Infrastructure Work

About us

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is to create a sustainable resource centre which champions the Black and minority ethnic (BME) community in Brighton & Hove and surrounding area and support BME communities and their families.

Our Values

Helpful Heart

We aspire to be like helpers. So we serve all people. No matter their religion, ethnicity, or gender.

Positive Thoughts

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter

– Martin Luther King

Encourage

We encourage people of the BME community to join forces ensuring change, positivity and hope.

Black, Minority & Ethnic Community of Brighton & Hove and surrounding area.

We do not want to be trapped in the narrative of the past that is preventing us from realising our future together.

Social Policy Initiatives

We believe in making a difference. The purpose of our projects is to create a training and resource centre that will be focused primarily but not exclusively on meeting the needs of the BME Community in Brighton & Hove and surrounding area.

  • Supporting those facing great disadvantage and extreme isolation.
  • Providing training and learning for individuals and groups
  • Community development, infrastructure support and enterprise services

Donations

Your contribution to BMECP goes straight to work in helping make a difference in so many people’s lives in the BME community.

Changing the lives of those who are part of the BME community
Raising enough long term revenue for effective delivery of new projects

Pioneering

 

We want to do more and you can help by committing just a small fraction.

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

Our BMECP people

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Nason Bimbe

Board of Trustee – Chairperson
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Ogbonnia Oko-Joseph

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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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 Apollo-Schubert

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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Dr. Yeru Shang

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER
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Shelley Hurley

BOARD OF TRUSTEE – MEMBER

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Pravin Limbachia

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

juliet

Juliet Ssekitoleko

PROJECT, MARKETING & FUNDRAISING MANAGER
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Gabriel Akhimien

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
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Fatima Aliyu

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

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.

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.