The Richard Riakporhe Foundation CIC was established to provide young people with the belief, support, and opportunities they need to transform their lives. We became a Community Interest Company on 8 March 2022 and are dedicated to helping young people across London have better futures.
Our founder, Richard Riakporhe, grew up on the Aylesbury Estate in Walworth, South London. He faced community violence, disadvantage, and few safe opportunities. At fifteen, he survived a serious stabbing, which showed him how much young people need safe spaces, good role models, and steady support. Boxing changed his life. With discipline and focus, Richard rebuilt his confidence and strength. He later earned a degree in marketing communications and became a professional boxer of world-class calibre. His journey from tough beginnings to success led him to start this Foundation, so that other young people can receive the support and opportunities that helped him.
Founded on real-life experiences
The Richard Riakporhe Foundation is founded on real-life experiences, strong community values, and a commitment to creating places where young people feel safe, included, and empowered. We support young people who have been in care, those who are neurodivergent, and anyone at risk of being left out, exploited, or isolated. We believe that every young person should feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to build a promising future.
We bring together sport, mentoring, personal growth, and wellbeing support in our work. This helps young people build confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of self. We always focus on what young people need, employing a trauma-informed approach and fostering long-term relationships rather than providing quick fixes. We believe that trust, consistency, and emotional safety are key, and that real progress takes time.
Our values guide everything we do
We help young people discover their strengths and build confidence in themselves. We ensure that everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of their background or identity. We value consistency because stability helps people grow. We build strong communities by creating support networks for young people. We also encourage emotional, physical, and personal growth through activities, role models, and real opportunities.
We are committed to making lasting change. We aim to expand our programmes across London and establish a Multi-Borough Safe Spaces Network, providing young people with stability, support, and new opportunities. This vision comes from Richard’s own journey and is our promise that every young person should have the chance to overcome challenges and build a hopeful future.
