British Community Foundation Launched In Doha

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The British Community Foundation (BCF) was launched yesterday (September 8), marking a new non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting the welfare and well-being of Qatar's 23,000 British expatriate community and fostering stronger ties with the host nation.
Hosted by British ambassador Neerav Patel at the embassy, the event brought together British diplomats, including deputy British ambassador Duncan Hill, and representatives from across Qatar's British expatriate community. The launch also unveiled the BCF's upcoming schedule of events.
Speaking at the gathering, Patel, who also chairs the BCF Council, highlighted what he described as the“vibrant, diverse, and engaged community” of Britons who call Qatar home, noting the“multi-generational link” connecting the two countries.
“We know that life here can be rich and diverse and really rewarding. But I also am conscious that sometimes you need a bit of support and you need a community to help situate you and generate it, which is why a few months ago, and this really was the brainchild of Duncan.
“We suddenly wanted to do something to just energise and bring the community together in a bit more of an organised way,” he said.
Patel extended an invitation to all British nationals in Qatar to participate in upcoming events, regardless of how long they have resided in the country.
The Foundation's upcoming calendar for the autumn and winter seasons includes a weekly playgroup for parents and pre-schoolers, a monthly mixer for Brits in Doha, support groups and family days for British Special Educational Needs families, town hall meetings for community feedback, and a Winter Bazaar to be held at the ambassador's garden.
Patel also thanked the volunteers who played a key role in establishing the BCF, acknowledging Daisy Organ for her significant contribution and describing her as the“engine and the dynamo of all of this”. He stressed that the Foundation's success will reflect the community's involvement, encouraging attendees to spread the word and engage through the BCF's website and social media.
In a press statement, Roxy Hailes, founder of the 3,000-strong British and Irish Mums Living in Doha Facebook Group and a volunteer organiser for the BCF playgroup, said:“It's wonderful to have the British Community Foundation here to help Brits. I am really excited to welcome parents and little ones to the BCF playgroup.
“This is something that has been missing here in Doha in recent years. Playgroup is a brilliant opportunity for families to get together and make new friends. It is open to everyone across the British community: both new arrivals in Doha and those who have been here for years.”
The BCF operates independently but in close co-ordination with the British embassy in Doha, the British Council, and other community organisations. It is overseen by a Council of six volunteers from the British community in Qatar, with the deputy British ambassador serving as vice-chair, and David Lish of Doha College acting as treasurer.

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