Dania Hanif

Dania joined The Association in April 2016 as Policy and Communications Officer and has since developed into the Director role. Dania leads on, and is responsible for, the organisation's policy and communications projects, as well as managing our various Programmes, and supporting our member and community engagement.

Dania specialises in health and racial inequalities, social justice, and in driving forward change in policy and practice. With over 10 years experience in community engagement and supporting grassroots organisations, Dania has developed a unique approach to supporting members which aids them in navigating complex health and care strategy.

In recent years, Dania has spearheaded the ground breaking Mental Health Sustainability Programme which brings together a number of charities from across the spectrum with private sector companies. The Programme responds to the challenges faced by VCSE providers as a result of the pandemic. Dania has created the framework and implemented the Programme to realise this significant ambition.

In the summer of 2020, Dania also founded a sector-wide BME Network which brings together colleagues from minoritised communities in VCSE organisations working in the mental health sphere. Most recently, Dania was invited to join the NHS Race and Health Observatory Mental Health Working Group, aiming to address mental health disparities in racialised communities.

Dania read History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and has held roles across public, private, and voluntary and community sectors. Dania has retained a special interest in the experiences of international communities and is the Chair for Remembering Srebrenica's London and Southeast regional board.