For the past five years, FNC has occupied the ground floor of KCC’s Cheriton Library, delivering vital support and services to Folkestone’s Nepalese and armed forces veterans’ communities.
The new agreement provides some certainty and stability, enabling the FNC to build on the strong foundations it has already established.
The FNC plays a significant role in supporting former Gurkha soldiers, veterans and their families, choosing to make the county their home. This work aligns closely with KCC’s responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant, which commits the council to ensuring those who serve or have served are treated fairly and not disadvantaged as a result of their service.
IMAGE: KCC’s Deputy Leader, Brian Collins (centre), and Chairman, Richard Palmer (centre left), with Captain (Retd) Rambahadur Pun (far right) and members of the Folkestone Nepalese Community
The FNC plays a significant role in supporting former Gurkha soldiers, veterans and their families, choosing to make the county their home. This work aligns closely with KCC’s responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant, which commits the council to ensuring those who serve or have served are treated fairly and not disadvantaged as a result of their service.
“I am proud to support our armed forces and veteran communities”
KCC’s Deputy Leader, Brian Collins, said: “I am proud to support our armed forces and veteran communities.
“By providing affordable, secure accommodation, we are helping Folkestone Nepalese Community continue its important work supporting veterans and families as they build their lives here in Kent.”
“Kent – and Folkestone in particular – has a long and proud association with the Gurkha community, and this agreement recognises both their service and the contribution they continue to make to our county”
KCC’s Chairman and Chair of the Kent and Medway Civilian Military Partnership Board, Richard Palmer, said: “The Gurkhas have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United Kingdom for generations, defending our country and our values. Kent (and Folkestone in particular) has a long and proud association with the Gurkha community, and this agreement recognises both their service and the contribution they continue to make to our county.”
Captain (Retd) Rambahadur Pun, Chairman of the Folkestone Nepalese Community, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kent County Council for its continued support.
“Having a secure and affordable home allows us to focus on what matters most; supporting veterans, families and the wider Nepalese community, and helping people to thrive as part of life in Kent.”
