Tributes have been pouring in following the death of respected mental health leader, human rights campaigner and Bradford 2025 City of Culture trustee Dr Sasha Bhat.
Sasha, whose family roots trace back to Indian-administered Kashmir, died on 19 June 2026. Her family announced the news in a heartfelt statement, describing her as a devoted wife, loving daughter, sister, aunt and a source of “endless love, kindness and inspiration” to everyone who knew her.
The family said: “With hearts full of faith and acceptance of Allah’s will, we inform you of the return to Allah of our beloved Dr Sasha Bhat.”
A highly respected figure across the health, community and voluntary sectors, Sasha dedicated her professional life to improving mental health services and empowering communities.
She served as Head of Commissioning for Mental Wellbeing in Bradford and Craven, a joint role between the NHS and local authority, where she championed innovative approaches to community-led healthcare and mental wellbeing.
With a background in psychology and public health from the University of Hull, postgraduate studies in addiction at King’s College London and the Institute of Psychiatry, alongside qualifications in policy, participation and systemic psychotherapy, Sasha built a career centred on improving lives and ensuring people had a voice in the services designed to support them.
Colleagues describe her as a transformational leader whose work consistently bridged the gap between public services and communities, helping to create more inclusive and accessible healthcare provision.
Alongside her professional achievements, Sasha was widely known for her tireless human rights advocacy and passionate support for the people of Kashmir. Friends say her commitment to justice, equality and compassion defined every aspect of her life.
Among those paying tribute was journalist and broadcaster Aina Khan, who described Sasha as a woman who “lifted people up with her.”
Writing on social media, she said: “Sasha was that woman.
“She was not the Thatcherite kind of woman who only wanted to ascend at the expense of others. For those of us who were honoured to be loved by Sasha, and for all her fellow humans, she was forever the person who left the ladder down and lifted people up with her.
“She was an uncommonly kind, loving soul whose calm, quiet energy exuded into rooms where extroversion dominates.”
Aina reflected on the many causes close to Sasha’s heart, including Kashmir, the future of the NHS and mental health services, describing her as a socially and politically conscious individual whose integrity and compassion made a lasting impact on everyone around her.
Recalling one memorable public moment, she highlighted how Sasha had challenged Indian politician and author Shashi Tharoor during an event at the Bradford Literature Festival over the issue of Kashmir.
“That was Sasha,” she wrote. “Heart of a lioness, a heart brimming with love for all, a cat mama, a ferociously mischievous soul when she let you see that side, and a sister who always held you, from afar or in person.”
Friend and NHS colleague Rashmi Sudhir also paid tribute, describing Sasha as someone whose unwavering commitment to fairness and justice touched countless lives.
“Rest in power my beautiful friend,” she wrote. “Your love, strength, kindness and unwavering sense of justice will forever live in our hearts.
“You always stood for what was right, treating everyone with fairness, dignity and compassion.
“Though you are no longer by our side, your light will continue to guide us.”
Meanwhile, comedian and close friend Khalda Ashrafi shared emotional memories of Sasha, describing her as a woman whose compassion and dedication inspired everyone around her.
“My dearest Sasha – sister, friend, confidante – the heart of inspiration, compassion and silent acts of kindness,” she wrote.
“Advocate for those who had no voice, defender of rights and unequivocally ambitious in serving our populations for the better.
“A truly beautiful soul. Sasha, my life has been better for having you in it. The legacy you leave is one we will all treasure.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sasha was a familiar and respected figure within Bradford’s civic and cultural landscape. As a trustee of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, she played an important role in supporting the district’s cultural ambitions and ensuring communities remained at the heart of its vision.
Friends, colleagues and campaigners have spoken of a woman who combined professional excellence with deep humanity; someone equally comfortable shaping health policy, championing community initiatives or standing up for causes she believed in.
Her legacy spans healthcare, culture, community development and human rights advocacy, but those who knew her say it was her kindness, humility and unwavering commitment to helping others that will be remembered most.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
The family have requested prayers and remembrance for Dr Sasha Bhat, whose passing leaves a profound void across the many communities, organisations and lives she touched.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – “Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
