Diversity Bridge (SCIO)

?? The March #ACVONews is out now! Read the full newsletter online?? https://lnkd.in/gigBMPTd Discover all the latest charity, community and wider third sector news from #Aberdeen… ?? Take a look at Great Western Community Centre, a former church now thriving as a central hub for the local and wider community ?? Read words from Cameron McCready, Chief Executive at Home-Start Aberdeen and the recent addition to ACVO’s Board of Directors ?? Become a Volunteer Charter Champion and promote best practices for volunteering in Aberdeen and across Scotland! Read these stories and much more in this month's newsletter?? https://lnkd.in/gigBMPTd #ACVO #ACVOopportunities #AberdeenCity #AberdeenNews #ThirdSectorNews #VolunteerAberdeen #AberdeenFunding #AberdeenEvents #AberdeenVacancies #AberdeenJobs

At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), we believe that everyone deserves a fair chance—especially those who face barriers to accessing opportunities. That’s why we were delighted to support Kayra in securing a week-long placement with TechForce Cyber. Kayra was eager to gain work experience and explore new career possibilities but, like many others, found it challenging to access the right opportunities. Through our network, we connected her with the incredible team at TechForce Cyber, who welcomed her, provided valuable insights, and offered a meaningful placement experience to help her grow. ? Why does this matter? Because access to professional environments—no matter how brief—can spark confidence, open doors, and set people on a path to success. When organisations step up to mentor, guide, and provide hands-on experience, they create a more inclusive and supportive workforce for the future. ?? Join Us in Making a Difference! If your organisation is open to offering placements, shadowing opportunities, or mentoring, we’d love to connect. There are many individuals like Kayra who just need one opportunity to learn, develop, and thrive. ?? A heartfelt THANK YOU to TechForce Cyber and its inspiring founder, Jaipal Reddy Aenugu CISSP, for leading by example and making space for talent to flourish. Your generosity and commitment to inclusion are truly commendable! ?? Let’s work together to create more opportunities! Get in touch with us today. #DiversityBridgeSCIO #EqualOpportunities #CreatingOpportunities #MentorshipMatters #InclusiveWorkplaces #FutureTalent #TechforceCyber #JaiAenugu #BreakingBarriers Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH Namrita Don Adebayo Winsala Liubov Taranenko Julia Wilk Amelia Klein Scottish Children's Lottery Scottish Children's Lottery Trust ACVO TSI Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce CHARLES O'MARTINS Ebere OMartins Pete Preston Ifesineke Uzoh C.Eng FIMMM Stephanie Okoye, B-Eng, MSc, CEng, AMPP, MICorr. Stephen Nnaka Chukwudumebi Umensofor

?? We Did It! Diversity Bridge (SCIO) Wins Inspirational Charitable Organisation of the Year! ??? We are beyond thrilled to announce that Diversity Bridge (SCIO) has been crowned Inspirational Charitable Organisation of the Year at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards 2025, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre - EICC! ?? This special category was sponsored by Universal Truth CIC ?? Our Founder & Bridgebuilder, Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH, proudly attended the event, representing our mission and the incredible work we’ve accomplished in such a short time. Since our registration in April 2024, we have worked tirelessly to build bridges, empower communities, and provide vital mental health and wellbeing support to ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers, and members of the wider local community. Winning in such a highly competitive category is a true testament to the impact we are making! ?? A huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers, supporters, and community members—you are the heartbeat of this charity! This award belongs to ALL of us. Together, we are creating a future where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered. ?? We’re just getting started! Let’s continue breaking barriers and making a difference. ???? ?? Huge kudos to Dawn Evans and the incredible team for organising such a fantastic event! Your dedication to celebrating and uplifting those making a difference in mental health and wellbeing is truly inspiring. ??? Thanks a lot also to Kevin Stewart who put in a motion at the The Scottish Parliament congratulating us for being a finalist. Little did we know that something bigger was waiting us. #DiversityBridgeSCIO #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityImpact #BreakingBarriers #WellbeingForAll #InspirationAward #TogetherWeThrive Simon Weston CBE Colin Maclachlan Helen Davies Bobbie Allen Nyla Khan FRSA Namrita Don Adebayo Winsala Liubov Taranenko Martyna Lesniak Jaipal Reddy Aenugu CISSP Pete Preston THE AJUDA FOUNDATION The Mental Health & Wellbeing Show Ifesineke Uzoh C.Eng FIMMM Stephen Nnaka Stephanie Okoye, B-Eng, MSc, CEng, AMPP, MICorr.

Meet David —a young man with ambition, potential, and a powerful voice. He recently signed up for the Diversity Bridge (SCIO) Youth Leadership Programme, taking a bold step toward unlocking his leadership potential. But this isn’t his first time stepping up—last December, at the Shared Stories, Shared Spaces event, he captivated the audience with a moving poem, using his words to inspire and connect. At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), we believe leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about confidence, vision, and the ability to inspire change. That’s why we’re launching our pilot Youth Leadership Programme for young people aged 15-25! Starting 8th March 2025, this game-changing initiative will equip young leaders with: ? Leadership skills to navigate the real world ? Public speaking confidence to amplify their voices ? Essential digital skills to thrive in a tech-driven world ? Unshakable self-confidence to tackle any challenge head-on But this isn’t just another leadership program—it’s an opportunity to step up, be heard, and make an impact! Through engaging workshops, e-learning sessions, and a hands-on community project, participants will leave not just inspired, but empowered. ? Time is running out! With limited spots available, NOW is the time to invest in yourself, your future, and your ability to lead. ?? Will you be one of the next generation’s changemakers? ?? Register your interest today! https://lnkd.in/epxSAzGN #FutureLeaders #YouthLeadership #DiversityBridge #LeadershipMatters #Confidence #Empowerment #NextGen Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH Stephanie Okoye, B-Eng, MSc, CEng, AMPP, MICorr. Ifesineke Uzoh C.Eng FIMMM Stephen Nnaka Kechi Obi Namrita Don Adebayo Winsala Liubov Taranenko Scottish Children's Lottery Trust Pete Preston Jaipal Reddy Aenugu CISSP Scottish Children's Lottery

?? Exciting News from Diversity Bridge (SCIO)! ?? We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve received funding from the Scottish Children's Lottery Trust to launch our pilot Youth Leadership Programme for young people aged 16-25! This empowering initiative is designed to help participants: ?? Develop leadership skills ?? Boost public speaking confidence ?? Learn essential digital skills ?? Build self-confidence to tackle any challenge! The programme includes dynamic workshops, e-learning opportunities, and a hands-on community project that will leave a lasting impact. ?? Ready to take the first step in becoming a confident, capable leader? Register your interest today! ?? https://lnkd.in/epxSAzGN Let’s shape the leaders of tomorrow—together! ?? #YouthLeadership #Empowerment #DiversityBridge #LeadershipDevelopment #ScottishChildrensLottery #CommunityImpact Scottish Children's Lottery

Real kindness is giving without expectations. ????????

At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), we believe in building bridges and connecting communities. Our Bridgebuilder Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH recently attended the prestigious Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust Burns Supper event, held in aid of Breakthrough T1D UK, a charity dedicated to funding life-saving research for type 1 diabetes. The evening was filled with warmth, culture, and celebration. From the rousing tunes of the Grampian Police Pipe Band to the angelic voices of the University of Aberdeen Chapel Choir, every moment was memorable. Guests, including the gracious Lord and Lady Provost, Eileen and Craig Pike, came together in the spirit of charity and community. What made the evening truly special was the presence of leaders from various ethnic minority charities who share our passion for making a difference: ?? Martina Chukwuma-Ezike MBA FRSA from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation ?? Timi Adegunwa from Black and Scot ?? Jane Akadiri FCCA MBA from Touch of Love Outreach ?? Nkem Nwobi from Pillar of Hope POH ?? Godson J Obi from North East Black Ethnic Minorities (NEBEM - UK) In the spirit of Robert Burns, whose legacy the night celebrated, we reflect on these timeless lines: "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!" Yet, through collaboration, resilience, and compassion, we find joy in community and hope in every effort to uplift others. ?? What steps can we take as a community to support one another better and drive change for good? #BurnsSupper #CommunityMatters #CharityWithPurpose #DiversityBridge #BuildingBridges #RobertBurns #MakingADifference Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron Karen Addington Jaipal Reddy Aenugu CISSP Namrita Don Adebayo Winsala Garry Watson

?? Building Bridges Through Connectivity At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), we believe that true inclusion begins with connection. This week, our Bridge Builders, Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH and Adebayo Winsala, were at the Sure Hotel by Best Western, where they distributed SIM cards to around 30 refugees, empowering them to stay connected with their loved ones, access vital services, and rebuild their lives with dignity. This impactful session was made possible through the incredible support of Louise Greig, Partnership Manager at Mears Group PLC. Thank you, Louise, for facilitating access and believing in the power of inclusion. ?? A Simple Question: Have you ever stopped to think about how much we rely on being connected—whether it's for job applications, education, or simply hearing a loved one’s voice?? Now imagine facing life's challenges without that lifeline. That’s what drives this project. ?? Do You or Someone You Know Need Support?? Our Digital Inclusion Project is open to anyone in need, not just refugees. If you or someone you know could benefit from a SIM card to stay connected, we’re here to help. ?? Get in Touch: Email us at [email protected] or send us a message to learn more. Let's keep building bridges together! #DigitalInclusion #CommunityMatters #DiversityBridgeSCIO Jaipal Reddy Aenugu CISSP Namrita Don Santosh Kumar Kalivarapu Amol Deshmukh Pete Preston Liubov Taranenko Good Things Foundation

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What’s something you’d tell someone who has never volunteered before? We asked this question to an amazing woman, and her thoughtful answer left us thinking: The world is like a cycle—what we give comes back to us. What would you say to someone who hasn’t volunteered yet? Share your thoughts in the comments! ?? #DiversityBridge #Diversity #Equality #Volunteering #MakeADifference