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
Women of the World (WOW)
Women of the World (WOW) Women of World which was launched in January 2014 is an informal BME women’s group who meet every Tuesday to talk about local issues which are common to BME women within the communities. Looking to develop and build their own capacity in areas...
Future Years Group
Future Years group Funded by the Kellett Fund through the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland is a two year project combating the problem of isolation for over 50s in the city of Sunderland. Officially launched in January 2014 we have...
Future Years Project
Future Years ProjectThis project enables socially isolated vulnerable BME older people (defined as over 50 years old) from all different BME communities to meet in a safe environment where they can interact with other people and become active citizens making changes...
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...
The Carer in Us – Abu
The carer in us Abu is the Centre Manager for the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre, a centre for culture, learning, and diversity in the North East. Although the Centre supports a diverse range of communities generally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a...
Summer Activities
Our summer activities Beginning Monday 26th July Do you want to enjoy some activities in your area? All ages are welcome and free to everyone... Places are limited so please book in advance.
Enterprise for All
Enterprise for all Explore opportunities to set up a business and become your own boss... We offer a range of services aiming to support local people: Information, Advice and Guidance to consider your options One-to-one support to work with individuals to identify...