Tel: 07586 340 592
Tel: 07586 340 592
Welcome! In this page, you can get to know more about Diversity Resource International (DRI)
Founding
Mebrak Ghebreweldi and Yaa Asare founded DRI in 2004 in Hastings in response to waves of displacement from Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and several African conflicts.
Over the past 21 years, DRI has built trusted relationships with over 30 ethnically minoritised communities across Sussex. Our team of associates includes more than 40 multilingual advocates, seven outreach workers, 20 community researchers, and a network of 1,500 interpreters in 135 languages. Our projects are led by and for communities with lived experiences of migration and marginalisation. This approach builds trust and enables a deep understanding of the needs of historically excluded communities.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to reduce health inequalities, exclusion and injustice in the South East of England by strengthening the voices and wellbeing of ethnically diverse communities and ensuring their lived experience influences policy, services and systemic change.
Our mission
DRI works with ethnically diverse communities and partners to turn community voices and lived experience into evidence, meaningful action and lasting change through a person-centric approach across community development, community-led research, health and wellbeing support, training, and collaboration.
Our vision
A fairer and healthier society where ethnically diverse communities are valued, connected and able to shape the services, systems and decisions affecting their lives.
Geographical scope
DRI is one of only a few organisations that holistically cater to a wide range of ethnically minoritised communities and their needs across Sussex.
According to the 2021 Census, ethnically minoritised communities (all non-White British ethnic groups combined) account for 9.0% of the population in East Sussex, 15.8% in West Sussex (up from 11.1% in 2011), and 26.1%specifically in Brighton & Hove.
We are committed to contributing positively to the communities we work in, promoting an ethical way of working. Please find relevant policies described below.
We can help you to develop their skills and confidence to achieve your goal – be it:
Our experience shows that organisations thrive when the people who work in them feel involved and valued
We help people build the skills and the confidence to fulfil their potential, wherever they are and whatever they do.
We create a healthy environment where people feel safe enough to explore issues and experiences in an honest way and move forward
We enable people to develop their skills independently, so they continue to grow long after our coaching has finished.