About Us

Ipswich Romanian Community is a volunteer-led Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to bringing people together through culture, education, wellbeing and community engagement. Our purpose is to create opportunities for Romanian-speaking communities to thrive while encouraging inclusion, participation and stronger connections within the wider community.

We believe that preserving cultural identity and embracing integration go hand in hand. Through volunteering, partnerships and community-led initiatives, we help people build confidence, access opportunities, develop new skills and celebrate the richness of Romanian heritage.

Everything we do is built around people. Whether supporting a newcomer to settle in the UK, organising cultural celebrations, delivering educational programmes or working alongside local organisations, our goal remains the same: to create a welcoming, inclusive and connected community where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute and succeed.

Today, Ipswich Romanian Community continues to work with local authorities, charities, schools, community organisations and volunteers to deliver projects that make a lasting difference across Ipswich and Suffolk.

To empower Romanian-speaking individuals in Ipswich and Suffolk through education, cultural exchange, and community support. 

We aim to build a welcoming environment where everyone speaking Romanian—regardless of origin—feels they belong and are valued. Through workshops, events, dance, English lessons, and more, we make inclusion active. 

We believe every voice matters.
We believe diversity is strength.
We believe that cultural understanding leads to stronger, safer, and more united communities.
We stand for:

• Inclusion without exception

• Support without judgement

• Unity beyond borders

Through every workshop, conversation, and event, we promote mutual respect, dignity, and the right to belong.

Ipswich Romanian Community began in 2020 as a grassroots initiative created by our Founder, Romeo Mustata, in response to the challenges experienced by Romanian-speaking families during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as informal community support quickly developed into a growing network focused on education, inclusion and cultural engagement.

In November 2021, with the support of Speak Ipswich, Ipswich Community Media and The HIVE Ipswich, we launched our first English language and community engagement sessions, laying the foundations for many of the programmes that continue today.

As our work expanded, Ipswich Romanian Community was officially incorporated as a Community Interest Company (CIC) on 26 June 2023, providing a sustainable framework for long-term community development and partnership working.

Since then, our journey has been marked by a series of important milestones. We introduced annual Great Union Day celebrations, delivered free English language classes, organised wellbeing and personal development programmes, showcased Romanian traditions through folk dance performances and cultural exhibitions, and established annual family initiatives such as Let's Picnic Together and our Christmas community events.

In partnership with local organisations, we helped establish the first Romanian polling station in Ipswich for the 2024 Romanian European Parliamentary Elections, expanded Romanian-language resources at Ipswich County Library, launched the first Romanian Film Festival in Ipswich, and celebrated Romania's National Day by seeing Ipswich Town Hall illuminated in the colours of the Romanian flag for the first time.

Today, our history continues to be written through new projects, partnerships and opportunities that strengthen community cohesion, promote Romanian culture and improve the lives of Romanian-speaking residents across Suffolk.

Over the years, we've supported hundreds of individuals—from families and young people to elderly community members—through various projects focused on health, education, integration, and cultural expression.
We’ve collaborated with local councils, health services, Romanian Embassy, police departments, and educational institutions to amplify the Romanian voice and support positive change.

• Facilitating the first Romanian Traditional Festival (2025) - up to 1000 people present

• First Public Exhibition of traditional costumes and objects 2023-2024 (The Hold)

• Folk dances at festivals, with children, youth and adults since 2023

• Organizing 1st December (Romanian National Day/Great Union Day) since 2022

• Charitable christmas events for entire family since December 2022

• Let's Picnic Together/Celebrating International Children's Day - 1st june / since 2023

• Over 100 romanian books brought to the Ipswich County Library

• First Romanian Film Festival in Ipswich 2024

• Facilitating the opening of a permanent polling station for Romanians since 2024

• Our Romanian flag colour projected on Ipswich Town Hall facade since 1st December 2024, celebrating Romanian National Day

• Romanian Traditional Display at Ipswich County Library - December 2025

• Facilitating Romanian Consular Services in 2026 by strengthening collaboration and introductions between the Romanian Consulate in London, local authorities, partner organisations and the Romanian community in Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

• And many more

From art workshops to health support, our community’s words reflect the heart of our mission. 

"Thanks to IRC, I’ve gained confidence to speak English and help others."

"The events bring my children joy and help them connect with our culture."

"IRC gave me the support I needed when I felt most alone." 

"Being part of the Ipswich Romanian Community gave me a true sense of belonging."

"Through the cultural events I’ve had the chance to attend and help organise with IRC, I feel transported back to Romania — surrounded by familiar traditions, language, and warmth. It soothes my longing for home and fills my heart with a deep sense of connection."