Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC)

Our Origins

At the dawn of the new millennium, increasing numbers of British Gurkha veterans, Nepalese, and their families began to settle, either temporarily or permanently, in Folkestone, Hawkinge, Hythe, and Dover. This created an urgent need for a community organisation that could bring people together, preserve Nepalese culture, traditions, and identity, and support integration into wider society.

In response, the Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC) was formally established in 2005 in Folkestone.

Becoming a Charity

At a Special Meeting on 25 October 2020, members unanimously agreed to adopt the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Association Model. A new Constitution, written in line with Charity Commission guidance, was approved to ensure effective governance and the proper conduct of FNC’s affairs.

Our Objectives

The objectives of FNC are:

a. To promote the benefit of British Gurkha veterans, Nepalese, and their families in Folkestone and surrounding areas through:

The advancement of education and training.
The relief of poverty, sickness, and distress.
The promotion of good health.
The provision of recreational facilities to improve quality of life.

b. To advance public education on Nepalese history and culture.

c. To provide relief to those suffering financial need or hardship in Nepal, including victims of natural disasters, through donations and other appropriate means.

Our Work

FNC achieves its objectives by organising a wide range of activities, events, and projects, most of which take place at the FNC Centre (Baker Road, Folkestone):

Education and Skills: Numeracy and literacy programmes, ESOL & Multiply courses, and short training sessions such as First Aid, Food Safety, and Health & Safety.
Digital and Language Inclusion: IT and language classes; community hub sessions including Veterans’ Drop-In, Hypertension Hero, Gurkha Welfare Trust, Community Garden, and arts and crafts (stitch & chat, Nepalese handicraft, watercolour).
Wellbeing and Community: Combating loneliness and promoting physical and mental health through recreational and social activities.
Festivals and Cultural Events: Celebrating Nepalese traditions and promoting cultural diversity.
Health and Research Collaboration: Working with the NHS and health agencies on wellbeing and community research.
Academic Partnerships: Collaborating with universities including Kent, Surrey, King’s College London, and Reading on research and community projects.
Outreach: Engaging schools, local communities, and organisations through cultural talks and presentations.
Annual Festivals for All: Hosting the World in a Tent Multicultural Festival, the Nepalese Holi Colour Festival, and the Food & Farm Festival, in partnership with Equator Festival and Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

The Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC) continues to serve as a hub for learning, wellbeing, and cultural preservation, while strengthening bonds between British Gurkha veterans, Nepalese families, and the wider community.

Contact Us

Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC)
Folkestone Nepalese Community Centre
Baker Road
Folkestone
CT19 4NN

Email: communitycentre@fncuk.org
Telephone: 01303 398055
Website: www.fncuk.org