Health & Wellbeing at SBIC
At Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre (SBIC), we believe good health and wellbeing should be within everyone’s reach. Many people in our communities face barriers to healthcare, including language, culture, and lack of awareness. Our Health & Wellbeing work is here to break down those barriers and ensure that support is fair, inclusive, and culturally appropriate.
What We Do
Our Health & Wellbeing team delivers a wide range of activities and support, including:
- Health promotion & education – providing workshops, seminars, and campaigns on issues such as cancer awareness, diabetes, and mental health.
- Reducing health inequalities – tackling gaps in access and outcomes for racially minoritised and diverse communities in Sunderland.
- Community engagement & empowerment – creating safe spaces where people can learn, connect, and share experiences.
- Early intervention & preventative care – encouraging healthier lifestyles and improving awareness of available support before problems become urgent.
- Partnership working – collaborating with the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support, Northern Cancer Voices, Sunderland City Council, and other organisations to improve care and support.
Key Achievements
- Led the BAME Macmillan Cancer Project, raising awareness and supporting community members living with cancer.
- Developed culturally sensitive training for health professionals to improve care for diverse communities.
- Launched the BAME Citizens Plus Programme, addressing loneliness and promoting wellbeing among older people.
- Introduced mental health initiatives such as the Sukoon project, supporting Muslim and ethnically diverse women.
Why It Matters
Health inequalities mean some groups live shorter, less healthy lives than others. By listening to communities and tailoring services to their culture, faith, and needs, SBIC helps reduce these gaps and empowers people to look after their health with dignity and confidence.
Get Involved
We welcome individuals, families, and partners to join our programmes and help shape healthier, stronger communities.
📧 For more information, contact: [email protected]
Health and wellbeing related projects
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...
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...
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...
Learning Disability Project
Learning Disability Project This project works with BME adults with learning and physical disabilities. It offers help, information, guidance and direct support to individuals and their families. The purpose of the project is to ensure there increased opportunities...