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Homebuilder's year-long charity campaign delivers nearly £4,000 for homeless

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Persimmon Homes' Suffolk team has concluded their 12-month fundraising campaign for Ipswich Outreach, raising £3,795 for their Charity of the Year.

Why it matters: The funds raised will help Ipswich Outreach continue its vital work with vulnerable community members, including those who are homeless, hungry and isolated.

The details: The homebuilder's staff voted to support Ipswich Outreach as their Charity of the Year in 2024, and went beyond fundraising by volunteering at the charity's soup kitchen in Ipswich town centre.

Persimmon Homes team presenting the Ipswich Outreach team with a giant cheque
Persimmon Home's Suffolk team has concluded their 12-month fundraising campaign for Ipswich Outreach, raising £3,795 for their Charity of the YearPersimmon Homes

What they're saying: "We work with the most vulnerable in our community, those who are homeless and hungry, and those who are isolated and just need a friendly face and listening ear," said Ian Walters, Founder of Ipswich Outreach, who received the cheque at Persimmon Homes' offices in Great Blakenham.

By the numbers: The team raised money through:

  • Regular dress down days

  • Bake sales

  • A raffle

  • A step challenge

  • A bring your dog to work day

For context: Persimmon staff also collected donations of soup, socks, pants, toiletries and tinned meals, which were assembled into parcels for those in need.

The bigger picture: Cllr Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council member for Westgate ward and Portfolio-holder for Planning & Museums, said: "It was really heartening to learn about Persimmon's community work and hear what a difference that has made to the charity over the past year."

The bottom line: "They took the cause to heart and many members of the team took time to volunteer at the soup kitchen, meeting those helped by the charity and seeing first-hand how the money they donated is helping the homeless," said Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk.

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

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

We can't do this without you!

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