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Home-Start launches Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser

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Attwells Solicitors

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Local charity Home-Start in Suffolk is calling on businesses and schools to don festive knitwear this Christmas to support vulnerable families. The fundraising initiative aims to help provide vital support services across Suffolk.

Why it matters: The Christmas and New Year period can be particularly challenging for vulnerable families. This initiative provides a way for local organisations to help support those in need through a simple but effective fundraising activity.

A green Christmas jumper with tinsel and baubles on it
Local charity Home-Start in Suffolk is calling on businesses and schools to don festive knitwear this Christmas to support vulnerable familiesZoltan TarlaczGetty Images

About Home-Start Suffolk:

  • A network of more than 280 fully trained volunteers providing practical and emotional support to families

  • Supports parents and carers with at least one child under 12 in the home

  • Helped more than 1,300 families in 2024 so far

  • Services are provided at no cost to families

  • Support includes weekly home visits, telephone and virtual calls, and regular groups

The details:

  • Participants can choose their own date to hold their Christmas Jumper Day

  • All funds raised will help support local Suffolk families

  • The charity will promote participating organisations through their social media campaigns

  • Fundraising packs will be provided with everything needed to organise the event, including posters and logos

By the numbers:

  • £25 funds a visit for a week

  • £50 funds a telephone supporter for a month

  • £100 funds a visit for a month

  • £250 can recruit and train a new volunteer

How it works: Companies and schools can sign up through a simple online form. After registering, organisations will receive guidance on running their event and collecting donations.

The bottom line: Local businesses and schools interested in participating can find the sign-up form on Home-Start Suffolk's website. The charity emphasises that even small contributions can make a significant difference to families in need.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Three more arrests in Billy McNicholl murder investigation

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Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team has made three new arrests following the murder of Billy McNicholl, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

Why it matters: The investigation into the death of 63-year-old William "Billy" McNicholl, who was found dead in a Hawthorn Drive property on 1 January, continues as police seek justice for the victim and his friends and family.

A Home Office post-mortem indicated McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

The details: Three people were arrested on Tuesday 1 April – a 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old man – on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

All three have been questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre and subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July.

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: "A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy."

He added: "Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues."

The bigger picture: On 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions and is due to return to police on Tuesday, 22 April.

A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been told she will face no further action.

What's next: Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy's murder."

He added: "If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we'll pass it on for you."

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025.

The bottom line: Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them quoting reference 37/162/25, either via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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