THE HIVE TEAM
Meet Cad, Bopper and Monika, the team who set up the Hive:
Cad Taylor
I grew up in Suffolk, with a particular passion and interest for people, I am interested in connecting people and making spaces for people to come together. Having worked in creative organisations, such as New Wolsey and the Pacitti company, or cultural projects, I found my spiritual home in local community work. Working on mental health projects, media, youth and radio workshops and running events that offer showcase spaces for local brilliant new music and spoken word.
I recognise that the best work comes from partnerships, and working together with organisations to build trust and connections so that everyone feels they can engage and take part, and living and working in and around Norwich Road means that i have built up deep relationships with many of the local residents, crucial to ensuring we have real and meaningful.
Email - cad@usethehive.org.uk
Bopper Rankin
I was born just off the Norwich Road, growing up in a Caribbean community with cultural, music and people coming together being core to my experiences. I have been passionate about music ever since I can remember and also Ipswich, where I became a community leader, through sound systems and music.
My own life experiences drew me to community and youth work, as I felt deeply as though I could relate to the young people and take them on a positive journey , building their self esteem and sense of identity.
I have run so many events and community activities including an annual Black History Month event and now I have arrived at the point where I want to develop these life chances for other people and provide positive role models to my neighbourhood. I am a teacher and mentor in a school, but want to develop more bespoke learning and events for people of all ages , through the new Hive space, and I also feel I can bring people from my own community who need a space to come together.
Monika Puchala
I’m an immigrant from Easteran Europe. I’m bilingual and I’m trying to connect two cultures in my daily life. I came to the UK 7 years ago and immediately I started to work to improve my language. By attending English classes I was encouraged to look for new opportunities in my life. My personal commitment was always to help others and I found my place in volunteering.
In 2018 I became Community Champion in Ipswich Community Media This involved me in a lot of very personal situations. I supported emotional people in need but as well provided information about local services, education, employment and volunteering. I translated letters and assisted and interpreted during appointments for example in hospitals, surgeries, schools.
In June 2018 I joined Community Action Suffolk as Diversity and Inclusion Worker in Buddy Up scheme. My passion reflects in my work by being with people, speaking with them and giving them all possible opportunities. This is my personal vision of an inclusive society where everything is based on respect and communication.
During the first national lockdown my contribution for the community was recognized by BBC Suffolk Radio and I was awarded with certificate “Make a difference”. In June 2021 Ipswich Community Media Community Champions received Suffolk Adults Learners Award in category Health and Wellbeing Impact. I’m really proud of this awards not because of them but because it always gives a chance to see that every little person can change something. My very personal success was my GCSE in English language. It really boosted my confidence and with the “More Than Mum” project and their mentoring I was able to apply for my present job. I would like to be the best example for my community, for my children and build all possible bridges to better understanding each other.
Monika won the High Sheriff award for her work at Ipswich Community Media in October 2021, Monika continues to inspire us all with her dedication to our community.