Independent Chair appointed to drive decade of community-led investment in St Raphael's

Priyesh Patel has been appointed in the role of Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Board that will decide how £20 million will be spent to improve St Raphael’s – part of the government’s Pride in Place programme – over the next 10 years.

Pride in Place is a major government investment programme, designed to deliver visible improvements in places across the country that are facing high inequalities.

Priyesh will lead the St Raphael’s Neighbourhood Board, which will develop a long-term plan for the area and ensure that decisions about how the money is spent are made by and for local people.

A proud St Raphs resident, Priyesh has been involved in civic and community life in Brent from a young age – including through Brent Youth Parliament and later training and presenting with Brent Youth Radio. Priyesh has a strong interest in interfaith work across the borough and has supported charitable and community initiatives within local faith spaces in Stonebridge, alongside his involvement with Brent Multi Faith Forum.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "The real strength of Pride in Place is that it puts local people in the driving seat, backed by the money to deliver lasting change for the area. Priyesh brings a wealth of experience leading grassroots projects. Combined with the trust and respect he has earned as a local resident and community leader, he is exceptionally well placed to ensure a wide range of voices help shape this once-in-a-generation investment."

Dawn Butler MP for Brent East said: “I believe Priyesh brings strong local knowledge and connections, leadership and the community focus needed to support the successful delivery of a groundbreaking programme like Pride in Place.

"I have the utmost confidence that he will work constructively with residents, local partners and stakeholders to ensure that St Raphael’s embodies its full potential and becomes a neighbourhood where the community has a genuine stake in its flourishing and development. I look forward to working with Priyesh in his capacity as Chair and supporting him as we, alongside the people of St Raphael’s, deliver real change through the Pride in Place programme.”

Priyesh said: "St Raphael’s is my home, and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work directly with residents and community groups to shape how this investment can create an even greater sense of pride in the area we live in. Whether it’s going for a walk along the River Brent, enjoying our green spaces or seeing what’s new at the Sufra garden, I’m reminded how much potential there already is within our community to do even more.

"I've got experience in the cohesion and faith sector as well as from the world of local government and qualitative research, and I want to use this to work with the community. Residents in St Raph’s want delivery, and they are best placed to determine what is right for the area. My role will be to advocate for residents to lead the way in shaping how this investment can bring about meaningful and lasting change."

St Raphael’s is one of two Brent neighbourhoods selected to receive Pride in Place funding over the next decade, alongside Harlesden.

If you have an idea for how the money should be spent in St Raphael’s or Harlesden, share it with the Neighbourhood Board by filling out an online form.