Ethnic, Cultural and Religious Groups and Organisations
Supporting international recruits to connect with ethnic, cultural and religious groups can play an important role in their wellbeing, sense of belonging and long-term retention.
Maintaining links with familiar cultures, languages and faiths can:
- Reduce isolation and culture shock
- Support mental wellbeing
- Help recruits build confidence and identity
- Strengthen cultural understanding within care teams
- Enable more culturally sensitive care for people who draw on services
Providers should be aware of local networks and be able to signpost recruits appropriately.
Why this matters for providers
Connecting with cultural and faith-based communities can help international workers:
- Settle more quickly into life in the UK
- Build informal support networks outside work
- Maintain cultural practices and traditions
- Feel valued and included
This support complements workplace induction, mentoring and wellbeing initiatives.
Finding Local Ethnic, Cultural and Faith-Based Support
The organisations listed below are examples of local groups and directories that providers can use to help recruits find community connections.
Portsmouth
Community Directories
- HIVE Portsmouth: A comprehensive directory of local organisations, including ethnic, cultural and faith-based groups.
Specific Community Organisations
- Portsmouth Kurdish Community Association: Supports members of the Kurdish community through cultural connection and advice.
- The African Women’s Forum: Provides social connection and emotional support for African women living in Portsmouth.
- Bangladesh Welfare Association: Supports social welfare needs and community development within the Bangladeshi community.
Hampshire
Community Directories
- Connect to Support Hampshire An online directory listing ethnic, cultural, community and faith-based organisations across Hampshire.
Examples of Cultural Networks
- Hampshire Puja and Cultural Association (HPCA): Promotes cultural diversity and community cohesion across Hampshire.
- Hampshire Asian Community (Facebook Group)
- South Africans Living in Hampshire (Facebook Group)
- Nigeria Community in Hampshire
Local Area Networks
- Associations and Groups in Eastleigh
- Associations, Groups and Support in Basingstoke
- Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community: Provides advice, support and settlement assistance for Nepali and Gurkha communities in Rushmoor, working closely with local authorities and support agencies.
Southampton
Community Directories and Networks
- So:Linked provides information on ethnic and cultural groups, social opportunities and advice services.
Cultural and Media Organisations
- Unity 101 Radio promotes and broadcasts music and culture of Asian and ethnic communities in Southampton.
Community Groups
- Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community (Facebook Group)
- Chinese Association of Southampton
- Southampton Zimbabwe Association (Facebook Group)
Isle of Wight
Offers friendship groups with a strong focus on inclusion and cultural diversity, including:
- Friendship Group for Women
- Friendship Group for Families and Friends
Participants come from a wide range of ethnic and national backgrounds.
- A directory of services, groups and advice available across the Isle of Wight, including community and cultural organisations.
Good Practice for Providers
Providers can support inclusion by:
- Asking recruits what cultural or faith connections are important to them
- Including information about community groups during induction
- Encouraging (but not pressuring) participation
- Recognising cultural and religious events where appropriate
- Supporting flexible approaches where cultural or faith needs intersect with work
Supporting cultural connection is not separate from care quality - it strengthens it.
