Community Grants in focus – Multicultural Richmond

From social clubs to counselling, walking groups to English classes, Multicultural Richmond helps people of all cultures, races and ages, including refugees and asylum seekers and people who are isolated. Many of the local residents they support are from low income families or live in social housing and 80% are older adults.

We recently provided the charity with £7,000 a year grant over three years to go towards salaries and core projects. Funding which will benefit around 670 people.

Here, Multicultural Richmond Director, Ravi Arora, explains how our community grant will help reduce social isolation, improve emotional and physical wellbeing and connect people to vital services. 

"The television doesn't talk back.

Before people come to us, many are lonely at home, often spending long periods without conversation or company. At our groups, they make new friends and have someone to talk to. I remember a widower we supported. He had been with his partner for 44 years. When she passed away, he was in a really dark place. Friends suggested he come to us. He began with volunteering, helping Multicultural Richmond with their purchase ledger, and later joined our older people’s group, the Multicultural Social Club. He transformed from someone who was very low to a person who travels the world with friends. Every year, he goes to America to see his daughter or he’ll go to India, or somewhere in Europe on a coach holiday.

Transforming people’s lives

That kind of change is what we see regularly. We’re an organisation but many see us as extended family.

Thanks to the funding from the Hampton Fund, we can continue supporting people in practical and meaningful ways. This includes helping with cost of living pressures, providing meals for some people who may otherwise go without, offering carers a break and delivering mental health support.  

We also help people get fitter. We have lots of exercise classes because we know that the communities we serve are up to six times more likely to experience certain chronic diseases. People tell us that staying active helps reduce pain and allows them to manage daily life more effectively.

Breaking down barriers

Our services will be in demand with what is going on in the world now. We are seeing more people in need of support as they settle into life in the borough, including refugees and asylum seekers.

We aim to help people become more independent, less isolated, and better equipped to access the services they need. We will continue working to reduce barriers and ensure services are as accessible and inclusive as possible. This is why we’ll use some of the Hampton Fund grant to develop an anti-racism campaign, to challenge discrimination and improve understanding.

We will also continue to reach people who are vulnerable and help ensure everyone feels welcome in the borough of Richmond.”

Find out more about Multicutural Richmond