Charity Multicultural Richmond holds social clubs, mental health groups, free life skills courses and English classes to help people from ethnic minorities live comfortably in the borough.
Multicultural Richmond director Ravi Arora said the charity is ‘transforming people’s lives, reducing their isolation, reducing embarrassment, [and] breaking barriers down’ through their ethos of ‘inclusiveness, respect and celebrating diversity’.
Motivated by Ravi’s experience as a second-generation immigrant, the charity came together to support those in the area with similar lived experiences.
The aims of the charity are to not just accept cultural differences, but to embrace them by tackling the isolation and prejudice refugees and migrants may face in Richmond and nearby areas.
The team does this by helping people make friends and socialise, access safe housing, develop digital skills and much more.
Ravi said the goal is for people ‘to see other people as humans’ and ‘celebrate a difference’.
Most recently, they were involved in Richmond council’s Refugee Week 2025 celebration as a partner organisation.
Ravi said: “It’s all about connecting with people, talking to people [so they] can see what we do.”
The team is looking to widen its audience to younger people, particularly to support victims of hate crimes.
A barrier to reporting of hate crimes remains the fear that nothing will be done, and Multicultural Richmond aims to help people through this process and end the isolation that can come with it.
When challenging the fear around reporting, Ravi said: “Come and see us to change your life.”
The team has transitioned to social media, and set up new mental health services providing wellbeing support to the community.
Ultimately, Ravi highlighted the continued need for projects like this to combat isolation.
“We’ve got to remind people that we are around and we’re here for a reason,” he said.
“In 15 years time our vision will be the same.”
If you would like to support Multicultural Richmond, follow them on social media and see their website for more details.
Join the discussion