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Award-winning film brings Suffolk domestic abuse stories to national stage

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Suffolk Building Society's film, created with Lighthouse Women's Aid, won the Silver award in the 'Corporate Cause' category at the Smiley Charity Film Awards on 21 March.

Why it matters: The film shines a light on the vital work of Lighthouse Women's Aid, a Suffolk-based charity dedicated to supporting domestic abuse survivors across the region.

The bigger picture: The film was produced as part of Suffolk Building Society's Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign, which supports people facing homelessness, social isolation, and domestic abuse in Suffolk.

Supporting Lighthouse Women's Aid - Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign

Stiff competition: The film competed against submissions from major organisations, including:

  • John Lewis Partnership

  • Purina pet foods

  • Canon

  • Payroll Giving Month

  • Cambridge University Press

What they're saying: "We are absolutely thrilled to have received the Silver award for this film," said Richard Norrington, CEO at Suffolk Building Society. "It was an honour to work alongside Lighthouse as part of our Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign. Their tireless efforts in supporting domestic abuse survivors make a real difference to women and children in the region."

Sally Winston, Chief Executive of Lighthouse, said: "We're over the moon to have received this recognition. The film has been invaluable in our courses and educational sessions for clients, and it's also been a key tool for fundraising."

The details: The film was produced by SubMotion Productions, which specialises in telling emotive stories for charities and businesses across the region.

Rachel Prendergast, Producer at SubMotion Productions, said: "Telling difficult stories is what we love to do. We've had the privilege of working with many remarkable charities and corporates across Norfolk and Suffolk, and having the opportunity to give domestic abuse survivors a voice is a responsibility we took very seriously."

Luke Littleboy, Deb Johnson, Sally Winston and Rachel Prendergast at the awards
Luke Littleboy, Deb Johnson, Sally Winston and Rachel PrendergastSuffolk Building Society

What's next: Suffolk Building Society will be promoting the film on social media to help educate the public and inspire action.

The bottom line: The film, which includes real survivor testimonies, aims to raise awareness and drive meaningful conversations about domestic abuse, an issue that often goes unspoken.

For more information about Lighthouse and its ongoing work supporting domestic abuse survivors, visit www.lighthousewa.org.uk/

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

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Third men's mental health talk show coming to Ipswich Buttermarket

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A men's mental health event featuring local artists and speakers will take place at the Superdry unit in The Buttermarket on Thursday, 17 April, marking the third instalment in the series.

Why it matters: Men's mental health often goes unspoken, and this event creates a safe space for conversation, creativity, and community support.

Raph from Scripted Development speaking with Omid Djalili
Raph from Scripted Development speaking with Omid DjaliliOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The Pop-up Talk Show will run from 15:00-19:00 and features performances from local artists including XIDONTLIE, a long-standing advocate for mental health and disability rights.

Other featured speakers and performers include:

  • Ed Ngai, digital artist and CICC founder

  • Dan Somers

  • L.A Muse

  • Romeo Mustata

Who's behind it: The event is hosted by the This Is Ipswich team in collaboration with Scripted Development.

What to expect: The open talk show and creative showcase focuses on raising awareness around men's mental health, sharing personal stories, and building community support through conversation, networking and performance.

For your planning: Food will be available for purchase from The Caribbean Smokehouse, with furniture supplied by Threads For All and Fresh Start.

Worth noting: The event welcomes all attendees, not just men, and forms part the third part of a documentary filming segment.

The bottom line: The Pop-up Talk Show aims to break stigma and encourage conversation about men's mental health in a welcoming environment. Head over and join the conversation. No booking required.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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