Extraordinary community work recognised with honorary doctorate

Rosa Hui MBE DL, founder of the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society (CCWS), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.

She received her Honorary Doctor of Science on Wednesday 24 July in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of Chinese communities in the region and across the UK.

Rosa has worked within the Chinese community in Bristol for over 35 years, breaking down language and cultural barriers and closing the gap between statutory and voluntary service providers. 

She’s one of nine individuals to be awarded Honorary Degrees during UWE Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies, which are being held for the first time at Bristol Beacon, from 15 – 25 July.

In September 1988, four young Bristol women attending the Inaugural Meeting of the National Federation of Chinese Women in Birmingham, came up with the idea of establishing an organisation to support the needs of local Chinese women and their families. They approached Rosa for help. A year later, the Bristol Chinese Women’s Group (BCWG) was formed, which later grew to be the Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group (BACWG).

Over the years, the scope of BACWG changed: Rosa saw a wider need to break down language and cultural barriers to improve the health and wellbeing of all Chinese people. Following a name change in September 2021(to the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society) Rosa continued as its CEO, before her retirement in March 2024.

Rosa has been involved in a number of national health initiatives, where she represented the views of Black, Asian and racially minoritised communities as well as the wider community in the South West region.

However, it is Rosa’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia that has been especially highlighted for this award.

At a national level, Rosa was invited by Baroness Sally Greengross, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia after challenging the report on ‘Dementia Does Not Discriminate’ at its launch in the Houses of Parliament in 2013.

After consultation with various stakeholders, she initiated the production of the highly influential report on ‘The Dementia Experiences of People from Caribbean, Chinese and South Asian Communities in Bristol’ by working alongside Professor Richard Cheston, a specialist in dementia research at UWE Bristol, with the support from both Baroness Sally Greengross and Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath. The report was successfully launched on 20 February 2017 and has been influential in shaping dementia services locally. Rosa currently chairs the Bristol Chinese, Caribbean, South Asian and African (CCSAA/BAME) Dementia Working Group which monitors the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

Speaking about her honorary doctorate, Rosa said: "To be given such a prestigious award for something I enjoy doing and feel strongly for, I am humble beyond words. I pray to God to give me strength to continue bringing a smile to the unpaid carers and their loved ones living with dementia. I would like to dedicate the award to those who believe in me and work alongside with me making the goal achievable."

Away from health, she was one of three independent members that sat on the Police and Crime Panel for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, which scrutinises the actions, decisions and performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Rosa also served on the Age UK England – Black and Minority Ethnic Older People’s Forum as their Vice Chair and was involved in the design of the Big Lottery Fund – Fulfilling Lives: Ageing Better Programme.

In addition, Chinese student wellbeing became a concern for Rosa and CCSW when they were approached by a university seeking help regarding health and wellbeing issues amongst Chinese international students. Rosa has been working with the support of UWE Bristol’s Chief Financial Officer William Liew, to set up a steering group across four regional universities to design a project to support Chinese students during their studies in the UK.

"Exceptional and inspirational – two words often used to describe Rosa who has dedicated much of her life to ensuring others get the help and support they need,” said William.

"Her achievements are of outstanding significance and importance. She has never been afraid to shape, challenge and tackle the big issues, to take the initiative and pave the way. Her pioneering works across several fields have made a significant contribution to improving access to health and social care for people from many minority communities, not just the Chinese community.

"This recognition is hugely deserved, and we are honoured to be able to celebrate the achievements of this remarkable woman."