Support for communities in Ipswich

There is a range of support and advice for local communities across Ipswich to help you. This support and advice ranges from benefit and housing support through to making your local community a better place to live.

See below for a list of services that are designed to help you.

Housing support advice

Need advice or support around your housing needs? Contact your local Housing Officer or speak to the Tenancy Services team.

  • Telephone: 01473 432000

Benefits support advice

Have questions about benefits? Reach out to the Benefits team.

Funding and community organisation advice

Voluntary and community organisations are the lifeblood of our local communities and support a wide variety of people. If you run a community organisation, are interested in starting one up or want to contact someone about them you can do so through the below.

Ipswich Borough Council Communities

Ipswich Borough Council Communities offer support and assistance for community initiatives and local projects within Ipswich.

Community Action Suffolk (CAS)

CAS is the ‘go to’ organisation for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Suffolk. They provide (or signpost) whatever is needed behind the scenes to enable this, so you can concentrate on doing what you do best – making Suffolk an incredible place in which to live and work.

CAS offers a bespoke support service to inspire financially successful and resilient organisations by ensuring that they have a realistic plan for the future. They provide sustainability and funding advice, as well as a wide range of learning opportunities.

Improving your area

Are you a local resident with an idea on how to improve your area?

We are keen to hear from residents in the Nacton area of Ipswich about how they want to improve their area and also keen to hear what plans they have. Race for Change is a group of local residents who have stepped forward to volunteer to work with local residents to make their area better. They work with local authorities to ensure the voice of the local community is heard and to suggest ways to improve things. They want to hear from you.

Contact: raceforchangeipswich@gmail.com

Keeping Communities Safe

For issues with anti-social behaviour or crime, check these resources:

HEARS Alarm Service

HEARS is a quick and simple way to get help if you feel unwell or suffer a fall. At the touch of a button our experienced team of first aid trained responders and local control team will get you the help that you need, whether that’s by calling your nominated contacts or using specialist equipment to get you back on your feet.

Ipswich Shopmobility

Ipswich Shopmobility provides free hand-propelled and electric wheelchairs and electric scooters to help people who have limited mobility, whether through permanent or temporary disablement, illness, accident or age, to shop and use other facilities in the town centre.

Sport and leisure support

Find out about the range of sport and physical activity opportunities in your area by contacting your local Ipswich Fit centre.

  • Telephone: 01473 433655
  • South East Ipswich – Gainsborough Sports Centre
  • North West and South West Ipswich – Whitton Sports Centre
  • Central Ipswich – Crown Pools

Advice & support services

There are a number of organisations that are there to support members of the community through a variety of issues. Below is a list of some of those:

Cost of Living Support

Cost of Living Support provides assistance to help manage financial pressures and essential living costs.

Help for Rough Sleepers

Help for Rough Sleepers offers support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Debt Support

Debt Support helps individuals manage and overcome financial debt issues.

Citizens Advice Ipswich

Provides expert advice on a wide range of issues including legal, financial, and consumer matters.

  • Phone: 0808 278 7867

Housing Options

Offers guidance and assistance with housing issues and homelessness.

  • Phone: 01473 432000

Lighthouse 

Supports women and children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

  • Phone: 01473 228270

IHAG – Ipswich Housing Action Group

Provides housing advice and accommodation services to those in need.

  • Phone: 01473 213102

Pride and Periods

Pride and Periods distributes free menstrual products at local libraries.

Turning Point

Offers support and guidance for substance and alcohol-related issues.

  • Phone: 01473 220240

Survivors in transition

Provides support for individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

  • Phone: 01473 232499

Suffolk Family Carers

Assists family carers across Suffolk with resources and support.

  • Phone: 01473 835477

Suffolk Mind

Offers mental health courses, training, and therapeutic services.

  • Phone: 0300 111 6000

Samaritans

Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • Phone: 116 123
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