Skip to main contentEnter

Hospice launches gardening group in Woodbridge to support long-term carers

News

St Elizabeth Hospice has started a new wellbeing gardening group in Woodbridge for people involved in long-term care.

Why it matters: The Compassionate Garden Group aims to support those experiencing pre-bereavement grief, providing a space for connection and light gardening activities.

The big picture: The group is part of the hospice's Compassionate Communities approach, which supplements healthcare support by equipping the public to help each other during difficult times.

Hugh McElhinney
Hugh McElhinney, Volunteer Community Manager at St Elizabeth HospiceSt Elizabeth Hospice

Key details:

  • The group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to 13:00 at Grove Court in Woodbridge.

  • It's free to attend and open to all.

  • Bereavement helpers are on hand to provide support if needed.

What they're saying: Hugh McElhinney, Volunteer Community Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said, "We are so pleased to join with Home Instead and Grove Court Care Home to host the Compassionate Garden Group."

One attendee, Pam, shared: "I find everyone is friendly and nice. It's good to be able to talk to people who understand what I'm going through."

The bottom line: The Compassionate Garden Group offers a supportive environment for carers to connect, garden, and boost their mental and physical wellbeing.

How to join: Those interested can call 01394 446500 or email compassionate.communities@stelizabethhospice.org.uk for more information.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

Load next article