What We Do at FNC

The Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life, health, and wellbeing of its members and the wider community. Our work spans education, creativity, wellbeing, community support, and research partnerships.

Learning & Skills

• Education – classes in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

• Creativity – arts and crafts workshops that encourage cultural expression and community connection.

• Youth & Families – activities that bring generations together to share skills and knowledge.

Wellbeing & Community Support

• Health & Wellbeing – regular sessions promoting physical and mental health.

• Support for Seniors & Veterans – activities and fresh produce from our Community Garden for senior citizens and British Gurkha veterans.

• Community Engagement – awareness campaigns, fundraising, and partnerships that strengthen local networks.

Research & Partnerships

FNC plays an active role in research to highlight the needs and contributions of the Nepalese community in the UK.

• Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) – Cohort 2 & 3

  • With NHS England, University of Reading, and Scottish Community Development Centre.

  • Explored health inequalities and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Nepalese families in Folkestone.

• University of Kent – Gateways Partnership: Walking with Ghosts

  • Researching the legacy of war and the impact of Gurkha veterans in Folkestone.

• King’s College London – The HEAR Study

  • Participatory research on how Gurkha and Fijian veterans of the UK Armed Forces describe their experiences.

• University of Surrey & other partners – collaborations exploring community wellbeing, migration, and cultural heritage.

Through this combination of learning, wellbeing, community projects, and research, FNC ensures that the Nepalese community in Folkestone is supported, celebrated, and represented.

Current Major Projects & Collaborations

The Folkestone Nepalese Community (FNC) is proud to lead and collaborate on a range of projects that strengthen our community, support wellbeing, and highlight the contribution of Nepalese families and veterans in the UK.

Armed Forces & Veterans

• Armed Forces Veterans Support Group – supporting Gurkha veterans and their families with wellbeing, advocacy, and community engagement.

• The HEAR Study (King’s College London) – participatory research exploring how Gurkha and Fijian veterans describe their experiences of service and post-service life.

Research & Knowledge

• Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) – Cohort 2 & 3
  In collaboration with NHS England, University of Reading, and Scottish Community Development Centre.

  • Cohort 2: Explored the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Nepalese families.

  • Cohort 3: Investigated health inequalities within the Nepalese community in Folkestone.

Community & Environment

• FNC Community Garden (Pent Farm, Postling) – 32 family plots producing fresh food, supplied to the FNC Centre and supporting senior citizens and Gurkha veterans. Includes the annual Food & Farm Festival in partnership with Equator Festival and Pent Farm.

• Community Cleaning – local litter-picking and awareness campaigns for a cleaner environment.

Housing & Inclusion

• Community-Led Housing – supporting access to affordable, safe housing for the Nepalese community in Folkestone.

• Digital Inclusion – classes and support to help community members develop digital skills and access online services.

• Supporting Other Communities – working in solidarity with other local groups on awareness campaigns, events, and fundraising.