On the 18th episode of The Matters Of The Heart podcast, I have the privilege of having the beautiful and passionate Funmi Akinrinboya in our midst. Originally from the Western part of Nigeria. She has been married for over 12 years. A mum of 3, she has a BSc in Pharmaceutical Science here in UK at London metropolitan University. Funmi holds a postgraduate degree in project management, she's a certified project manager both foundation and practitioner. She's the Founder and Managing Director of BME Suffolk Support Group in Ipswich and Beck Row. 

Funmi has an in-depth knowledge of how housing issues, benefits issues, money advice, consumer issues and immigration issues work. She has worked with DWP as universal credit adviser and also as gateway assessor for Citizen advice and generalist adviser for CAB. Funmi is really passionate about family, children and togetherness. 

We covered areas like: 

- 2:55 Introduction

- 3:25 What growing up was like
which she said was a mixed bag. She has a Christian background, the 2nd child from a family of 6

- 4:50 Her driving force for birthing BME Suffolk
Which she said through her personal life experience and her passion for immigration. Having gone through a lot in her marriage, immigration and personal life herself. 

- 9:00 What has kept her going despite all obstacles faced 
She confessed that people were a bit sceptical initially but she didn't get discouraged. She termed leadership as service to people and finding purpose as well as discovering something for the betterment of humanity. She also highlighted that commitment, discipline and sacrifice were required

- 16:30 How she has managed to fit the project around her full time job
She has able to prioritise and do the important things first. Family, work and her spare time for the support group. Though difficult, she got a huge support from her family.

- 24:00 Her achievements thus far

The support group getting nominated by Suffolk community foundation. 
An award from BBC Suffolk radio for going above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic
A handwritten letter from the Lord Lieutenant of Her Royal Majesty in Suffolk
They were featured on the BBC Look East as one of the recognised Black Organisations doing amazingly well in Ipswich
Funmi emphasised that when we serve, our service will attract people to us. Leadership is by service.
They were able to secure food vouchers for people in need of them
£100 for the elderly shielding or self isolating towards their heating during  the last winter
They were able to secure 20 laptops for the young people while home-schooling
£75 towards exercise equipment for families

- 34:40 BME Beck Row project launch
They just a funding approval of a paid staff which means they can keep the office open.

- 41:40 Her motive behind the monthly gatherings
Evidencing everything they do
Giving feedbacks regarding the needs of the people to the funders
Educating, equipping with information and addressing issues
Empowering people with the right information
Food pantry service which has been of tremendous help and support to people in need
Is not about the numbers but a few committed people

- 50:14 How her husband and children have been of immense support to her project.
By carrying her husband along so he can help to look after the kids when she has an interview or a meeting

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Funmi can be reached on the following social media handles

BME Suffolk on Facebook
BSSG, support for Black and Minorities ethnics in Northwest Ipswich. (bmesuffolk.org)
BME Suffolk on Instagram