21 July 2026
The University's Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion is one of the partners working with Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre (SBIC) which has received the funding
Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre (SBIC) with partners, including the University of Sunderland's Institute for Social and Economic Inclusion
Work to improve the health of ethnic minorities across Tyne and Wear, supported by the University of Sunderland, has received a £3.5 million boost from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre (SBIC) has been given the money to administer across the region and over the next five years, trustees will use it to improve the health outcomes of Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities across Tyne and Wear.
It will address the structural, cultural, linguistic and trust barriers that drive unequal health outcomes, and build a long‑term, culturally grounded model of prevention, navigation, advocacy, digital inclusion and system change.
Research has shown that Black, Asian and minority communities have significantly poorer health outcomes in a variety of areas. South Asian groups have the highest mortality from heart disease and develop heart disease at a younger age. The risk of developing diabetes is up to six times higher in South Asian groups than in white groups.
Black groups have higher-than-average mortality from hypertension and stroke, and they have strokes at a younger age. Meanwhile, screening rates for breast and cervical cancer are lower among women from ethnic minority groups,
Additionally, Asian and Black women with breast cancer and Black men with prostate cancer have poorer survival rates than their British white counterparts.
The National Lottery Community Fund investment has been awarded to the SBIC to increase health equity and reduce disparities stemming from racism, poverty, language barriers, and mistrust. The project trains health researchers to improve access to the NHS, GP registration, and culturally sensitive support.
Through community research and lived experience, it seeks to influence NHS commissioning and develop a scalable, culturally workable healthcare model nationwide.
The five-year, Black and Muslim-led programme will tackle the deep-rooted structural barriers that continue to shape health outcomes for communities across Tyne and Wear.
The University and Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland (VCAS) will also be involved in providing research, evaluation, and management support.
Dr Robin Finlay from the University’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate on this vital initiative”
"Together, we have a genuine opportunity to dismantle the health inequalities that Black and Muslim communities have faced for too long, creating a healthier, more equitable region for everyone."
SBIC Vice Chair, Syed Shoyjhad Miah, said: "This investment acknowledges a fundamental truth: health inequalities cannot be reduced without tackling racism, exclusion and cultural barriers.
"By strengthening trusted Black and Muslim-led organisations, we can help reshape services to be more equitable, responsive and effective.
"Rooted in community power and lived experience, the programme will ‘turn the telescope around’ by placing Black and Muslim communities at the centre of diagnosis, co‑design and delivery."
Mark Heskett-Saddington of SBIC says the money will be ‘literally, life-changing’ for those who might benefit from improving minority communities access to and awareness of NHS services.
And he believes that a grassroots approach supporting people on the ground, which the funding will deliver, will be much more effective in tackling challenges than a top-down approach
“Communities most affected by inequality are often closest to solutions,” Mark said.
"The £3.5 million investment highlights SBIC’s expertise and impact in addressing inequalities.
"Over five years, community efforts have proven that grassroots solutions can create real change and this funding offers a rare chance to develop a fairer, more inclusive health system in Tyne and Wear."
The project will contribute to the NHS “Fit for the Future” plan and the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, acting as an example for national learning. This investment forms part of The National Lottery Community Fund’s wider ambition to support communities to live happier and healthier lives and reflects its commitment to tackling health inequities through collective action and partnership.
The landmark award recognises the depth of lived experience, community leadership, and expertise within SBIC and its partners, who collectively supported 19,750 people from racial minority backgrounds last year.
