ROOTS COMMUNITY CAFÉ, OUR ORIGIN STORY

Like all good origin stories, ours began quietly. Not with capes or superpowers, but with a simple, very human idea, that food can bring people together.

In early 2025 we were awarded funding to explore food sustainability. The timing could not have been better. We had already started imagining what a community café might look like for ICM. The idea had grown out of a series of coproduction workshops with Public Health, where our diverse volunteers and community champions repeatedly told us they wanted a warm, welcoming space where people could eat, learn and connect.

The fund came through a collaboration between Ipswich Borough Council and the CAS Community Food Partnership team. Its purpose was simple but ambitious. To strengthen and sustain local food systems by supporting voluntary and community groups to build long-term resilience, inspire local solutions and help people access fresh, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

For us, this meant testing ideas, learning new skills and piloting small projects that would shape the future of our café.

Our learners and volunteers growing herbs on ICM's windowsills.

We became the first charitable member of the Oak Tree Community Farm, receiving weekly veg boxes to share across our team of community champions.

Delicious healthy fresh veg boxes.

We joined farm days to learn how to care for the produce we’d later cook with.

Growing food isn’t just practical, it's movement, fresh air and calm. Gardening boosts wellbeing, reduces stress and builds confidence, all while strengthening our connection to the land and to each other.

Green fingered work at Oak Tree Community Farm.

Health and wellbeing are central to what we do. So we began working with local chefs to provide healthy, home-cooked meals for our social clubs and community events. Our team also completed food hygiene and safety training so we could build something safe, professional and rooted in care.

All of this work, the growing, the cooking, the learning, has prepared us for the next chapter.

And then, just as our plans were taking shape, we received additional capital funding from the ASDA Foundation to help bring the café to life. This support will allow us to complete essential works and renovations to the space. It’s a huge step forward and means we can build a space that works for everyone.

Some our BRILLIANT team of staff and volunteers helping get the café ready.

How did we come up with the name for the café?

We were lucky enough to receive National Lottery Community funding to work with more than 40 of our participants, alongside internationally renowned street artist Atma and the Art Eat Events team. Through a series of creative workshops, we explored ideas for a mural that could truly represent our community.

What came through again and again were the many different routes that have brought people to Ipswich. Some have arrived seeking safety from conflict. Others have moved to find work, education or opportunities for their families. Many have travelled long distances to build a new life, carrying their memories, cultures and hopes with them. From these journeys, new roots are being put down every day.

As we talked, drew and shared stories, the mural began to take shape around this idea of roots and belonging.

The final design tells a powerful story of origin and connection: hands offering a bouquet, patterns and colour flowing into Ipswich. It’s a celebration of diversity, generosity, unity and hope, the values at the heart of our community.

Roots is a celebration our brilliant, diverse community. But none of this would have been possible without one man: Don Young.

Don was an ICM trustee, a huge champion of ICM and a generous philanthropist who believed deeply in what we do. Don sadly passed away earlier this year, and with him we lost a great friend. A kind, thoughtful, funny, decent human being who wanted nothing more than to see our community thrive.

We’re proud to dedicate this new space to Don, a place rooted in the values he lived by: welcome, kindness and care for one another.

Our friend Don and perhaps the biggest

cabbage you have seen?

Now we’re ready to open our doors.

From 3rd to 24th December, Roots Community Café will run a festive pop-up. We’ll be serving fresh coffee, healthy homemade cakes and comforting food in a space shaped by community need and community voices.

After Christmas, we’ll take a short break while renovation plans unfold. Then, in the new year, we’ll relaunch with a fuller menu and a café that reflects everything we value at ICM: belonging, creativity, nourishment and care.

Roots Community Café is a place where people can grow together. A space made possible by partnership, resilience and the belief that every community deserves good food and good company.

And this is just the beginning.

Huge thanks to the ASDA Foundation for supporting the café.