During the financial year, Igbo Union Essex and Suffolk (IUES) continued to make a positive impact on both its members and the wider community across Essex and Suffolk by promoting cultural heritage, social inclusion, education, and community cohesion. The Union organised and supported a range of cultural events, including celebrations of the traditional New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), which brought together people from diverse backgrounds to learn about and experience Igbo culture through music, dance, food, arts, and traditional ceremonies. These events helped preserve cultural heritage while fostering intercultural understanding and community integration. The Union also provided community support programmes, offering assistance and encouragement to members and families facing social and personal challenges. Through its focus on mutual support and togetherness, the organisation helped strengthen community resilience and reduce social isolation among members of the African and wider local communities. A key area of impact was youth development and mentoring. The Union delivered mentoring initiatives and educational support aimed at empowering young people through leadership development, skills acquisition, cultural education, and positive role modelling. These activities contributed to increased confidence, personal growth, and community engagement among younger members. The organisation further promoted social integration and inclusion by creating opportunities for newcomers and migrant families to build networks, access community support, and participate in social, recreational, and cultural activities. This helped individuals adapt more easily to life in the United Kingdom while maintaining a connection to their cultural identity. In addition, the Union encouraged community participation, volunteering, and partnership working, strengthening relationships between residents, families, local groups, and other stakeholders across Essex and Suffolk. These activities enhanced social cohesion and fostered a stronger sense of belonging among participants. Overall, the activities delivered by Igbo Union Essex and Suffolk during the financial year contributed significantly to cultural preservation, youth empowerment, social inclusion, community well-being, and the strengthening of community relationships across Essex and Suffolk

During the financial year, Igbo Union Essex and Suffolk (IUES) actively engaged with its key stakeholders, including members, community leaders, families, volunteers, youth participants, and the wider local community. Feedback was gathered through members' meetings, executive committee meetings, social gatherings, cultural events, and direct communication channels to understand community needs and priorities. Consultation with members highlighted the importance of maintaining cultural heritage, supporting newly arrived families, promoting youth development, and strengthening community welfare initiatives. As a result, the Union continued to organise cultural celebrations, mentoring programmes, and community support activities that reflected the interests and needs identified by stakeholders. The Union also engaged with parents and young people regarding educational, social, and skills-development opportunities. Feedback from these groups informed the design of mentoring and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at improving participation, leadership skills, and cultural awareness among younger members. In planning major events such as the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), the Union consulted members, volunteers, performers, community representatives, and partner organisations to ensure activities were inclusive, culturally appropriate, and accessible to the wider public. This collaborative approach helped strengthen community engagement and encouraged broader participation in the Union's activities. The views and suggestions obtained from stakeholders were considered by the Executive Committee when setting priorities, planning programmes, allocating resources, and identifying future opportunities to improve services and community impact. Through ongoing consultation, Igbo Union Essex and Suffolk ensured that its activities remained responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries and contributed positively to community cohesion and well-being across Essex and Suffolk

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration