Supporting minority groups across Suffolk

Giving Back: Funmilayo Akinriboya, BME Suffolk

The group’s aim is to improve general well-being and help people develop to be part of UK society as a whole.

In 2018, as an African migrant, I founded BME Suffolk. I was then joined by other committee members who believed in the core vision. The organisation has now evolved to address the challenges faced by ethnic communities at the earliest possible stage, providing an opportunity for people to thrive and find their way to a happy, stable life.

The overall approach is not just to solve immediate issues, but to tailor support and assistance to an individual’s needs to address the root cause of hardship.

All the services are free and available to all communities, though they are targeted at ethnic communities more because they are less likely to engage with mainstream services.

Finding help

How we support our communities:

Food Bank: We provide a variety of food for a balanced diet. Our food parcels give nourishment – through fruit, vegetables, and non-perishables – to all communities to help overcome food poverty and poor health.

Community Cafe: This venue provides a free social space for local residents to use to improve social interaction and networking – with free Wi-Fi, board games, and refreshments for £1.

BME Youth Group: The aim of our youth group is to balance social activities with educational needs. This will improve self-esteem in our young people and increase their self-belief – turning aspiration into action and challenges into opportunities.

Adviser’s Drop-in: Our experienced caseworker can provide long term solutions to a range of issues, including those around benefits, housing problems, immigration, employment, and mental health.

Monthly gathering: This is our fast-growing community project. More than 35 nationalities, across many different backgrounds, come together to socialise and build stronger communities. The gathering boosts social inclusion and addresses the issues of isolation and loneliness.