Welcome to Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre
The Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre was purpose-built to meet the needs of the local community.
The Centre is a focal point for the local community and is OPEN TO ALL.
The aim of the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre is to provide a safe, secure, well managed, attractive and convenient meeting place for the BAME and the wider local community in Sunderland to meet and engage in our activities and services. The Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre is a centre for culture, learning and diversity, a community hub and community anchor bringing diverse communities together to enable, empower and inspire to have a voice. Bringing social changes to our communities and cities.
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion…
We educate and empower individuals and the wider community by promoting diversity, equality and justice for all…
Community Development
Bringing communities and people together to build stronger communities, breaking down barriers to communication...
Education & Training
SBIC offer a range of educational programmes to local communities in Sunderland from none accredited to accredited qualifications, working in partnership with many educational institutions and qualification providers ...
Information for refugees
SBIC provide a rang of support services to asylum seekers and refugees helping them settle into Sunderland and engage in activities with the local community..
Information for Older People
SBIC provide a range of services for people within our older community including educational courses and health and wellbeing projects...
BAME Volunteer Hub
SBIC help BAME individuals access volunteer opportunities across the city of Sunderland, forf more info click here...
Health & Wellbeing
We provide health and wellbeing activities and projects to BAME and local communities to improve their health & wellbeing...
Employment and Enterprise Information
Our employment and enterprise services provides advice and support to help individuals to access opportunities to employment and help in exploring setting up businesses...
At our centre
The need for the centre was highlighted in the re- search carried out in 1989/90 by the Commission for Racial Equality where it was indicated that the Bang- ladeshi Community in Sunderland had a strong desire to see the development of a centre where they could meet and develop educational, cultural, social and related activities. The research also indicated that the Bangladeshi community were non-users of statutory and voluntary services because of the inappropriate- ness of available resources in terms of culture, style and language
What Service Users say…
I was invited to coffee morning by Rehena Sultana at the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre. I am glad that I went to the coffee mornings as this is when I realised that there are is a variety of job opportunities and courses available.
I have been out of work for a number of years due to family reasons, now I am at a stage in my life when I want to do something but wasn’t sure how or where I can go to make a start.
When I first attended coffee morning I met new people and I was quite withdrawn because I felt I didn’t know what conversation I should have then gradually we started speaking and we have become good friends. This is a big achievement for me because I felt my communication level isn’t as strong as the other members of the coffee group and this has really built up my confidence. While we attended these groups we were introduced to learning curve who provided courses we could enrol in. I felt that this was the right time for me to take up courses to boost up my knowledge which will help me get into employment in the future. I have enrolled in two courses with learning curve now through the Bangladesh International Centre, level 2 in Business Administration and level 2 in Children and Young people’s mental health.
By doing these courses through the help and support from the Bangladesh International Centre I feel I have more self confidence and I feel that I am actually capable of doing different things which I thought I couldn’t, it has made me more independent, and because I felt like that I applied for a college course for business management and due to attend an interview soon.
I have also started doing training with employees from the Bangladesh International Centre to become a volunteer stroke ambassador. This training will help me organise and take part in future events and work with the BME community. I will also start helping out at the centre voluntarily and I am grateful that they have given me this opportunity to expand my knowledge.
I have taken part in the fitness classes that is available at the Centre which is entertaining and fun for us all. This sessions is great for ladies who don’t like going to mixed (male / female) gym or sessions and it will let them feel comfortable to enjoy and get fit.
Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre are doing a fantastic job at creating and providing all these sessions ,advice and opportunities for the community and people who are not aware of what is available. It has and is a massive help for me and I will be available to take on board new tasks. Thank You very much to everyone.
Our Latest News
MACMILLAN BAME CANCER PROJECT
MACMILLAN BAME CANCER PROJECT Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the cancer care and support for all black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities within Sunderland. We are working together to...
Living Experience
Living experience Through oral histories of Sunderland’s Bangladeshi community, Our Roots, Our Journey, Our City tells the story of the community’s beginnings in Bangladesh, how they came to the UK, why they chose to settle in Sunderland, and their experiences along...
Our Roots, Our Journey, Our City
Our Roots, Our Journey, Our City Through oral histories of Sunderland’s Bangladeshi community, Our Roots, Our Journey, Our City tells the story of the community’s beginnings in Bangladesh, how they came to the UK, why they chose to settle in Sunderland, and their...
Women’s Health – Menopause
Menopause-You Are Not Alone The Sunderland Bangladeshi Centre is working with Dr Yitka Graham, Head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute and June Pace, Primary Care Practice Manager Lead for Mental Health (Adults and Children), Sunderland Clinical...
Stoke Association
Stoke association The Stroke Association and Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre have joined forces, to help prevent stroke and raise awareness of the condition within the local Bangladeshi community. The partnership was part of the Stroke Association’s Hand in...
My Words Your Ear
My words your ear The aim of the project is to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older BAME people improving health and wellbeing for older people from the local communities and to help them live a fulfilling life. The projects build awareness, capacity, and...
Covid-19
Covid-19 With COVID 19 having an impact on our personal and professional lives it could permanently change the way we think about work, community, travel, shopping and open spaces. Lockdown measures due to the pandemic have changed the way we do and interact with...
Dementia Research
Dementia Research Project Working with Sunderland University and Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, centre staff are undertaking research into knowledge about and perceptions of dementia within the black and minority ethnic communities in the City. This work is...
Women’s Employment Project
Women’s Employment Project Women of the World (WOW) is a group of BME women who meet regularly at the centre for training courses, social activities and community outings. The aim of WOW is to be a project which has visual presence in the city promoting BME female...
PROUD TO WORK ALONGSIDE
