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Local homelessness charity joins Suffolk's giant hare art trail

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Hopestead, an East of England homelessness charity, has announced its sponsorship of the Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 art trail, aiming to highlight the health challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.

The big picture: The art trail raises funds for the hospice and engages local communities with the specialist care provided to patients and families living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses.

Why it matters: The trail raises vital funds for St Elizabeth Hospice while allowing Hopestead to raise awareness about homelessness. According to Hopestead, people who have lived on the streets have a life expectancy of 30 years lower than those with secure housing.

St Elizabeth Hospice CEO Judi Newman, right, and a few colleagues with some of the hare sculptures from the upcoming Hop to it! art trail
St Elizabeth Hospice health care assistant Jess Horlock, registered nurse Emma Cooper and CEO Judi Newman, with a few hares from the upcoming Hop to it! art trailSt Elizabeth Hospice

Key details:

  • The art trail will feature giant hare sculptures across Ipswich, Beccles, Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Woodbridge next summer

  • 38 decorated hare sculptures will be displayed

  • This will be the first time that sculptures will be located in Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Woodbridge

What they're saying:

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, Hopestead chief executive, said: "We're proud to be sponsoring the art trail St Elizabeth Hospice is bringing to Suffolk in 2025. At Hopestead, our goal is to end homelessness. The harsh reality is that people who have lived on the streets have a life expectancy 30 years lower than those who have a safe place to live."

She added: "We hope our 'Hopestead hare' will shine a light on the severe health challenges and life-limiting conditions faced by those without a safe place to call home. And we hope to be able to help raise money for the vital work of St Elizabeth Hospice."

Liz Baldwin, corporate and sponsorship fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "We're delighted that Hopestead are joining us as a sponsor for Hop to it! Suffolk 2025, especially with their focus on people who could be living with a life-limiting illness without a home to go to."

What's next: Artists have until 31 August to submit their designs for the hare sculptures.

How to get involved: For more information on the Hop to it! Suffolk art trail, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/hoptoitsuffolk

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

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Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

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An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

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

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