programmes, signposting them to the support that best fits their needs.
This means someone walking into the BMECP Centre in Brighton might be signposted to one of DRI’s activities, and vice versa. It’s a simple but powerful way to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
How the community can get involved
This new partnership isn’t just about what DRI and BMECP can do together; it’s about how community members can engage and contribute too! Here’s how you could get involved:
- Keep an eye on the information we share and attend our community events, workshops and trainings.
- Volunteer your time or expertise.
- Refer someone to DRI’s and BMECP’s services and activities if you know they would be interested in getting involved.
- Share the news of this partnership with your networks.
- Make a donation to DRI or the BMECP.
Community-led change starts with participation, and this partnership invites everyone to be part of the journey.
Looking ahead
We are excited about this partnership because it’s an important model of how local organisations can work together to create a lasting, community-focused impact. In a time where social divisions often make headlines, it is deeply encouraging to be able to cooperate and trust each other.
As the partnership unfolds, we will continue to report back to the community on progress and ways to get involved.
