For the second time, the council entrusted me with their impressive mobile classroom, giving me the chance to host an extraordinary event focused on friendship and collaboration. This session brought together refugee women from two local areas, the Driffield Afternoon WI and the local high school girls’ rugby team, all aboard the educational classroom, generously provided by East Riding Council and funded by the Humberside Learning Consortium. 

The bus found the perfect home in the Driffield Rugby Union Club car park (through the Impact 25 partnership programme). The club went above and beyond by providing access to their facilities, hot water, and even a special visit from the Driffield RUFC Woldswomen ladies’ rugby team captain. It was a highlight for many attendees, but the event didn’t stop there.  The Impact 25 coordinator also brought along pupils from the high school’s girls’ rugby team, whose enthusiasm was contagious. They shared their passion for the sport and eagerly engaged with all participants, creating an atmosphere of energy and excitement.

This event was more than just a meet-and-greet. It sparked important conversations about shared resources and the potential for future collaborations. Ideas like walking rugby and another conversation café in the Driffield area were discussed, planting the seeds for what could become valuable community initiatives. And, of course, no event is complete without delicious treats – everyone enjoyed a wonderful mix of cakes and Arabic sweets!

I’m incredibly grateful to all the amazing people who continue to support the conversation café model and help foster these kinds of collaborations. Initiatives like the England Rugby and WI partnership have allowed me to engage more stakeholders in the WI and, just as importantly, reach out to young people at the local high school.  By bringing together such diverse groups, I’m hopeful that this event will inspire several community projects over the next six months. With the WI involved, the future looks bright for building connections, supporting each other, and making a real impact in our community.