National Lottery Community Fund CEO Visits ACISS to Explore Deeper Partnership And Community Investment in Surrey
The Chief Executive of the National Lottery Community Fund, David Knott, has met with leaders of the African Community in Surrey and Sussex, ACISS, as part of efforts to explore new areas of partnership and support for minority communities in the South East of England.
The meeting took place at the ACISS office in Horley, Surrey, on Monday, where Mr Knott was received by the founder and organizational lead, Abolaji Odunuga (Duchess), alongside staff, volunteers, and local stakeholders. The visit follows growing recognition of ACISS’s role in addressing inequality, supporting migrant communities, and improving access to health, education, and social services for Black and ethnic minority groups in the region.
Mr Knott was joined by senior officials from the National Lottery Community Fund, including Helen Bushell, Head of London, South East and East Funding, Kat Wayne, Funding Officer in Surrey, and Shelley Howett, Solent and Surrey Manager. Ruth Stephens, Head of South East, was unable to attend.
Also present were Tony Freeman, Community Engagement Officer for Surrey County Council, Lena Abdu, Associate Director of Transformation at Alliance for Better Care, and Dr Gillian Orrow, Founder and Director of Growing Health Together. Some participants attended the meeting virtually.
During the discussions, ACISS shared insights into their work and proposed areas where additional support would help meet the growing needs of minority residents in the area. A key proposal raised by Abolaji Odunuga (Duchess) was the establishment of an African Community Resource Centre in Surrey. She said the centre would offer culturally relevant support, guidance, and community-based services to individuals who often feel underrepresented in existing systems.
The National Lottery Community Fund representatives expressed interest in the proposal and praised ACISS for its grassroots impact. They pledged to continue engaging with the organisation to explore sustainable avenues for collaboration.
The meeting ended with a commitment from both sides to strengthen ties and ensure that communities facing systemic challenges are not left behind in wider funding and policy efforts.
ACISS operates across Surrey and Sussex and has gained national attention for its community outreach programmes, cultural advocacy, and partnerships with public sector agencies focused on inclusion and wellbeing.