Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

College clothing donation inspired by staff member's lived experience

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A Suffolk New College staff member who once relied on food banks has helped coordinate a donation of 15 bags of clothes to an Ipswich homeless charity, saying the organisation's work is "incredible".

The big picture: The donation to The Bus Shelter marks the second year of support from the college, building on their previous food parcel contributions in 2023. Around 30 students and staff participated in the clothing collection.

Why it matters: With the cost of living continuing to impact families across Ipswich, personal experiences are helping break down stigma around accessing support services.

Ben Ransby and Cherese Bradnum from Suffolk New College handed over 15 bags of clothes to the Bus Shelter in Ipswich
Ben Ransby and Cherese Bradnum from Suffolk New College handed over 15 bags of clothes to the Bus Shelter in IpswichSuffolk New College.

What they're saying: The initiative was led by Cherese Bradnum, curriculum co-ordinator for foundation learning at Suffolk New College . "There is a stigma about using foodbanks and organisations like this - but there shouldn't be. I was a single mum, and I relied on a food bank. It was a lifeline," she said.

The Bus Shelter, founded by Gareth Brenland eight years ago, relies on community support. "The more help we get means the more help we can give," he said.

Bottom line: As local organisations continue to support The Bus Shelter's work with Ipswich's homeless community, personal stories are helping challenge perceptions about accessing vital support services.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article