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'A space to thrive': Suffolk homeless project wins national recognition

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A local initiative that transforms empty properties into fully-furnished homes for homeless people has won national recognition for its innovative and dignified approach to tackling homelessness.

Why it matters: Hope at Home's success demonstrates how providing fully furnished homes, rather than empty properties, can help break the cycle of homelessness and give people the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

The big picture: Hope at Home, run by homelessness charity Hopestead, was named Homelessness Project of the Year at the UK Housing Awards in Manchester on 26 November, beating nine other shortlisted projects.

Bethan Bishop, Sharon Wood and Lucy Parish
At the UK Housing Awards in Manchester were Hopesteadā€™s programme and policy manager Bethan Bishop, community officer Sharon Wood and head of operations Lucy ParishHopestead

By the numbers:

  • 418 people supported in the last year

  • 154 children helped

  • 93% of people reported feeling more settled

  • 97% maintained their tenancies

What they're saying: Marie-Claire Delbrouque, Hopestead's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Hope at Home embodies our belief that everyone deserves a place to call homeā€”not just a roof over their head, but a space where they can thrive and feel safe and settled."

How it works: The project provides furniture, flooring, appliances, and other essential items to people who are moving into Flagship-owned homes from homelessness. Judges praised the initiative as "the most innovative project of the year," noting that fully furnished homes encourage people to stay and establish roots.

Behind the scenes: The project is funded by housing provider Flagship Group, whose Chief Operating Officer David Armstrong said the work is "crucial" to achieving their vision of solving the housing crisis.

The bottom line: While the demand for Hopestead's services continues to grow, the project's success rate suggests that providing fully furnished homes could be a key strategy in tackling homelessness across the region.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

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

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