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Ipswich parkrun suspended due to ground damage at Chantry Park

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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

The popular Ipswich parkrun at Chantry Park has been cancelled for several weeks after council officials requested the event be suspended due to ground damage from wet weather.

Why it matters: Hundreds of runners who regularly participate in the free weekly 5km event will need to find alternative running locations while organisers work with the council on a solution.

The big picture: The parkrun committee announced on Facebook they have been asked to "rest" Chantry Park due to the impact of continued footfall across what has been "a very wet autumn and winter so far."

Ipswich parkrun sign at Chantry Park in Ipswich
The popular Ipswich parkrun at Chantry Park has been cancelled for several weeks after council officials requested the event be suspended due to ground damage from wet weathIpswich Parkrun

Behind the scenes: Organisers have been attempting to modify existing routes to continue the event, which has been running since 2012. "We've been working hard with the council to see if we can tweak one of our current routes and it just hasn't been possible," the committee said.

What's next: The parkrun will be cancelled "for the following few weeks" while organisers work with both the council and parkrun UK to develop a new plan.

The bottom line: Organisers have promised to update runners as soon as they have news to share, expressing hope to see participants "back in Ipswich very soon."

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

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

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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