Christmas and New Year is a time of celebration in Ipswich but not everyone enjoys this time of year. From not being surrounded by loved ones and friends, to feeling financial pressures and worrying about making ends meet, to being at risk of abuse and discrimination, the festive season can be a hard time for so many.
We are encouraging everyone to support each other this festive season, and get involved in projects and campaigns that highlight causes and provide support services for the many local people that struggle during this time of year - from homelessness charities to befriending schemes and counselling organisations.
How you can help
Every act of kindness and support helps, share information across social media and within your networks, donate spare food, clothing or items, raise funds through sponsored walks or bake sales, sign up to volunteer with local charities, take large or small items to recycling sites to prevent clutter and mess in neighbourhood streets, or raise concerns about someone that may be at risk of harm to get them the help they need – let’s all be here for each other this season.
Projects, organisations and campaigns you can get involved in to support others this festive season
Organisations reducing domestic abuse
Ipswich Lighthouse Women’s Aid
Advice Line: 01473 228 270
Email: info@lighthousewa.org.uk
Telephone: 01422 417327
Email: info@whiteribbon.org.uk
Domestic Violence Support - Phoebe Centre UK
Telephone: 01473 760966
Email: info@phoebecentre.org.uk
Organisations and projects providing cost of living support
Telephone: 01473 945624
Telephone: 01473 622888
Email: admin@angliacaretrust.org.uk
Email: https://www.ipswichtopupshops.co.uk/
Council commissioned partners providing rough sleeping support
Telephone: 01473 232426
Email: housingservices@ihag.co.uk
Telephone: 01473 622888
Email: admin@angliacaretrust.org.uk
Organisations providing mental health and wellbeing support
Telephone: 0330 055 0033
Email: info@inspiresuffolk.org.uk
Suffolk Mind - Suffolk's independent mental health charity
Telephone: 0300 111 6000
Email: info@suffolkmind.org.uk
4YP - For Children & Young People Charity
Telephone: 01473 252607
Email: enquiries@4yp.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 261 8799
Recycling services and bin collections
Help keep Ipswich streets and neighbourhoods free from rubbish and clutter - remember to visit recycling sites specialising in a wide range of materials and check which council waste and recycling services are available.
Remember that rubbish collections will change over the festive season – check which days your rubbish will be collected including any unwanted Christmas trees.