About RISE Forth Valley – RISE Forth Valley

Who we are

RISE Forth Valley is a registered Scottish charity (SC049883) dedicated to empowering diverse communities across the Forth Valley region. We work to advance equality, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster community cohesion by helping individuals overcome barriers such as isolation, language, and exclusion. We use the term “Racialised” which refers to people or groups who are treated differently because of their race, ethnicity, or culture. It recognises that race is not biological but socially created, and that inequality happens through systems and attitudes — not because of who people are. Using the term highlights that discrimination is something done to communities, not something that defines them.

Background

Previously known as Al Masaar, this organisation began as a brainchild of two sisters who couldn't find a social outlet for their young children where their culture and beliefs were the norm. We piloted a weekend youth class helping children learn Urdu and this quickly grew into other activities that volunteers, parents and the young people were asking for.

We became a constituted charity in 2014, launching with our Athletics and Football Club and our mother and toddler group. We grew from strength to strength with the support of Charlie Hastie, Community Learning and Development Officer for Falkirk Council. By developing relationships and trust with our service users, they shared issues such as racial bullying in schools, not being able to access Council services and getting the right medical help. Because of our own personal experiences, we became advocates for families who were struggling to navigate through the system; we have supported cases of domestic abuse, hate crime and speaking with schools. We focus on raising awareness through our group sessions and on our media platforms to reduce cultural stigmas and barriers.

In December 2024, celebrating our 10-year anniversary, the Board decided to change the name of the organisation to Racial Inclusion and Supporting Empowerment across Forth Valley (RISE Forth Valley). We wanted to reflect that the activities we undertake is to challenge the racial structures and cultural barriers that prevent people (who are not white) from accessing services and support to the same quality as their white counterparts.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission & Vision is to bring together different parts of our communities

Our Mission

RISE Forth Valley works to empower racialised communities across the Forth Valley by promoting equity, challenging discrimination, and celebrating diversity.We create safe, inclusive spaces for learning, connection, and growth — supporting people to develop skills, take part in community life, and help build a society based on respect, understanding, and shared opportunity.

Our Vision

A fair and inclusive Scotland where people from all backgrounds are valued, have equal opportunities, and can thrive together in connected and empowered communities.

Our Aims and Purpose

1.Empower Communities: We help people from racialised and minority backgrounds to be treated equally and to reach their full potential.

2.Promote Fairness and Challenge Racism: We speak up for our communities and work to remove discrimination and racism from Scottish institutions, policies, and everyday practices.

3.Support Inclusion and Active Citizenship: We encourage people from all backgrounds in the Forth Valley to get involved in their communities. We do this by promoting equality, removing barriers such as language and isolation, and offering support in areas like training, health, education, and cultural heritage.

4.Build Harmony and Understanding: We bring people together to celebrate Scotland’s diverse cultures, promote respect and understanding, and help communities connect and work together.

5.Promote Education and Youth Engagement: We offer learning opportunities, training, and youth programmes that build skills, confidence, and participation in community and civic life.

6.Create Safe and Supportive Spaces: We run projects that provide safe, welcoming spaces—especially for women and children—to learn, socialise, and grow together.

Our Approach

RISE Forth Valley is guided by principles of collaboration, respect, and empowerment. We work closely with local councils, health partnerships, and community organisations to ensure our services meet real needs and make a lasting impact.

But we don’t just stop there. We believe that true empowerment comes when we make change in the systems that have created inequalities, which is why we work with national and government stakeholder groups to raise the issues affecting racialised communities and influence change.

Get Involved

We welcome volunteers, partners, and supporters who share our vision of an inclusive and thriving Forth Valley.Join us in creating positive change — together, we RISE.

Email

info@risefv.org

Website

www.risefv.org

Scottish Charity Number

SC049883