Kingston Beats C.I.C.
Pending display name
We aim to organise monthly cooking workshops and food sharing gatherings for food lovers to experience and enjoy Hongkongers' cooking of traditional and modern Chinese dishes using local ingredients.
About this cause
Kingston Beats is a not-for-profit CIC set up in March 2022 by recently arrived Hongkongers in the Royal Borough of Kingston. We aim to build a support network for Hongkongers who have recently immigrated, or planning to immigrate, to settle here, maintain their cultural heritage and contribute to the wellbeing and development of the Kingston community. A variety of activities have been organised to connect Hongkongers including food events, movies and festive celebrations, English and interest classes, training, outings and walking tours. We actively participate in the local community events and encourage Hongkongers to volunteer. In the first 8 months, we launched 2 funded programmes, organised 99 activities and engaged over 3,300 direct participants and 40,000 indirect participants.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Most Hongkongers have very limited support networks in the UK and the sudden changes in life can be very stressful. Newly arrived individuals and families encounter more difficulties in searching for houses, school places and jobs. Some Hongkongers have reported little social life, loneliness, social isolation, depression symptoms, even parenting and marriage problems. Some do not speak English and fear to go out on their own, and cannot get the help they used to have from parents and friends in Hong Kong. Our project aims to help Hongkonger migrants be better connected through cooking together and food sharing. Hong Kong cultures will be celebrated and shared to build a sense of identity and pride. A meeting hub will be built to promote happier living, healthy eating and mutual help.