This summer at ICM has been one to remember, filled with vibrant events, new faces, and wonderful opportunities to connect with our community. We spent the summer attending a variety of festivals and outings, engaging with locals and spreading the word about the work we do at ICM. It was a summer full of music, culture, and adventure.
Our journey began with Ipswich Music Day and the Indian Summer Mela, where we set up our stalls and met so many wonderful people. From lively tunes to colourful celebrations, these events gave us a chance to share our message and introduce more people to our projects and integration work. The energy was infectious, and it was great to see such a diverse crowd enjoying the festivities.
We also teamed up with our friends from the Ipswich Romanian Community at Global Rhythms and the BME Summer Fayre. The music was vibrant, the atmosphere electric, and it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness of Ipswich. At each event, we spoke with attendees about ICM, encouraging them to get involved, whether as learners, volunteers, or supporters of our mission.
One of the highlights of the summer for our Integration Team and learners was a serene trip to Flatford Mill, set amidst beautiful countryside with lush greenery all around. The day was spent exploring nature, learning about plants and foraging with the expert guidance of Jon Tyler. Our group even had the chance to try freshly brewed tea made from local herbs and flowers – a unique experience that connected us all to the natural world in a truly refreshing way.
Another unforgettable outing took us to Bawdsey and Felixstowe, where we took the ferry across the river and spent the day walking along the Suffolk coastline. Jon Tyler once again shared his knowledge of wild plants, and we sampled samphire along the way, followed by a delicious fennel and rose petal tea. The day was a beautiful opportunity to appreciate the stunning Suffolk coast while learning something new.
For many of our learners, these trips to the countryside are not just fun days out but important steps in integrating into their new surroundings, offering a chance to connect with nature and build a sense of belonging in their new home.
In August, we also had a fantastic time at the Cultural Community Day organised by our partners Future Female Society in Christchurch Park. The event was a vibrant celebration of Ipswich’s diverse communities, and it was important for us to be there, not only to celebrate but to engage directly with people who might not have heard about our work before.
Most recently we were delighted to be part of the annual One Big Multicultural Festival in Alexandra Park, alongside so many of our brilliant partner organisations. The event is always such a joyous, colourful and fun display of the many incredible cultures and communities that call Ipswich home.
Our Director Bruce clearly loves having his photo taken!
Events like these are crucial for our outreach efforts, as they allow us to meet new people face-to-face, share our programmes, and invite them to join our community. Direct outreach is a key part of what we do because it helps us reach people where they are and creates opportunities for them to engage with ICM in ways that feel meaningful and accessible.
Bringing our learners and volunteers out to the countryside, whether it’s a peaceful day at Flatford Mill or a seaside stroll at Bawdsey, is also an important part of our integration work.
These outings give our learners a chance to explore the beauty of Suffolk, connect with nature, and spend time with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It’s more than just a day out – it’s a way of deepening connections to their community and creating lasting memories as they continue their journey with ICM.
This summer has been full of growth, connection, and celebration for us, and we’re already looking forward to what the autumn has in store. Thank you to everyone who joined us, volunteered, or stopped by our stalls – your support means the world to us!
Comments