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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/

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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99% of Suffolk pupils secure preferred primary school place

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Suffolk County Council has today announced that 99.36% of children have been offered a place at one of their three preferred primary schools.

Why it matters: Today is Primary National Offer Day when families across England and Wales find out which primary school their children have secured a place at for September 2025.

Ranelagh Primary, Whitehouse Primary, Beches Primary and Clifford Road Primary schools in Ipswich
Ranelagh Primary, Whitehouse Primary, Beches Primary and Clifford Road Primary schools in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 99.36% of children were offered one of their three preferred schools

  • 96.27% secured their first preference school

  • 6,695 applications were received by Suffolk County Council

What they're saying: "We are pleased to confirm that once again the majority of families have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools with most being offered a place at their first preference school," said Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Education and SEND.

For those who missed out: Children who did not receive a place at their preferred Suffolk school will automatically be added to that school's waiting list. Parents can also lodge an appeal if they wish.

What's next: Families who applied online can log in to the online service from today to see their allocated school. They will also receive an email confirmation unless they opted out. Letters are being sent by second class post today to parents who made a paper application.

School travel arrangements: Parents whose children are eligible for Suffolk County Council funded school travel will receive an email by 9 May 2025 with details of how to opt-in.

The bottom line: Parents with children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 who have not yet applied for a school place should make an application immediately by visiting the School Admission pages or contacting Suffolk County Council on 0345 600 0981.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

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