DOSTIA is led by a small, experienced team bringing together professional expertise in dementia care, research and community engagement with deep roots in South Asian communities.
Two Directors provide day-to-day leadership and strategic direction for the Community Interest Company, ensuring that every activity reflects DOSTIA’s values of dignity, inclusion and coproduction. They are supported by an Advisory Board of four members drawn from health, research and community sectors, who offer independent guidance, challenge and accountability so that DOSTIA remains responsive to the people it serves.
Directors
Harjinder Kaur
Harjinder Kaur is Founder and Director of DOSTIA C.I.C. She is a long-standing champion for South Asian families affected by dementia in Wolverhampton and the West Midlands. Drawing on a career in mental health nursing and years of leading community groups such as DOSTI and Satrang, she has created safe, culturally familiar spaces where carers and people living with dementia can share experiences, reduce stigma and access support. At DOSTIA, Harjinder leads community engagement, using her insight into language, faith and family life to connect seldom-heard communities with services and to shape more inclusive dementia care and research
 Tony Dhillon
Tony Dhillon is Co‑Director of DOSTIA C.I.C and brings a wealth of experience from the events industry and skilled trades, which he has chosen to leave to dedicate himself full time to DOSTIA. Having cared for both of his parents, who died from cancer, Tony saw first-hand how much more visible, accessible and equitable cancer care can be compared with dementia support. This experience drives his commitment to improving dementia awareness and services for South Asian communities, with a particular focus on engaging men, challenging stigma and ensuring that culturally relevant support is available to families when they most need it.
Advisory Board
Harjinder Mangat
Harjinder Mangat is a dedicated community advocate and the founder of the Asian Women’s Adhikah Association (Awaaz).Â
Bio
Through her work in social services, she identified that people from ethnic minority communities were not receiving the support they needed. To address this gap, she began community outreach work one day a week, quickly realising the scale of unmet need. With the support of a local county grant, she founded Awaaz in 1982, which has served communities in Wolverhampton for over 28 years. Harjinder is also a volunteer for the Motor Neuron Disease Association and a passionate advocate for South Asian communities, championing equality, access to services, and social justice.
Bhulla Beghal
Bhulla Beghal is a filmmaker and founder of BlueBell Films, an award-winning studio specialising in human-centred, research-informed storytelling.Â
Bio
His work sits in between film, academic and social impact, translating complex research and lived experience into films that connect emotionally and reach wide audiences. Bhulla frequently works with universities, charities and public-sector organisations to communicate issues around dementia, disability, health and care, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities. Known for his sensitive and creative approach, his films are regularly used to inform policy conversations, professional practice and public understanding. For more information about Bhulla and his work, visit his website
Karan Jutlla
Dr Karan Jutlla is the Founder and Director of the Centre for Applied and Inclusive Health Research at the University of Wolverhampton, and an Associate Professor (Reader) in Dementia Care and Inclusion.Â
Bio
Her research focuses on dementia and health inequalities in ethnic minority communities, particularly South Asian communities, where she has worked for almost two decades to understand how cultural, social and systemic factors shape people’s experiences. Her work has driven national and international change in dementia policy, education and practice, leading to more inclusive services and equitable access to care. She is recognised for developing evidence-based, culturally sensitive research models and for championing co‑production, ensuring that people with lived experience and their families are central partners in research and service design. Through her teaching and leadership, she continues to influence how future health and social care professionals embed inclusivity and person‑centred care in everyday practice. For more information about her research and initiatives, visit www.drjutlla.com
How can we support you?
If you are worried about your memory, supporting a loved one, or a professional wanting to be more inclusive, DOSTIA is here to help you navigate dementia with dignity, cultural sensitivity and uptodate information. We do this by supporting:
Families affected by dementia →
Health and Social Care Services →
Research and Engagement →