Story
Toucan Diversity Training CIC was founded in 2013 by the late Madissa Asgari, BA (Hons), MA, a disabled woman with a diverse ethnic background who faced significant disability discrimination in the job market. Determined to create opportunities not only for herself but also for other disabled people, Madissa established Toucan Diversity Training CIC to face these challenges head-on.
Toucan Diversity is committed to delivering disability equality training and is proudly led by our team of disabled people. We are a CPD-accredited training provider based in Portsmouth, dedicated to promoting the social inclusion of disabled people, by disable people, one training session at a time.
If you want to find out more about the work we do please check out our website and get involved.
We are so grateful for the amazing support from the staff at BH Live, including their Director of Leisure & Business Development, Rob Cunningham and some other amazing community spirited people.
Meet our Team of Runners:
Meet Amber
I am volunteering for Toucan Diversity and the reason I have chosen to walk 5 kilometres, to raise money for Toucan Diversity, is because, I would like to challenge myself to be able to walk that distance and to increase my stamina.
I would also like to do this in order to raise awarenessthat, although, people have disabilities, whether they arehidden or visible, we are capable of achieving goals andchallenges sometimes we may require these to be tailored toour specific needs but we are capable of so much.
Meet Beth
‘I am running the Great South Run for Toucan Diversity CIC because I have been volunteering with them since 2021 and have seen first-hand the difference they make to people's lives.
For years, I have wanted to take part in this event for Toucan, but I never felt fit enough to do it. Now that I can, I'm proud to be running to raise awareness of this incredible CIC and the vital work they do to promote inclusion and equality for disabled people. I'm hoping to raise funds to support a cause that has a real and lasting impact on real people, helping Toucan continue to create positive change.’
Meet Jemma
I am taking part in the Great South Run to support Toucan Diversity CIC because I have seen first-hand the incredible impact their work has on people's lives. Through a colleague, I learned more about Toucan's mission, and over the past three years I have attended some of their training sessions.
Their training has helped increase understanding, challenge barriers, and promote inclusion for disabled people.
I want to support their mission to create a more equal and inclusive society, and raising funds through the Great South Run is my way of giving something back to a cause I truly believe in.
Meet - Rob Cunningham
Meet - Rob Cunningham
I’ve spent over 20 years on the rugby pitch and I’m still a keen exerciser and regular gym goer. I am the Leisure & Business Development Director for BH Live, Portsmouth City Council’s leisure operator, where I see first-hand the importance of creating accessible, welcoming spaces for everyone in our community.
This year, I’m proud to be running the Great South Run in support of Toucan Diversity – an award-winning, disabled people-led social enterprise based right here in Portsmouth. Toucan’s training is designed and delivered by accredited disabled trainers, who use their lived experience to raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and help organisations better understand disability.
By running for Toucan, I want to help shine a light on the value disabled people bring as customers, employees, and community members – and support Toucan in breaking down barriers to equality.”
Meet Emma
I’m running the Great South Run for Toucan Diversity because I wanted to take on a personal challenge that could also help make a difference to something I truly believe in - creating a world where everyone feels included, valued and able to be themselves.
Toucan’s work to promote social inclusion for disabled people, challenge stereotypes and break down barriers really resonates with me. I’m proud to be part of #TeamToucan and to turn every mile into something meaningful.
10 miles will definitely be a challenge, but knowing I’m running for inclusion makes every step worth it.
Meet Robert the Portsmouth Runner
Robert has been running for 45 years, and is a member of 2 Running Clubs Baffins Fitclub & Southsea Striders.
He has run 17 Marathons & Many 100s of other distances, this will be my 20th Great South Run, 16 times of the 10-mile events.
He is a keen volunteer at the Water Station at the 3-mile Mark on Sunday for the GSR 10-mile event. During the past 45 years, he has raised over £30,000 for different Charities.
It will be my pleasure to run for Toucan Diversity. It inspires me to Run for this fantastic not-for-profit organisation. Any donations will be much appreciated. Thank you Robert the Runner 🏃♂️🏃🏿♀️
Toucan Diversity is ....
