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Ipswich charities receive £340,000 from Sizewell C community fund

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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

Two Ipswich-based charities have secured major funding boosts totalling £339,287 from the latest round of Sizewell C community grants. Home-Start in Suffolk and Headway Suffolk will use the money to expand their support services across East Suffolk.

The big picture: The funding is part of a larger £1.1m package awarded to 11 organisations in the second round of the Sizewell C Community Fund, which has now distributed £1.4m to date.

Why it matters: The grants will help two local organisations:

  • Home-Start in Suffolk receives £201,881 over two years to support families dealing with mental health, isolation and relationship difficulties.

  • Headway Suffolk gets £137,406 over three years to extend rehabilitation support sessions for people with acquired brain injuries.

Sizewell C power station construction site screen
Two Ipswich-based charities have secured major funding boosts totalling £339,287 from the latest round of Sizewell C community grantsAlamy

What they're saying: "This crucial support will enable us to increase our capacity to deliver family support in Leiston and the surrounding areas," says Tara Spence, CEO of Home-Start in Suffolk.

Helen Fairweather, CEO of Headway Suffolk, adds: "We are delighted to have been awarded this grant. In these difficult times it is refreshing to be able to offer a free service to people who have been affected by a neurological condition."

Behind the scenes: The Sizewell C Community Fund, worth £23m in total, is being administered by Suffolk Community Foundation. It awards grants to projects that promote economic, social or environmental wellbeing in communities affected by the power station's construction.

What's next: The current funding round closes to applications on Sunday, 20 April, with the next round opening the following day. Eligible charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants covering up to three years of funding.

The bottom line: While the fund primarily targets communities closest to Sizewell C, these latest awards show how its impact is reaching vital support services across the wider Suffolk area.

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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

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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