Meet the Team
The dedicated team that makes things happen with love and care.
Juma Begum
Projects Coordinator & Centre Manager
Born and raised in Birmingham, Juma Begum has over 30 years of experience in the third sector, championing equality, women’s rights, and community empowerment. She began her career as a volunteer before joining the NHS as a Health Promotion Officer and later the Birmingham Asian Resource Centre, where she has served in multiple roles and now leads as Centre Manager.
Since moving to Redditch in 2019, Juma has continued her community involvement, being elected councillor in 2022 and Mayor in 2024. Throughout her career, she has worked with vulnerable communities to ensure access to dignified, culturally sensitive, and empowering support.
Her passion lies in ensuring everyone—regardless of background—has the opportunity to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Fateha Hoque
Welfare Benefits & Debt Advisor
Fateha Hoque began her career as an Administrator and Benefits Advisor before spending over 18 years in the corporate banking sector. While her corporate role gave her strong professional expertise, her passion for supporting vulnerable communities—first inspired by her time at St. James Advice Centre—remained a constant focus.
In November 2023, Fateha joined Birmingham Asian Resource Centre as a Sessional Welfare Benefits and Debt Advisor, later stepping into a permanent role. She now works closely with vulnerable individuals, elderly residents, and hidden carers, providing confidential and culturally sensitive advice on welfare and debt matters, while also contributing to the Centre’s health and wellbeing initiatives.
Fluent in English and Bengali, with additional communication skills in Hindi, Fateha is committed to breaking down barriers and building trust with diverse communities. Through her work at BARC, she combines her skills and lived experience to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Reshma Rahman
Health & Wellbeing Advisor
Reshma Rahman began her career in the education sector, teaching young children for five years before deciding to return to education herself. She graduated with a degree in Healthcare Management, motivated by a desire to give back to the community and support both older generations and families in need.
Her voluntary work with a charity organisation inspired her to join Birmingham Asian Resource Centre (BARC), where she has been a Health & Wellbeing Advisor for the past two years. In this role, Reshma works closely with the BME community—supporting older adults, carers (including hidden carers), women, and families.
She designs and delivers inclusive programmes that promote both physical and mental wellbeing, including yoga, chair-based fitness, cycling, art therapy, talking sessions, and cultural outings. Her work focuses on reducing isolation, raising awareness of preventable health conditions, and empowering individuals to live healthier, more connected lives.
Trustees:
Haroon Majid
Chair of the Board
Haroon Majid first joined BARC in 1999 as an Appeals Officer after completing his Law degree, where he helped shape the Legal Services Commissioned Project, successfully delivered for over a decade. In 2004, he qualified as a solicitor and later established his own law firm, alongside other business ventures.
Haroon returned to BARC as a Trustee in 2018 and, in August 2024, was elected Chair of the Board. With both legal and business expertise, he is committed to ensuring the Centre continues to thrive—listening to the community and leading with integrity, professionalism, and a deep belief in social justice.
Sobur Khan
Trustee
Sobur Khan joined BARC in 2005 as a Welfare Benefits Advisor, a role he held for 10 years before becoming a civil servant. He has been a Trustee since 2017 and also serves as a Trustee of Nowka Bais, a national charity promoting cultural heritage through sport.
Having migrated to the UK as a child, Sobur understands first-hand the challenges faced by many in the community. His work has always centred on grassroots service, ensuring vulnerable people have access to support, opportunities, and belonging.
Nighet Nisa
Trustee
Nighet Nisa is a solicitor with over 20 years of experience in immigration law. She began her career at BARC in 2002 as an Immigration Caseworker, supporting asylum seekers and refugees at a time when few services were available. She went on to build a successful legal practice while maintaining strong ties to the Centre.
Returning as a Trustee, Nighet brings her professional expertise and gratitude to the organisation that shaped her early career. She is committed to supporting BARC’s mission of empowering vulnerable communities across Birmingham.
Muhammad Idrish
Trustee
Muhammad Idrish’s journey with BARC spans four decades. Having arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker in the 1970s, he faced deportation until a community campaign led by BARC helped secure his right to remain. Inspired, he dedicated his career to social justice.
Idrish worked as a social worker and later returned to BARC, eventually becoming Centre Manager. He led projects tackling racism in healthcare, policing, and public institutions, while securing vital funding for community services. Retired since 2013, he continues to serve as a Trustee, bringing invaluable knowledge and lifelong commitment to the Centre’s mission.