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How Suffolk businesses can access affordable mental health training

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Local businesses looking to improve workplace mental health can now access more affordable training through Suffolk Mind's new packages, with options tailored to different organisation sizes and needs.

Why it matters: According to research by Deloitte, mental health training in the workplace can deliver a return of £4.70 for every £1 invested through reduced staff absences and improved productivity.

The big picture: Mental ill health currently costs UK employers £51 billion annually. Suffolk Mind says this figure could be "drastically lower" if more businesses engaged in mental health training, making their new cost-effective packages particularly timely.

Jon Neal launching The Mental Health Toolkit at a packed-out launch event at Venue 16 in Ipswich
Jon Neal launching The Mental Health Toolkit at a packed-out launch event at Venue 16 in IpswichSuffolk Mind

The details: Suffolk Mind has introduced four tiered packages for the Mental Health Toolkit. Each package builds on the previous one and includes:

  • Training tailored to different roles, including management and HR

  • Display materials like posters and graphics

  • Support using Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs and Resources approach

  • Optional ongoing support from an account manager

What they're saying: "Since launching The Mental Health Toolkit in 2022 we have been overwhelmed by the response from businesses both in Suffolk and the wider UK," says Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind.

Lynn Rozier, director at Blue Star Human Resources, adds: "The services provided by The Mental Health Toolkit are extremely valuable to businesses – they are very straightforward and really help managers gain a better understanding of mental health."

Bottom line: Businesses interested in accessing the new training packages can find more information at www.thementalhealthtoolkit.co.uk/packages.

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

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