About us

Equality Action is a registered charity set up in 1969 to help individuals and groups of people from all backgrounds who may be disadvantaged and facing barriers to access services and support. Our services are designed to achieve community cohesion, integration, and work towards empowering disadvantaged communities. They range from offering expert advice and help accessing support for debt, welfare benefits, housing as well as immigration and more. We also run several funded projects to help improve health and wellbeing; promote diversity, equality, social interaction, as well as opportunities to learn new life skills and encourage inclusion across different communities.  

Vision

Working towards empowering all our underserved communities.

Mission

To provide holistic support to help improve the lives of those who need it the most.

Values

We are committed, passionate and inclusive in everything we do.

Meet Our Team

Meet the people behind Equality Action.

Varsha Parmar

Varsha Parmar

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Frost

Matthew Frost

Financial Officer

Mina Galliara

Mina Galliara

Administrative Assistant

Mehraj Alamgir

Mehraj Alamgir

NHS Talking Therapies Project Officer

Chayara Chowdhury

Chayara Chowdhury

NHS Talking Therapies Project Officer + Caseworker

Zeenat Sattar

Zeenat Sattar

NHS Talking Therapies Project Officer

Minara Rahman

Minara Rahman

EmpowHer Project Officer

Kazi Mashud

Kazi Mashud

Caseworker

Amina Wadud

Amina Wadud

Caseworker

Antoaneta Blagoeva

Antoaneta Blagoeva

Marketing & Communications Officer

Mazim Rahman

Mazim Rahman

Project Administrator

Yasmin Ali

Yasmin Ali

Chair

Yasmin studied LLB Law at University and has worked in the financial industry; specialising in sales, marketing and organisational growth. She grew up in Loughborough and after moving away for a number of years, moved back to Leicestershire in 2014. Yasmin has volunteered her time to charities in Loughborough, Leicester and Bangladesh since she was a teenager and this is something she has a great passion for. She became a Trustee for Equality Action so she could support an organisation who have helped some of the most needy individuals and families in Charnwood.

Geetha Bala

Geetha Bala

Vice Chair

Geetha has over 25 years of experience as an Organisation Development and Change Management Consultant and has delivered programmes for Organisations in the UK and abroad. She has a background in Nutrition and Health Management having gained a PhD from Ohio State University, USA. Working with multi-national and multi-cultural organisations, equality, diversity and inclusion issues have been high on the agenda and it is that experience that Geetha brings to Equality Action. Geetha is also a Non-Executive Director of Lantern Health CIC in the London Borough of Newham and Trustee of Charnwood u3a.

Rachel Thorpe

Rachel Thorpe

Treasurer

Rachel came to Loughborough University in 1989 to study English Literature and stayed after graduating. She worked in finance for several years, for organisations including Leicester Housing Association and David Wilson Homes. After starting a family, she transitioned into childcare while continuing to work in accounting. Over the years she has experience in accounting for various charities, including an overseas aid charity, Churches, playgroup and a counselling charity.

Dilshad Choudhury

Dilshad Choudhury

Trustee

Dil is a dedicated resident of Loughborough with a deep passion for community engagement. With over 13 years of trustee experience, he has contributed to various local organisations, including the Loughborough Mosque & Islamic Cultural Association and the Bangladesh Social Association, as well as several other community initiatives. Professionally, Dil has over 30 years of national and international experience in key senior leadership roles, specialising in Quality Management, EMEA Graduate Scheme Management, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. In addition to his professional and community work, Dil is the founder and head coach of Loughborough Muay Thai, where he plays an active role in connecting with local youth and promoting health, fitness, and overall wellbeing. “The Service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” ― Muhammad Ali

Abida Akram

Abida Akram

Trustee

Abida Akram is a retired Equality, Diversity & Inclusion specialist as well as a qualified Human Resources practitioner with over 34 years of experience of working strategically as well as delivering Equality Act training in the community (including charity and voluntary organisations), local government and higher education sectors. She supports EA and the Board of Trustees on equality and personnel issues

Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Trustee

Gained over 20 years experience involved in either directly delivering, or overseeing delivery of public sector projects and funding. This has included European Union funded social regeneration projects in Oxford, community involvement partnerships with Thames Valley Police, and more recently Home Office funded statutory services in Leicester. During this time my employment has been within urban regeneration hubs, inter faith charities, and a selection of Local Authorities. An outdoor enthusiast who loves nothing better than a woodland walk or a mountain bike ride across the local trails!

Osas Adetutu

Osas Adetutu

Trustee

Osas Adetutu is a communicator, connector and changemaker with a passion for mental health, human rights and community empowerment. A Communications and Community Engagement expert, she creates inclusive spaces that challenge stigma and spark honest dialogue. An accomplished author, she blends creativity with advocacy to inspire clarity, courage and connection. Osas joined Equality Action to help strengthen community wellbeing through kindness, inclusion and purposeful engagement.

Joanne Gunn-Allen

Joanne Gunn-Allen

Trustee

Joanne Gunn-Allen is a Project Management Professional and Chartered Manager with extensive experience across the corporate, charity and public sectors. She currently works as an Operations Manager at a global membership body and has volunteered locally for more than 25 years. Passionate about inclusion and social responsibility, Joanne joined Equality Action’s Board to help strengthen its impact and support the charity’s mission to improve lives.

Nurain Nur

Nurain Nur

Co-opted Trustee

Nurain Nur has over 20 years of customer service experience and currently works for the borough council. A mum of three and proud grandmother of three, she has been deeply involved in community projects including the Syrian Resettlement Scheme, Visit My Mosque, Community Iftars and Hot Food Sundays. She has also supported women fleeing abuse, providing guidance and linking them with vital services. Having admired Equality Action’s work since moving to Loughborough over a decade ago, Nurain was inspired to join the Board to help make a positive difference in the community.

Salma Salik

Salma Salik

Co-opted Trustee

Salma Salik has worked in the education sector for over 20 years, helping children reach their potential and supporting families from marginalised backgrounds. A mum of three, she brings compassion and community insight to her role. Encouraged by her sister-in-law to get involved, Salma joined Equality Action to contribute to meaningful change and support the team’s work in promoting inclusion and equality.

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