This is Z.
"This year has been one of the toughest of my life. It started off with my Dad’s dad passing away – which was like the first day we went into lockdown. I got quite down and I wasn’t talking to anyone. Wasn’t doing music, wasn’t doing anything. I was a broken little piece of mess when I found out about this group for the first time. I remember coming home and telling my mum I have a reason to live for now.
It definitely keeps you on the right tracks. Stops you from listening to yourself when you’re thinking really negative things.
It’s something to look forward to….you know there’s other people at the end of the phone who are spurring you on and thinking about you. Makes you think that maybe things can be good. Because there’s twenty people telling you that you can do it.
I literally cannot describe how much it has had an effect on my life. I probably wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for this group.
Thank you for being there. Thank you for being the people that have made all this possible."
Meet Selma.
Selma’s journey with ICM began with her attending ESOL classes. After arriving in the UK from Algeria, Selma knew little English and struggled with confidence. However, she has since become a classroom assistant and helps others who were in her position. She now plays a critical role within the community with her translation and interpretation skills with those who speak Arabic. This has been vital with Syrian refugees, who have little or no formal education.
Selma speaks openly about how, when she first came to the UK, she found it extremely difficult to settle since the loss of her home, family and work. Since becoming a Community Champion, Selma’s confidence has flourished, emphasising just how important being a volunteer and a member of this group is.
Since volunteering with us Selma has gone on to win 'Volunteer of the Year' at Suffolk Adult Learner Awards and has started working for ICM as an Administrator for Learners and Volunteers.
Our Impact
We want to make positive change in our community and we believe they deserve the very best chances in life. Your support makes a really big difference. Don't take our word for it. Hear from our participants about how ICM have supported them.
“Hello, my name is Monika, I’m a Community Champion in ICM. I see my role as a bridge between community and society. We are dedicated to helping people in the community. We are amplifiers and give a chance to be heard despite the language and cultural barrier.
I started my journey with ICM from being a learner in English classes. It boosted my confidence to the point where I started to think how I can help others, how to make their life easier and it just so happened that I became a volunteer, I became a Community Champion.
My life definitely changed this year and my Community Champion role was my path to a new career and job.
ICM gave me all opportunities to discover and rediscover all my strengths and skills. It was and still is, my safety space where I always can count on support and understanding. Being connected with ICM gave me the chance to meet so many incredible people, to meet new friends and to feel that It does matter who am I and what am I doing”
Since becoming a Community Champion, Monika is now in full time employment, her son attends our South Street Kids project and she is a proud Trustee of a new community hub in Ipswich, The Hive.
Meet David
David was referred to our Making Waves programme by the Youth Offending Service. Working one on one with his Music Tutor, David learnt that there’s a much broader music world out there and he gained the confidence to audition for a music course, which wasn’t on his radar before. He was accepted and is now studying Music at Suffolk New College.
ICM offers everyone opportunities to get involved in the local community through events and volunteering and David was no exception. He used his newly acquired musical skills to perform at a local mini festival and as a Roma speaker started translation work to support his community.
“Making Waves continues to offer a creative outlet for young people who have been alienated by the mainstream. The staff at ICM are able to help them overcome anxiety and lack of confidence through their patience and enthusiasm. Making Waves shows how positive music and media can be in allowing young people to find their voice and use a creative outlet to explore their thoughts and feelings. We look forward to referring more young people and watching them soar.” -Matt, Youth Offending Service Practitioner, Suffolk Youth Justice Service
Please note for safeguarding purposes the young persons name has been changed and a stock image has been used.
From my heart,
I feel that ICM
is like a second
family to me
-Eric, Community Champion
From my heart,
I feel that ICM
is like a second
family to me
-Eric, Community Champion
From my heart,
I feel that ICM
is like a second
family to me
-Eric, Community Champion
South Street Kids is a safe place. I feel comfortable to be there. And I can prove it’s safe coz I was able to come out to you and felt safe I could do so. But even before then it was a place to learn new skills like singing and podcasting and to meet new friends. I’ve met new friends. It’s a good, safe place to be and I’m glad I’m a part of it.
-Adam, South Street Kids
I started coming to South Street Kids when I was younger to do music and dancing and all the fun stuff and now, I’m a youth worker with South Street Kids and have my dream job with the County Council working in my community to support others. I love being part of ICM, everything started from there!
-Ben, Youth Worker, South Street Kids
Help us to continue our work by donating to our Christmas Appeal!
For one week only (28th Nov - 5th Dec) your donations will be DOUBLED through the Big Give.
