Student Placements – Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC)
Overview
Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC) is committed to supporting learning, development, and community-based research by offering structured placement opportunities to students from colleges and universities.
Our placements provide hands-on experience in community health, wellbeing services, and grassroots engagement, with a particular focus on the Nepalese and Gurkha communities in Folkestone and the wider Kent and Medway area.
Through these placements, students develop practical skills and professional insight within the voluntary sector, while contributing to community-led research, improving understanding of health inequalities, and supporting positive outcomes for local communities.
Student Nursing Placement – February 2026
FNC hosted two final-year Adult Nursing students from the University of Portsmouth as part of an extended spoke placement programme.
Students
Suruchhya Ghale (Student Nurse)
Prashanna Roka (Student Nurse)
Placement Period
02 February 2026 – 2 weeks
Placement Supervisor
Maha Rai,Charity, Programme & Centre Manager
Placement Experience
During their placement, the students:
Engaged with FNC’s community health and wellbeing programmes
Observed and supported grassroots service delivery
Worked with diverse community members, including elderly individuals and families
Gained insight into health inequalities, access barriers, and community-led support systems
This experience enabled students to understand the role of voluntary organisations in complementing statutory health services and improving community outcomes.
Student Research Outputs
As part of their placement, both students completed literature review reports based on FNC’s project data, community engagement work, and existing research.
1. Access, Experience and Health Literacy in Children and Young People’s Community Health Engagement
Author: Prashanna Roka (Student Nurse)
Date: 13 February 2026
Summary:
This report explores how children and young people from the Nepalese community access and engage with community health services. It highlights the importance of health literacy, communication, and culturally responsive approaches in improving service accessibility and user experience.
2. Community Health Services Engagement Among Elderly Nepalese and Gurkha Veterans
Author: Suruchhya Ghale (Student Nurse)
Date: February 2026
Summary:
This literature review examines barriers to accessing community health services among elderly Nepalese and Gurkha veterans. It identifies key challenges including language barriers, digital exclusion, transport limitations, and health literacy, while emphasising the role of community organisations in bridging these gaps.
Impact of Student Placements
FNC student placements contribute to:
Supporting future healthcare professionals through real-world learning
Strengthening community-based research and evidence generation
Highlighting health inequalities within underserved communities
Enhancing collaboration between voluntary, academic, and health sectors
FNC continues to work with partners to create opportunities that benefit both students and the community.
Get Involved
If you are a student, university, or organisation interested in placement opportunities with FNC, please get in touch:
Email: communitycentre@fncuk.org
