Hikmat Devon, who celebrated its 10th Birthday in 2015, is a user-led co-operative that works with members of the black and minority ethnic (bme) communities across Devon. They work to reduce isolation and improve health and well-being outcomes. This is done through activity and interest groups, 1 to 1 mentoring, training, signposting, counselling, and person centred goal planning.  

Languages spoken by Mentors include Bengali, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Arabic, Tag-a-log, and Punjabi.

The needs the organisation works to address include:  

Rural & urban isolation for members of ethnic minority communities living in Devon  

Prevalent health issues linked to isolation, culture, language barriers, and lack of access to services  

Respond to the rise in number of bme people living in Devon: Census figures showed a dramatic increase of 8,000 in 2001 rising to 20,000 in 2011. ​

Fulfilment of the Equality Act - improving cultural understanding

This is offered through: 

Groups: They have activity groups who meet regularly across Devon, these cover a range of activities including badminton, carrom, gentle & high impact exercise, walking, & gardening. 

1 to 1: They offer 1 to 1 work with individuals; support depends on needs, but may include goal planning, signposting, & training. The staff speak a variety of languages.  

Users will be invited and included on trips, events, training and cultural celebrations. They work closely with local colleges.