Ipswich Star

For a number of generations, Ipswich has welcomed an array of different cultures and communities from around the world. This was never more controversial, however, than in late 2022, when a town centre hotel became home to dozens of asylum seekers. The decision to use the hotel exclusively to house asylum seekers was met with opposition from many, including the borough council, its leader, and the town’s MP. Concerns were raised over a loss of jobs at the site, while the move ignited debate around immigration generally, which has continued since. At the heart of the matter, however, was those who risked their lives travelling to the UK, who now found themselves in limbo awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim, often with no idea how long the process would take. This was lost, however, amid social media reaction to the news, while anti-immigration protests were also held outside the hotel. In an attempt to keep our reporting balanced, while also serving all of Ipswich’s varied communities, our reporter Abygail Fossett used her relationship with the local refugee centre, through which she was put into exclusive contact with three asylum seekers who were comfortable talking about their experiences on record. She was told shocking tales of desperate people who had been threatened at gunpoint, forced to leave their families behind and risk their lives in search of a better life. Now, more than a year on and there is no end in sight for the saga. Asylum seekers remain housed there indefinitely awaiting a decision on their claims. Throughout this time, we have continued to report on the situation responsibility, with compassion for those involved. Our team always have inclusivity at the heart of their reporting, which has ensured the Ipswich Star speaks to all cultures and communities in the town and surrounding areas. Those who have made their homes in the town are fortunate to have a number of well-established support networks, such as BSC Multicultural Services – who this month celebrated their landmark 25th anniversary of helping to make the town more inclusive – and the Karibu African Women’s Support Group. The latter have regularly featured for their work, whether that’s unveiling a mural for three members who died after from Covid, to the search for the town’s best jollof rice – a popular west African dish made slightly differently in each culture and family. To mark this year’s Black History Month, Abygail spoke to a number of their members, including the founder Lara Uzokwe, on the group’s journey and critical role in both supporting African women in Ipswich, and keeping their culture and identity ‘alive’ thousands of miles away. Ahead of another key event in the calendar, Abygail spoke to a transgender activist sharing her story for the first time as part of our coverage for International Women’s Day. As well as describing womanhood as “euphoric”, she also spoke of her hopes, through her work with Suffolk Pride, of helping to nurture the town's growing LGBTQ+ community.