BECOME AN ICM VOLUNTEER
"Volunteering has given me the opportunity to meet new people, socialise and get out of the house. It’s the best thing in my life."
Isha, Community Champion
At the core of what we do is the belief that anyone can be a volunteer no matter who they are or where they come from.
Volunteering with ICM is a two way street. We aim to make sure our volunteers get as much out of the experience as the people and communities they help. There is little restriction to volunteering. Anyone can get involved. ICM volunteers come from all age-groups and all walks of life. Young people and adults, people of different genders, people from different communities of interest and ethnicity.
Volunteer with us
Volunteering helps to develop new and existing skills, to gain confidence and help to get into work.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with ICM, please get in touch with us via hello@ipswichcm.org.uk
We are very proud of all of our volunteers. Read Eric's story opposite about volunteering with our Integration team.
Volunteering helps to develop new and existing skills, to gain confidence and help to get into work.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with ICM, please get in touch with us via hello@ipswichcm.org.uk
We are very proud of all of our volunteers. Read Eric's story below about his journey with ICM as a volunteer.
ERIC'S STORY
Eric moved to Ipswich in 2005 but his journey with ICM began in 2016. After facing a long bout of ill-health, he was made redundant as a critical disease and other complications left him unfit for work. This was a devastating blow and went on to lead to mental health struggles as he became more isolated. His health condition meant making appointments with Ipswich hospital was a necessity, but this was difficult due to his limited English at the time.
He also wanted to improve his English to open new employment opportunities. A colleague told him about ICM and he got in touch after picking up a leaflet. At first it was extremely difficult, as he battled mental health challenges to come to the classes where he could only speak a few words of English. However, he progressed quickly with the help of tutors Linda and Janet, who he says are so generous with their time and can always find a way to teach you anything.
Eric reveals that Linda is like a local celebrity, as he is constantly meeting people in the community who have been taught by her years ago. Meeting people and making friends through classes and the volunteering he does has really changed Eric’s life around. It is a consensus with Eric and his friends that if you have any problem, ICM will find a way to solve it. Anything you need, ICM can help. For example, ICM runs workshops on how different systems in the UK work, such as the NHS, schools and bank accounts.
This notion is returned by Eric, who has the philosophy “if I can help, I will help”.
At first, he needed help communicating with the GP and bank; now he helps his family and friends to do this. For example, he communicated with a friend’s workplace when they had Covid19, and he cares for his mother who requires hospital appointments. As a confident English speaker with an entry level 3 qualification, he has plans to open his own Polish food business. He is a skilled chef and particularly loves making dumplings. He even smokes his own sausages and makes sourdough bread for his friends every week, using his 7-year-old sourdough starter. Eric reflects that “from my heart, I feel that ICM is like a second family to me” and he thanks them for changing his life in every way. Eric now volunteers in ESOL classes and at ICM events and is an integral member of the volunteers team.
ERIC'S STORY
Eric’s journey with ICM began in 2016. After facing a long bout of ill-health, he was made redundant as a critical disease and other complications left him unfit for work. His health condition meant making appointments with Ipswich hospital was a necessity, but this was difficult due to his limited English at the time.
He also wanted to improve his English to open new employment opportunities. A colleague told him about ICM. At first it was extremely difficult, as he battled mental health challenges to come to the classes where he could only speak a few words of English. However, he progressed quickly with the help of tutors Linda and Janet, who he says are so generous with their time and can always find a way to teach you anything.
It is a consensus with Eric and his friends that if you have any problem, ICM will find a way to solve it. Anything you need, ICM can help. For example, ICM runs workshops on how different systems in the UK work, such as the NHS, schools and bank accounts.
This notion is returned by Eric, who has the philosophy “if I can help, I will help”.
Now he helps his family and friends. As a confident English speaker with an entry level 3 qualification, he has plans to open his own Polish food business. Eric reflects that “from my heart, I feel that ICM is like a second family to me” and he thanks them for changing his life in every way. Eric now volunteers in ESOL classes and at ICM events and is an integral member of the volunteers team.
Stay up to date with all of the latest from ICM and get a 'behind the scenes' look into the work we do.
BECOME AN ICM TRUSTEE
Are you passionate about challenging inequality and using learning and creativity to empower people?
To grow our charity, we need authentic, skilled and committed individuals to join our Board.
We are currently looking for general Trustees, and a Fundraising Trustee.
WHAT WE DO:
We provide the following free sessions every week to our local community:
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English as a second language (ESOL) to over 130 learners from over 21 different nationalities
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Music and media sessions to young people who face exclusion from school and struggle in regular educational settings. As well as young people who are at risk or already in the criminal justice system
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One-to-one tuition to young people with learning disabilities in radio production
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The opportunity for young people to explore and develop skills in music production, radio and performance
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Sessions in music and creativity for children in one of the most deprived and diverse wards in Suffolk
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Volunteering opportunities through our projects and local events and partnerships
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates will be asked to submit a CV and personal statement demonstrating their suitability for the role
If you have any questions about the role or would like an informal chat about our work, please get in touch via hello@ipswichcm.org.uk we’d be pleased to hear from you.
WHO ARE WE?
Ipswich Community Media (ICM) is a rapidly growing grassroots charity working based in the Westgate Ward in Ipswich, one of the most deprived wards in the country and the most diverse ward in Suffolk. Launched in 2015 by a group of people with a shared vision to serve the local community, we run free weekly sessions in music, media, creative arts and language learning.
Through innovative and engaging methods, we are able to boost self-esteem, interpersonal, social skills, group working and provide pathways to employment and volunteer opportunities.
Our mission is to challenge inequality by empowering people to transform their lives through learning and creativity.
Work for us
VACANCY: SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team, this new role is designed to identify, test and develop opportunities for growth and development for ICM to grow existing income and develop new income streams. Areas of focus to include education, accreditation, exam delivery, schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), health sector.
Facilities Manager
We're looking for an Facilities Manager to oversee our new premesis.
Read and download the full job description here: Facilities Manager
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and covering letter outlining why you are suitable for the role to hello@ipswichcm.org.uk
Application deadline: 9am Monday 19th February
Interviews: Week commencing 26th February
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
To be responsible for the set up and management of a multi-use commercial property, including security, health and safety, maintenance, and other services - Ensuring the needs of the organisation, employees and visitors are met.
Job Vacancies
VACANCY: SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team, this new role is designed to identify, test and develop opportunities for growth and development for ICM to grow existing income and develop new income streams. Areas of focus to include education, accreditation, exam delivery, schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), health sector.