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

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East of England Co-op opens £110,000 community grant scheme

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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 community fund that has supported hundreds of local charities and helped over 146,000 people across East Anglia is accepting new applications for grants of up to £5,000.

Why it matters: The East of England Co-op's Community Cares Fund represents a significant investment in local communities, with £110,000 available in this latest funding round.

In-person support group hosted by Hearing Help Essex
In-person support group hosted by Hearing Help Essex Hearing Help Essex

By the numbers:

  • More than 146,000 people supported since 2020

  • Over 600 charities and organisations helped this year

  • Grants available from £1,000 to £5,000

Making a difference: The fund supports projects that:

  • Combat social isolation

  • Improve community wellbeing

  • Create better access to social activities

  • Help people into education or work

  • Provide vital advice services

Behind the initiative: "At the East of England Co-op, community is at the heart of everything we do," said Angela Carpenter, Community Support Manager. "Together, we can help build a brighter, more resilient future for everyone."

The bottom line: Community groups and charities in Ipswich have until 2 December 2024 to apply for funding. Visit https://www.eastofengland.coop/community/community-cares-fund

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

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FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

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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

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

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

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