Diversity Bridge SCIO

🌍🥁 Rhythms of Courage – Stories, Strength & Community 🥁🌍

As part of Refugee Week 2026, Diversity Bridge SCIO was proud to bring together over 170 people for an inspiring and uplifting celebration of this year's theme: Courage.

Courage is often seen in extraordinary moments, but throughout the event we were reminded that courage is also found in everyday acts—the courage to leave everything familiar behind, to rebuild a life in a new country, to learn a new language, to make new connections, and to continue moving forward despite uncertainty.

Through powerful storytelling, vibrant African drumming, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences, participants explored what courage means to them and discovered the common threads that connect us all as human beings.

The rhythm of the drums reminded us that while our journeys may be different, our hopes, dreams, and aspirations are often the same. Every story shared helped build greater understanding, empathy, and belonging within our community.

At Diversity Bridge SCIO, we believe that communities become stronger when people feel seen, heard, and valued. Events like these create opportunities to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and build bridges between people from all backgrounds.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, shared their story, participated in the discussions, and helped make the event such a success.

Together, we celebrated courage. Together, we strengthened community. Together, we built bridges.

Special thanks to The Trades Widows' Fund Charity Kira Africa Corra Foundation your support made the event memorable ❤️

Thanks also to Elly Ray for volunteering her time to capture the essence of the event. These pictures would not be possible without her support ❤️



Scottish Refugee Council

🔑 A New Chapter Begins for Diversity Bridge SCIO 🔑

Recently we officially received the keys to what will become the new home of Diversity Bridge SCIO.

For a charity that started with a vision to create opportunities, tackle isolation, empower communities, and ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, having a space to call our own is a proud and emotional moment.

As we continue our call for support to help transform the premises into a welcoming community hub, we were delighted to welcome Mennie Electrical Services to the premises. A special thank you to Josh Mennie, who came along to see how his team could support us on this exciting journey.

This is exactly what community is about—people and businesses coming together to create something bigger than themselves.

There is still plenty to do, and we would love to hear from individuals, businesses, tradespeople, creatives, and organisations who would like to support us in creating a vibrant space that reflects the diversity, talent, and spirit of Aberdeen.

Together, we are not just renovating a building—we are creating a place of belonging, opportunity, and hope.

Watch this space. The journey is only just beginning.

Does Aberdeen belong to everyone who calls it home?

It is a question we have been asking through our campaign project, and recent events in Glasgow make that question more important than ever.

No one in Scotland should live in fear because of the colour of their skin, their ethnicity, their nationality, their faith, or their background.

The scenes of disorder, hatred, and racist abuse witnessed recently are not reflective of the Scotland that so many of us know and love.

They are the opposite of the values that have helped communities across our country grow stronger together.

At Diversity Bridge (SCIO), we see a different Scotland every day.

We see neighbours helping neighbours.

We see people from different cultures building friendships.

We see communities choosing understanding over division.

We see young people creating a future that is more inclusive than the past.

Hate can be loud.

But community is stronger.

As we continue our work exploring identity, belonging, and inclusion, we remain committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe.

Because Aberdeen belongs to everyone who calls it home.

And Scotland should too.

💙 Sometimes a few words can stop you in your tracks.

Recently, as we began our journey in a space we can finally call our own, the incredibly talented creative artist Joyce Davies visited our new premises and presented us with a beautiful card.

The artwork was wonderful, but it was the words inside that truly struck a chord.

When you're building something from the ground up, there are moments when you question whether you're making a difference. Then someone takes the time to encourage you, support you, and remind you why the work matters.

Thank you, Joyce, for your kindness, creativity, and belief in what Diversity Bridge SCIO is trying to achieve.

As we continue transforming our new home into a space where people feel welcomed, valued, and connected, your thoughtful gesture will remain a reminder of the power of community.

🌍✨ Rhythms of Courage: Stories, Strength & Community ✨🌍

What does courage mean to you?

As part of Refugee Week 2026, join us for a powerful afternoon of storytelling, culture, connection, and community as we explore this year's theme: Courage.

Together, we'll celebrate the strength it takes to rebuild, adapt, and belong through:

🥁 African Drumming
🗣️ Inspiring Stories
🤝 Meaningful Conversations
🌍 Cultural Connection & Community
Building

This event will bring together people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds alongside members of Aberdeen's wider community in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where experiences can be shared and new connections formed.

▪️Monday 15 June 2026

▪️2:00pm

▪️St Margaret's of Scotland, Gallowgate,
Aberdeen, AB25 1EA

Booking is essential and spaces are limited.

Reserve your place today:

Book Here - https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1-Sh3UOvVRr6OS71LYvL5JA2ed4r9?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Let's come together to celebrate resilience, belonging, and the power of community.

On Sunday, Diversity Bridge SCIO was delighted to attend "Struggling with Overthinking? Discover the Power of Inner Peace", a special event led by internationally renowned spiritual teacher Sister Jayanti as part of her UK Tour 2026.

Representing Diversity Bridge were our Founder, Edward Obi , and one of our dedicated BridgeBuilders. What made the occasion even more special was that Edward had the privilege of serving as the interviewer for the event, engaging Sister Jayanti in a thought-provoking conversation on wellbeing, mindfulness, resilience, and the importance of finding peace in an increasingly busy world.

The session explored practical spiritual insights to help people:

✨ Develop emotional stability
✨ Cultivate inner clarity
✨ Reduce anxiety and mental clutter
✨ Experience the benefits of inner
silence and meditation

At Diversity Bridge SCIO, we recognise that building stronger communities starts with supporting the wellbeing of individuals. Events like this remind us of the importance of creating space for reflection, connection, and personal growth.

A huge thank you to Sister Jayanti and everyone involved in bringing such an inspiring event to Aberdeen.

On Wednesday night, we stood among the finalists at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.

Two years ago, we didn't exist.

Finalists for Equality & Diversity.

Our Founder, Edward Obi, shortlisted as one of only two finalists in the Inspirational Leader category.

For a charity that is just two years old, that's worth pausing on.

But the real story isn't what happened on Wednesday.

It's what has happened over the last two years.

The lives changed. The confidence built. The opportunities created. The barriers broken. The communities brought together.

A proud evening for Edward Obi, fellow Trustee Jaipal Reddy Aenugu, Pete Preston, and Sade Igweke, who represented Diversity Bridge SCIO on the night.

This journey has never been about awards.

It's about impact.

And we're only getting started.

📢 Edward will be sharing his personal reflections on the Inspirational Leader category on his LinkedIn profile on Monday.



YouthLink Scotland Young Scot MCR Pathways Institute of Directors Scottish Police Federation Perthshire Youth Work Partnership Public Health Scotland Sky BBC Children in Need

💡 Does Aberdeen Belong to Everyone? 💡

Yesterday, Diversity Bridge SCIO had the privilege of taking part in Diversity Day at Hillside Primary School, where our Founder, Edward Obi, was supported by one of our fantastic volunteers to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking session with pupils from P4–P7 and their teachers.

From an energetic clap-along drumming session to creating rhythms together, the room was filled with laughter, participation, and connection. But beyond the fun, there were powerful moments of reflection and learning.

Through activities such as:

🗣️ "Stand up if you speak another
language."
🤝 "Stand up if you've helped someone
recently."
🌍 "Stand up if you've ever felt different."

Pupils began to recognise both the things that make us unique and the things that bring us together.

The discussions that followed explored important questions:

▪️What makes someone part of a
community?
▪️How do we make people feel
welcome?
▪️What happens when people are
excluded?
▪️What can we do to ensure everyone
feels they belong?

The responses from the young people were inspiring. They demonstrated empathy, curiosity, kindness, and a genuine understanding that communities are strongest when everyone feels included.

These conversations connect directly with our ongoing campaign, "Does Aberdeen Belong to Everyone?" By engaging with young people, we are helping to build a future where diversity is celebrated, differences are valued, and everyone has a sense of belonging.

A huge thank you to the pupils, staff, and leadership team at Hillside Primary School for creating such a welcoming environment and for their commitment to promoting inclusion and understanding.

Sometimes the most powerful change begins with a simple question, a shared rhythm, or a moment that makes a young person stop and think:

💭 "How can I help someone feel they
belong?"

That is where stronger communities begin.



YouthLink Scotland ACVO and Volunteer Aberdeen

💚 Volunteers' Week 2026 💚

This week, Diversity Bridge SCIO proudly celebrates the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, skills, and compassion to make a difference in our communities.

From supporting community events and delivering projects, to helping welcome new Scots, tackling loneliness, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for others to thrive — our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

Every conversation.
Every act of kindness.
Every hour given.

It all helps to build stronger, more connected communities.

To every volunteer who has supported Diversity Bridge SCIO, thank you. Your contribution is helping create a city where everyone feels they belong.

🌟 Together, you have supported thousands of people through our community initiatives, wellbeing programmes, digital inclusion projects, employability support, and cultural activities. This Volunteers' Week, we celebrate you.

👏 Thank you for making a difference.
👏 Thank you for believing in
community.
👏 Thank you for helping build bridges,
one person at a time.





ACVO and Volunteer Aberdeen

Today, we proudly celebrate Africa Day — a day that honours the rich history, resilience, diversity, cultures, and achievements of the African continent and its people across the world. 🌍✨


Africa Day traces its roots back to 25 May 1963, when African leaders came together to establish the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union. The vision was clear: unity, liberation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a stronger future for Africa and its people.

Africa Day is more than a celebration of geography — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, innovation, creativity, resilience, and community. It reminds us of the importance of standing together, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for future generations.

At Diversity Bridge SCIO, these values strongly resonate with our mission. We exist to build bridges across cultures and communities, promote equality, diversity and inclusion, amplify underrepresented voices, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

As an organisation rooted in community cohesion and cultural understanding, we believe diversity is not something to fear — it is something to celebrate. Africa Day reminds us that our differences are strengths and that together we can build communities founded on respect, solidarity, and shared humanity.

Today, we celebrate the countless contributions of African communities locally, nationally, and globally — in business, healthcare, education, culture, leadership, technology, arts, and community development.

Happy Africa Day from all of us at Diversity Bridge SCIO. 🌍❤️💛💚

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek