Table of Contents
Highlights and News
Newsletter
Diversity Resource International
May 2026
Editor's Note
Diversity Resource International (DRI) C.I.C is a non-profit community interest company that supports ethnically diverse and migrant communities.
We work in partnership with public, voluntary and community organisations to bridge the linguistic and cultural communication gaps, to raise awareness of the impact of structural discrimination and to bring about greater social justice.
Our last 3 months have been very eventful!
Thank you for joining us once more by reading our quarterly newsletter. This edition contains news of changes in leadership, the growth in our team, newly released research reports, and all the projects and events which took place through February, March and April 2026.
We can provide further information about the projects listed in this newsletter, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at commuinty@driorg.com.
Wishing you a happy read,
Nadia Koch
Digital Marketing Coordinator, DRI
Highlights and News
Welcoming Moitree Banerjee as Co-Director
We’re delighted to welcome Moitree Banerjee as Co-Director of Diversity Resource International.
Joining our existing directors – Mebrak Ghebreweldi and Barbara Harris – Moitree brings a wealth of academic insight, leadership experience and a deep commitment to inclusive social change.
Originally from India and now based in the UK, Moitree has built her career around understanding human experience and widening access to mental health support. With an MSc and PhD in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, her work is grounded in the belief that wellbeing is shaped not only by individuals, but by the social and cultural systems around them.
As Head of the School of Law, Business and Psychology at the University of Chichester, she leads six departments and fosters environments rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Her research focuses on mental health access, minority stress, and tackling stigma – always striving to connect academic evidence with lived realities, particularly for underrepresented voices.
Moitree’s values strongly align with DRI’s mission to empower communities, amplify voices in decision-making, and build inclusive spaces where everyone can shape their future. Her passion for mentorship, evidence-based change, and community leadership will be invaluable as we continue our work.
At the heart of her journey is a powerful belief: the society we shape today becomes the legacy we leave for future generations.
Welcome onboard Moitree!
Magdi Osman's Life Celebration
On Sunday 29th March, DRI hosted the celebration of Magdi Mohammed Nouri Osman’s Life.
It was a heartwarming celebration with a gathering of around 50 community members and interpreters. Special thanks to Imam Sheikh Abdul Soomro who led the prayers, Hastings Islamic Centre for hosting us and Mebrak Ghebreweldi for organising the event with vital support from DRI Coordinator Anna Wang.
Magdi Mohammed Nouri Osman was a respected Imam who faithfully served the Hastings Muslim community for more than 40 years. He founded Hastings Mosque, Bexhill Mosque, and the Hastings & St Leonards Islamic Centre, dedicating his life to faith, community, and unity.
Magdi was also a valued member of Vandu Languages and DRI, where he worked as a community interpreter, translator, and bilingual advocate for almost 20 years. Through his compassion and dedication, he helped many people access services and feel heard and supported.
Onboarding Volunteers
The Volunteer Onboarding event in March, marked an inspiring start for a new cohort of volunteers, bringing together individuals united by a shared passion for community development and inclusion.
The 4 types of Volunteer roles included:
- Admin Volunteer – an opportunity to develop skills in providing administrative support, maintaining records, handling correspondence, and assisting with daily organisational tasks.
- Events Volunteer – an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, coordinate event logistics, set up event venues, liaise with participants and vendors, and make public speeches about DRI’s mission, goal, activities and vision at network events to potential partners.
- Desk Research Volunteer – an opportunity to develop skills in gathering and analysing data, which relates to DRI’s programmes and the needs of the communities served.
- Fundraising Volunteer – an opportunity to develop skills in planning and researching fundraising opportunities and maintaining supporter relationships.
The day began with a warm welcome and a series of engaging introductions, giving volunteers the opportunity to get to know one another, share their motivations, and start building connections. The rest of the session provided clarity around expectations, responsibilities, and the meaningful impact each role can have within the community.
The day concluded with a guided walk around Lewes, led by DRI Director, Mebrak Ghebreweldi. This walk not only offered a chance to explore the local area but also to continue conversations in an informal setting, strengthening the sense of belonging among the group.
Saying Farewell to our Co-Founder and Director, Dr. Yaa Asare
In April, we said a heartfelt farewell to one of DRI’s founding Co-Directors, Dr. Yaa Asare, whose dedication has shaped our journey since 2004.
From co-founding Diversity Resource International alongside Mebrak in response to the challenges faced by new migrant communities in Hastings, to helping build our very first befriending programme – her impact has been profound and lasting.
Over the years, Yaa has played a pivotal role in:
- Advancing equity and inclusion through impactful training programmes
- Developing and mentoring community researchers
Strengthening DRI’s reputation in community-led research - Supporting migrant and ethnically minoritised communities through meaningful development work
Yaa’s contributions have helped embed community voices at the heart of research, policy, and practice – leaving a legacy that continues to guide our work today.
Thank you for your vision, commitment, and leadership over the past two decades. You will always be part of the DRI story.
Get Involved
Sponsored Carers Research
In partnership with East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Partners In Care, we are conducting focus groups to gather information through conversations and interviews, on how recent changes to UK care worker visa policies have affected international workers in Sussex.
If you are a Sponsored Care Worker, or know anybody who is, you can get in touch with us at community@driorg.com to share your experiences.
Walking Roots - High Weald
The Walking Roots project, funded by the High Weald Nature and Community Fund, is running from April to October 2026 and is delivering seven eco-systemic walking sessions across towns in the High Weald National Landscape.
The project supports ethnically diverse women who may experience barriers to accessing nature.
Led by qualified therapists and experienced walking leaders, the walks combine gentle exercise, mindfulness, and storytelling to help participants reconnect with nature, improve mental well-being, and build confidence in outdoor spaces. Through shared experiences in the landscape, the project also aims to foster friendships, cultural exchange, and a stronger sense of belonging in the High Weald.
Peace Survey
On behalf of the Lewes Active Peace Group and Lewes Climate Hub, we are inviting people across Sussex to take part in this short survey about what peace means in everyday life. In the context of recent events across the country and in our region, we want to better understand how people are experiencing safety, belonging, and freedom- both individually and within their communities. We are interested in a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives.
This survey is not about judging views or promoting a particular position. Its purpose is to listen, reflect, and learn, so that community‑led efforts to strengthen peace, dignity, and coexistence in Sussex can be better informed.
Quarterly Spotlight
Final Eastbourne Cultural Involvement Group Meeting
In February, we proudly hosted the final Eastbourne Borough Council’s funded meeting of our Eastbourne Cultural Involvement Group (ECIG) — and what a way to close this chapter!
Over 40 members of our community came together for an evening full of meaningful discussion, shared updates, community announcements and valuable information exchange. The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people connect with purpose.
The participants stated that:
" [I made] great connections with a vastly diverse community group all with unique insights and experiences to share."
"I had no idea of the number of community Root projects based in Eastbourne - so thank you for putting together this meeting."
And the special highlight of the day was the food sharing! So many attendees generously brought dishes to share, making it not just a meeting, but a true celebration of culture, collaboration and community spirit.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to ECIG — your voices, ideas and commitment continue to strengthen our community.
We call on partners, funders, and advocates to recognise the value of community-led initiatives and support the ECIG Project for 2026!
Walk Leader Training | Active Rother
In April, DRI partnered with Nick Chellel to deliver Walk Leader Training. The participants learnt how to grow their confidence in planning and leading safe, inclusive community walks.
Developed in line with walk leading best practice, participants explored the health benefits of walking, key walk leadership skills and risk management. They were also signposted to further training and resources — including around mental health — to support open, honest conversations with participants.
Walking is one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have to support prevention, reduce isolation and tackle inactivity. Crucially, this programme helps diversify the physical activity workforce. If we want more people to join walking groups, we need walk leaders who reflect the communities they serve.
Thank you to Active Rother for funding this project and investing in community-based prevention.
Walk in Darch’s Wood | Walking Roots
We had a wonderful walk in Darch’s Wood, Heathfield! Funded by High Weald Nature and Community Fund and Community Fund.
We had a truly uplifting and inspiring walk, bringing together 18 walkers from across the region — including Uckfield, Five Ashes, Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, and beyond.
Guided by two wonderful eco-therapists, Chiara Fortina Santin and Shaila Sheikh, the group enjoyed a peaceful, mindful and restorative experience in nature. What made the day even more special was the diversity of the group, with participants representing 14 different ethnic backgrounds.
Keep an eye out on our social media pages for updates on our upcoming walks. We look forward to seeing new walkers!
Sponsored Carers Workshop
In February, DRI partnered with ESPIC (East Sussex Partners in Care) to run a confidential, in-person workshops for sponsored care professionals working in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
The workshops were delivered by experienced advisors from trusted local support organisations, and offered a safe and supportive space for internationally recruited care staff working on sponsored visas.
The session provided clear, practical information about sponsorship and employment rights, visa conditions and where to access support.
Cancer Research Report
We are proud to announce the publication of our new report, “Co-Developing a Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Plan for the Sussex Cancer Research Centre (SCRC): A Community-Researcher-Led Approach”.
The project was carried out under the aegis of the Sussex Research Engagement Network (REN) of which DRI is a core VCSE member. This project was funded by NHS England and My University Hospitals Sussex Charity.
As the lead organisation on this project, we worked closely with community researchers, Sussex Cancer Research Centre, and other VCSE partners to ensure that the voices of underserved and ethnically minoritised communities across Sussex shape the future of cancer research.
This report represents the contributions and stories of 47 individuals with lived experience of cancer, guided by 15 community researchers who carried out interviews in the communities they belong to or work closely with. Their insights shine a light on the realities of cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, and awareness of local cancer research particularly as experienced by those whose voices are often missing in traditional research processes.
The findings identify urgent challenges such as diagnostic delays, language and information barriers, cultural stigma, and limited awareness of research opportunities while also highlighting clear opportunities for more inclusive, culturally grounded, community‑led approaches.
If you would like support, more information, or to get involved in future engagement activities, please contact us at admin@driorg.com.
NIHR Residential Grant Development and Writing Retreat
In April, our Research Coordinator, Mudasir, our Community Research and Impact Lead, Aabha and Director, Mebrak, attended the NIHR Residential Grant Development and Writing Retreat.
The programme focused on developing a NIHR funding proposal with support from NIHR trainers. Beyond shaping a specific application, this opportunity was valuable for strengthening our broader grant development skills and gaining direct insight into NIHR’s expectations and approach – something that will benefit our future funding efforts.
Community Walk & Talk in Bexhill-on-Sea | Active Rother
In the last week of April, we hosted a lovely community ‘Walk and Talk’ in Bexhill-on-Sea.
We enjoyed a beautiful community walk along the seaside and through Egerton Park, bringing together 17 adult walkers and 2 children—from toddlers to pensioners. It was wonderful to see such a diverse group, with participants from nine different ethnic backgrounds across the Rother area and beyond joining in.
Many thanks to Active Rother for commissioning this walk and supporting our community to come together.
Our Team
Mebrak Ghebreweldi
Founder, Director and Facilitator
Dr Yaa Asare
Founder, Director and Facilitator
Barbara Harris
Director
Moitree Banerjee
Director
Tacye Turner
Projects and Services Manager
Aabha
Community Research and Impact Lead
Dr Mudasir Amin
Research Coordinator
Anna Wang
Projects and Services Coordinator
Nadia Koch
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Alejandra González
Community Interpreting Course Coordinator
Aaron Clarke
Consultant and Facilitator
Contact Us
- Website: www.driorg.com
- Phone, Message or WhatsApp: 07586 340 592
- Email: community@driorg.com
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Special Thanks
