Ipswich charity awarded £10,000 to strengthen community ties

Why it matters: The Westgate-based charity works with people from over 25 nationalities, teaching English to more than 200 learners each week and supporting refugees, migrants and those facing social and economic disadvantage.

The details: The grant has been awarded through the Common Ground Awards, a government programme distributing over £2 million to more than 200 grassroots organisations across England.

• Founded in 2015, Ipswich Community Media is an award-winning charity based in Westgate Ward.
• It supports over 60 children and young people through creative projects each week.
• The charity works with more than 30 volunteers across its programmes, which focus on learning, creativity and inclusion through music, media and the arts.

What they're saying: Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said: "I am really pleased that Ipswich Community Media has received this funding.

"Their work plays a vital role in bringing people together across Ipswich, particularly in diverse communities like Westgate, creating opportunities for connection and strengthening our community.

"This investment will help them reach even more people and continue to make a real difference locally."

Minister for Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "I've seen first-hand the extraordinary work being done up and down the country to bring people together – creating spaces where new friendships form and communities grow stronger.

"This funding backs those organisations to keep doing what they do best: building the bridges that help people find their common ground, forge new bonds, and make their communities more resilient as a result."

The bigger picture: The government says the Common Ground Awards are designed to back local organisations tackling division, social isolation and the pressures facing communities, including the rising cost of living. Funded projects range from community hubs and kitchens to sports, cycling, gardening and cultural initiatives.

The scheme forms part of the government's wider Protecting What Matters strategy, which also includes the Pride in Place programme investing £5.8 billion in neighbourhoods across the UK – including £40 million for Stoke Park and Whitehouse in Ipswich.

The bottom line: The funding will help Ipswich Community Media expand its work in one of the town's most diverse wards, supporting learners, young people and volunteers through creative and educational programmes.

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