December Newsletter
As we come to the end of the year, it’s been a busy and heart-warming month, full of festive events and moments of reflection. December gives us a chance to pause and recognise the incredible support we give to one another and to our young people throughout the year — support that really does make a difference.
Festive Fundraising & Good News
We’ve been blown away by the generosity of our community this Christmas. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us through events, donations and time:
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Woodbridge School Fair – thank you for welcoming us and supporting our work
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Christmas in Framlingham – raffle raised an amazing £500
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Suffolk Tractor Light Parade – funds still being counted, but we’re incredibly grateful to be involved
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Harwich Haven Authority Grantmaking Programme – awarded £4,680, which will directly support our work
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A wonderful Christmas Party to thank our team and celebrate every single one of them
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And of course… turkey rolls! 🦃
None of this would be possible without the kindness, dedication and community spirit that surrounds us.
Looking After Ourselves and Each Other
While this time of year can bring joy and celebration, we know it can also be difficult for many people.
If you — or someone you know — need support, please remember you don’t have to cope alone. There is lots of help available locally and nationally.
Emotional & Mental Health Support
Local Support in Suffolk
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Suffolk Mind – local mental health support, helplines and wellbeing services
📞 0300 111 6000
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Suffolk Wellbeing – online directory of support including bereavement and crisis help
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Emotional Wellbeing Gateway – support for children and young people
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NHS 111 (Option 2) – urgent mental health support, available 24/7
National Support (Available Over Christmas)
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Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support
📞 116 123 | ✉️ jo@samaritans.org
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SHOUT – text support, 24/7
📱 Text SHOUT to 85258
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CALM (men’s support) – 📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
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Papyrus HOPELINE (under 35s) – 📞 0800 068 41 41
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Cruse Bereavement Support – grief support
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The Silver Line (55+) – friendship and support
📞 0800 470 8090
Food & Essential Support
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FIND Ipswich Foodbank
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Still Good Food (Bury St Edmunds)
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Trussell Trust Help Through Hardship Helpline
📞 0808 208 2138 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
Financial & Practical Advice
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Suffolk Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS) – help with essentials such as food, heating and clothing
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Community Help Hubs – cost-of-living and wellbeing support
Warm Spaces & Community Connection
Across Suffolk there are Warm Spaces where people can drop in for warmth, hot drinks, company and a friendly face. These include libraries, community centres, churches and village halls.
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All Suffolk Libraries are warm, welcoming spaces during opening hours
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Find local warm spaces via Suffolk InfoLink or Warm Welcome
From all of us, thank you for being part of our community. We wish you a gentle, peaceful and hopeful Christmas and New Year.