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About BMECP

Championing communities.
Creating opportunities.

We work to support Black and minoritised communities in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas through advocacy, connection, inclusion and practical support.

Mission & Vision Meet our team Get involved
Community-led Built around support, empowerment and representation.
Inclusive Serving individuals, families and communities with dignity.
Impact-driven Focused on practical outcomes and long-term change.
Who we are

Supporting people, strengthening communities

BMECP exists to create a sustainable resource centre that champions the Black and minority ethnic community in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas, while supporting BME communities and their families.

Our work is rooted in equality, social justice, collaboration and hope. We aim to create spaces where communities are heard, supported and equipped to thrive.

Vision & Mission

Our purpose and direction

A modern community organisation needs more than a statement. It needs a clear purpose, a practical mission and values that guide everyday action.

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Our Vision

To create a sustainable resource centre that champions Black and minoritised communities in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas.

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Our Mission

To support BME communities and their families through advocacy, inclusive services, partnership and community empowerment.

Our Values

The principles behind our work

These values shape how we engage, how we serve and how we build trust with the communities we work alongside.

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Helpful Heart

We serve with compassion, care and respect, recognising the dignity and humanity of every person.

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Positive Thinking

We foster hope, resilience and a constructive mindset that helps communities move forward with confidence.

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Encouragement

We encourage people to come together, speak up, support one another and create meaningful change.

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Community

We believe lasting impact comes through collaboration, inclusion and collective effort.

Support Our Work

Helping communities thrive through action, giving and participation

There are many ways to support BMECP’s work — from contributing to our projects, to donating, to volunteering your time and skills.

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Social Policy Initiatives

We believe in making a difference. Our projects aim to create a training and resource centre focused primarily, but not exclusively, on meeting the needs of the BME community in Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas.

  • Supporting those facing disadvantage and isolation
  • Providing training and learning for individuals and groups
  • Strengthening community development and support services
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Donations

Your contribution to BMECP goes directly toward helping us make a real difference in the lives of people across the BME community.

  • Supporting people and families in the community
  • Helping us deliver impactful programmes and services
  • Building long-term support for new projects
Donate Now
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Pioneering

We want to do more, and you can help by playing a practical part in building positive change within the community.

  • Creating new waves of change
  • Reaching out and engaging with the BME community
  • Providing volunteering opportunities and support

Our BMECP people

nason

Nason Bimbe

Board of Trustee – Chairperson
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Ogbonnia Oko-Joseph

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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judy

Judy Richards

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – SECRETARY
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denis

Denis Njouwouo

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – TREASURER
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Chandrakant Mehta

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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winnie

Winnie Apollo-Schubert

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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Dr. Yeru Shang

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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Yasmin Jefferies

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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Shelley Hurley

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER

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pravin

Pravin Limbachia

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

juliet

Juliet Ssekitoleko

PROJECT, MARKETING & FUNDRAISING MANAGER
gabriel

Gabriel Akhimien

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
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Obi Chukwudumebi

Community Engagement Officer
fatima

Fatima Aliyu

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

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Nason Bimbe

Nason is a highly accomplished Information and Digital Knowledge Management professional with over 30 years of experience. Trained as a computer scientist and software engineer, he has made significant contributions to a wide range of programmes and projects spanning the private, academic, public, and non-profit sectors. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Brighton and MSc in Software Development from the Open University.

In addition to being an expert in his field, Nason is a skilled project manager, trainer, and facilitator. He is renowned for his ability to deliver results, foster collaboration, and empower teams to achieve their goals. He brings this wealth of experience in ICT, information & knowledge management and international development to BMECP.

Ogbonnia Oko-Joseph

Ogbonnia is an ordained minister with Christ Victory Life Chapel UK, where he serves as the Lead Pastor. Before relocating to the UK, he led the South African branch of the ministry, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual leadership and community development across borders.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Abuja, Nigeria, and brings over 32 years of diverse professional experience spanning project management, consultancy, accounting, trade union leadership, charity work, and petroleum distribution and marketing.

Ogbonnia joined BMECP in 2023, where he continues to contribute his extensive expertise and dedication to fostering impactful community initiatives.

Judy Richards

Judy is a highly experienced trustee with over five decades of expertise in racial equality, community development, training, and anti-racist advocacy. She was among the founders of the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP) in 1997, playing a pivotal role in establishing a vital resource for supporting and empowering minority communities.

Currently, she serves as Project Manager at Sussex Racial Equality Action Project, leading initiatives that address the needs of Afrikan, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (AAME) communities. As the founder of UNISON South East Black Members Group, Judy has a strong background in trade union activism.

In her role as Female Co-Chair of an international Reparations organization, Judy collaborates with various UN equality bodies, contributing to global discussions and advocacy for racial justice. Her work, deeply rooted in intersectionality, is marked by exceptional skills in policy development, capacity building, and forging strategic partnerships.

Judy’s lifelong commitment to equality and social justice continues to inspire transformative change locally, nationally, and internationally.

Denis Njouwouo

Originally from West Africa with Irish heritage, Denis has called Brighton home for over 20 years. Passionate about engaging with local communities, he has dedicated his time to fostering meaningful connections and supporting diverse initiatives.

Denis holds an MSc in Manufacturing and Business Management from Brighton University, where he served as an ambassador for international postgraduate students. During his time at the university, he held various roles, including liaison officer, cultural promoter, and organiser of language exchange events.

Denis has been involved with BMECP since 2017, beginning as a volunteer before being elected as a trustee in 2024. A qualified English and French language tutor with over five years of experience, Denis recently embarked on a new career as a special education tutor, broadening his impact on education and inclusion.

In his free time, Denis enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also passionate about meeting people from diverse backgrounds and those who share common interests.

Winnie Apollo-Schubert

Winnie is passionately focused on improving the well-being of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Leveraging her expertise as a certified yoga instructor, she fosters mental, physical, and emotional health through accessible classes that inspire balance and connection.

A former wedding consultant in the tourism industry, Winnie holds a BA in International Relations and Third World Studies from the University of Westminster and an MA in Tourism Management from the University of Brighton. Her career spans customer service roles where her commitment to helping others has always been at the forefront.

Winnie’s unique combination of academic knowledge, industry experience, and a genuine passion for holistic health makes her an invaluable advocate for empowering communities and promoting a culture of self-care and resilience.

Dr. Yeru Shang

Yeru is a seasoned business leader in renewable energy investment and development, with over 10 years of experience in the energy sector.

Currently, he oversees origination and early-stage project acquisitions, driving the strategic growth of the UK business for a London-based clean energy investor.

A Brighton resident for 14 years, Yeru is an alumnus of the University of Sussex, holding both a master’s and a doctoral degree in engineering. Passionate about supporting his local community, he has served as a volunteer and advisory board member for a local community charity.

Yeru joined BMECP as a trustee in 2024, bringing his expertise and commitment to furthering the organisation’s mission.

Yasmin Jefferies

I’m a seasoned Business Development Leader with a proven track record in driving growth, forging meaningful partnerships, and enhancing member engagement within dynamic, mission-driven organizations.

Currently, I serve as Business Development Manager within my role as Engagement and Local Networks Manager where I strategize and execute to expand our reach and strengthen our network of members in the UK’s parking and transportation industry. Prior to this, I honed my membership strategies as Membership Development Manager (2021–2023), consistently delivering value and measurable results. I have done the same as support to the European Parking Association.

My journey has been enriched by diverse experiences across industries—including fintech, insurance, real estate, retail, and public service—where I developed a versatile leadership style and deep empathy for stakeholder needs.

What energizes me most? Identifying opportunities at the intersection of innovation and collaboration, and empowering teams to achieve growth that truly resonates.

If you’re passionate about creating lasting impact through business development, partnerships, or community engagement—let’s connect and explore how we can build momentum together.

Shelley HurlEY

Shelley has been in the education field for over 40 years, working with both secondary and tertiary students. On top of that, she’s spent 30 years as a foster carer, mainly helping disadvantaged young people, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds. She’s also involved with Adoption South East and has experience working with young immigrants in the UK. Plus, she’s done research on how black and ethnic minority students perform in school. As a member of the Windrush Generation, Shelley has seen and experienced racism firsthand since arriving from Barbados in the 1960s and has witnessed the changes in racial dynamics in the UK over the years.