Why it matters: The Emulate project offers young men aged 16-24 a safe space to connect, learn from role models and develop skills through music and media, with participants now stepping into leadership roles by putting on their own event.
The details: The group is hosting Alchemy, a fundraising gig at the Smokehouse on South Street on Thursday, 18 December, from 19:30 to 23:00. The night will feature local hip hop artists including Louie Brown, Rorie Dines, L.A.Muse, Generation We, DJ Rizz and MC Spice.
Proceeds will be donated to ICM and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
What is Emulate: The weekly group is a collaboration between Ipswich Community Media (ICM), Community Praxis and MEN2BE. It provides a space for young men to come together, talk about subjects that matter, hear from guests and local role models, and participate in experiences exploring diverse topics from woodland to faith to making music.
Young men come to the group for a range of reasons, including exclusion, loneliness, wellbeing challenges, lack of direction or opportunity. The social club approach helps to build capacity within the group to develop relationships and find meaning and purpose in life.
What they're saying: Participants describe how the project has changed their lives.
"Emulate is the only thing in the week [where] I get to talk and be with other people," one participant said.
Another added: "I felt lost. No idea what to do with my life or who to turn to, but Emulate has given me a safe space to search for clues," while a third said: "When I saw this project advertised, it took me just a moment to realise why didn't this exist already."
The bigger picture: Each participant is taking on a different role in the run-up to the event and during the night itself, putting into practice the project's philosophy that to emulate something or somebody is to challenge and grow.
The bottom line: This is not just a gig – it is young men finding their voice, taking on responsibility and demonstrating how change happens when people are given the support to discover their potential. Tickets cost just £3 and can be purchased below.
