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Homelessness charity offers grants up to £15,000 for local projects

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Hopestead, a part of Flagship Group, has launched its fourth round of 'Hope Funds', offering grants up to £15,000 for charities and social enterprises tackling homelessness in East Anglia.

Why it matters: The fund aims to support organisations that prevent homelessness, increase housing options, or reduce its impact on children amid increasing pressure on local services.

Representatives of charities and groups that benefitted from funding in round three of Hope Funds
Representatives of charities and groups benefitted from funding in round three of Hope Funds. Round four of the Hopestead campaign has now opened for applications.Hopestead

The big picture: Applications are open to registered charities, social enterprises, and community groups in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire until 30 August.

By the numbers:

  • Up to £150,000 will be awarded in total this round

  • Previous rounds have supported over 30 charities

  • More than 29,000 people have been helped so far

What they're saying: Marie-Claire Delbrouque, Hopestead's chief executive, said: "This campaign is needed now more than ever with those working locally in the homelessness sector telling us their services are oversubscribed, overwhelmed and underfunded."

Julia Hanock, charity manager at Selig Suffolk, added: "We are working on a project to end homelessness through employment, and the Hopestead funding is helping us to subsidise people's rent while they're working."

How to apply: Visit www.hopestead.org/apply-for-funding or email weare@hopestead.org for more information.

The bottom line: Hopestead aims to end homelessness in the East of England by tackling its root causes and building long-term, sustainable solutions through partnerships with like-minded organisations.

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Police granted extra time to question teenager suspected of murdering Billy McNicholl

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Detectives investigating the death of William "Billy" McNicholl have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a teenage murder suspect. The extension was approved by Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 January.

Why it matters: The extension gives detectives crucial additional time to question the suspect in what has become a complex murder investigation involving multiple suspects.

The big picture: McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • After an initial 12-hour superintendent's extension, officers secured a warrant for a further 24 hours of questioning time.

  • The additional detention period will end on Friday 24 January.

  • The 17-year-old suspect has been held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre since his arrest on Wednesday.

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April.

Bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101.

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