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Suffolk Mind helpline secures £26,000 after record-breaking 33,000 calls

News
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

Suffolk Mind's helpline will continue operating for at least six months after receiving doubled donations through a match funding scheme, following its busiest ever year with 33,000 support requests.

Why it matters: The service, which costs £1,000 per week to operate, provides crucial mental health support and information to more than 100 people daily across Suffolk.

By the numbers:

  • 33,000 requests for support in 2024

  • 5,000 more calls than previous year

  • £13,000 raised in one week

  • £26,000 total funding secured through matching

  • £1,000 weekly running costs

A support worker answering a call on the Suffolk Mind Helpline
Suffolk Mind's helpline will continue operating for at least six months after receiving doubled donations through a match funding scheme, following its busiest ever year with 33,000 support requestsSuffolk Mind

The details: The charity launched its First Call campaign last year, with national non-profit organisation Big Give's Christmas Challenge promising to match all donations. Supporters raised £13,000 in a single week, which was then doubled to £26,000.

What they're saying: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us in the First Call campaign – and through all other fundraisers throughout 2024," Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, said.

"The demand for our services grows year on year – so it would come as no surprise to see an increase in the number of people we support in 2025."

How it works: The general helpline, alongside specialist services such as the evening service Suffolk Night Owls:

  • Provides information about available support services

  • Offers self-referral options

  • Signposts to local specialist organisations

  • Connects to emergency services for those in crisis

The bottom line: Suffolk residents can access the helpline by calling 0300 111 6000 or emailing info@suffolkmind.org.uk. Those in a mental health emergency should call 999 or Samaritans via 116 123.

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One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
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

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

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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