Our team

DIRECTOR

With over 15 years in nursing, Huda offers a depth of healthcare expertise. Educated to MSc level in Emergency Nursing Practice and holding a BSc in Adult Nursing, along with Specialist Renal Studies training from UWE, she is qualified to deliver informed, safe care. During the pandemic, Huda positively impacted Covid-19 vaccine uptake in communities through her role as a vaccine coach. Her early work in this area demonstrated the importance of culturally competent, grassroots strategies in addressing health disparities.

DIRECTOR

Asha holds an MSc in Social Work from Bristol University, and her professional background spans social work in hospital settings, sensory impairment, and adult social care. She is also a qualified teacher with a PGCE from UWE and holds a BA in Business Management from Westminster University.

Asha's management experience informs her leadership at Caafi Health, bringing in vital experience and skills to position the organisation as a leading organisation tackling health inequalities in the area.

OPERATIONS CONSULTANT

Phil brings a rich 36-year career in engineering and management to his current role. A qualified engineer, he joined IBM in 1984 and has held diverse positions across the UK and Europe, specialising in Project Management, Operations, and Client Management. Phil's expertise lies in his client-facing roles and his adept management of both technical and operational teams. Upon early retirement, Phil dedicated his time to voluntary work at Caafi Health clinics, before formally joining their team.

BUSINESS MANAGER

FINANCE OFFICER

RESEARCH & ENGAGMENT COORDINATOR

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VOLUNTEER MANAGER

Aaruni Suresh carries dual roles within Caafi Health as both the Research & Engagement Coordinator and Volunteer Manager for the Caafi Health-Macmillan Cancer Champions Project. With an educational background in Public Health and Biostatistics, Aaruni brings over a decade of experience as a biostatistician in medical research. In her role as Research Coordinator, she collaborates with health ambassadors and researchers to boost participation in research studies. Aaruni is also deeply passionate about increasing cancer awareness and promoting cancer screening, particularly among minority communities. Her primary focus is on initiatives that enhance public health and reduce health inequalities, championing the inclusion of underserved communities in vital public health interventions.

CLINICAL SUPPORT WORKER

Huda gained her BSc in Children's Nursing in 2016 at Middlesex University London. She began her career in the NICU and later completed her specialist NICU training at St George's University London. Huda has also worked as a cardiac nurse, caring for patients in HDU and later served as a Disability Assessor for the DWP. She has gained extensive experience and is passionate about working with diverse communities.

As a Clinical Support Worker, she works closely with health professionals to advocate for Black and minority patients who are experiencing cancer symptoms or have received a diagnosis. Her role involves addressing patients' and their families' physical, emotional, and psychological needs. This includes managing symptoms, providing emotional support and helping patients navigate their cancer journey. She advocates for patients, ensuring they receive the right services and support. She aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of screening, particularly in underserved communities.

VOLUNTEER MANAGER

Trace joined Caafi Health earlier this year as Volunteer Manager for the Caafi Health Macmillan Cancer Champion Project, aligning with the mission to increase cancer screening uptake in communities and encourage open conversations about cancer. Although cancer has been prevalent for years, Trace has recently witnessed more community members being impacted. With a passion for empowering communities with the knowledge to care for their health and wellbeing, Trace is excited to organise and support events that promote cancer awareness and highlight the importance of screenings. The goal is to make a meaningful difference, whether cancer affects people directly or indirectly.

PROJECT MANAGER

Saliha Ahmed is an accomplished professional with a degree in Biochemistry, passionately dedicated to community well-being and health equity. Currently serving as a Cancer Health Inequality Manager, she has led groundbreaking initiatives, including Bristol's first Citizens' Assembly and served as Participatory Democracy Lead for Bristol City Council’s Deputy Mayor’s Office. With expertise in asset-based community development, she has a remarkable ability to mobilize and empower communities.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Saliha is deeply committed to advocacy and support for vulnerable groups. She Chairs a BME women’s group and is a trustee of a charity supporting Black children with SEND. Her proactive stance on issues such as FGM led her to establish a charity focused on supporting girls affected by the practice. Furthermore, she has successfully managed a £2.1 million Ageing Well portfolio. In her free time, Saliha enjoys cycling and has a passion for coaching and empowering women's voices.

CLINICAL ENGAGEMENT PRACTITIONER

Mudan holds a BSc in Physiological Sciences from the University of Bristol, where she received the Bristol PLUS Award, and an MSc in Physician Associate Studies from UWE Bristol. Her experience in primary and secondary care, volunteering with Caafi Health and involvement in social prescribing have shaped her commitment to reducing health inequalities. Her MSc dissertation awarded a Distinction, critically appraised NICE guidelines, and her contribution to clinical audits strengthened her interest in health improvement.

As a Clinical Engagement Practitioner at Caafi Health, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, Mudan is passionate about reducing cancer inequalities across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. She works with communities and healthcare professionals to support people in understanding their diagnosis, navigating cancer pathways and accessing appropriate support. She aims to build trust, amplify community voices and use lived experiences to inform training and improve cancer services.

PROJECT LEAD (Cancer Awareness Weston-Super-Mare)

Akhilesh is a Registered Nurse with over 26 years of experience working across acute and community healthcare settings. He currently serves as a Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department at Weston General Hospital, where he is dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Alongside his nursing career, Akhilesh is a passionate advocate for cancer prevention and public health awareness. He works as an HPV Ambassador and leads cancer awareness initiatives in Weston-super-Mare, helping to improve understanding of cancer prevention, early detection, and screening within local communities.

Akhilesh is also the Founder and Coordinator of the Federation of Young Indians in Weston-super-Mare, bringing together community members through cultural, social, and health-focused activities. His commitment to healthcare and community engagement reflects his dedication to improving health outcomes and supporting diverse communities.

DATA ANALYST

Kevan is a Data Analyst at Caafi Health, holding an MSc in Data Science from the University of the West of England (UWE). He brings previous experience working with community and wellbeing datasets, supporting his understanding of how data can inform services and community support. Through leading Caafi Health’s DAFNEA project, he focuses on improving data quality and preparing community clinic information for secure research use through the South West Secure Data Environment. His work aims to turn insights from community health services into evidence that helps address health inequalities and better reflects the needs of underserved communities.

CARE COORDINATOR

Maimuna is a dedicated health and social care professional with 11 years of experience in the sector. She has been working as a Care Coordinator for the past three months, alongside her supervisory responsibilities.

Throughout her career, Maimuna has developed a strong passion for supporting people, promoting person-centred care, and ensuring that individuals receive safe, compassionate, and high-quality support. Her experience has enabled her to develop strong communication, organisational, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Maimuna is committed to coordinating care effectively, supporting care staff, maintaining professional standards, and promoting the dignity, independence, and wellbeing of the people in her care. She is passionate about continuous learning and professional development and is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of the individuals she supports.

CARE COORDINATOR

CARE COORDINATOR