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How Suffolk businesses can access affordable mental health training

NewsLast updated 21 January, 2025

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

21 January, 2025

Local businesses looking to improve workplace mental health can now access more affordable training through Suffolk Mind's new packages, with options tailored to different organisation sizes and needs.

Why it matters: According to research by Deloitte, mental health training in the workplace can deliver a return of £4.70 for every £1 invested through reduced staff absences and improved productivity.

The big picture: Mental ill health currently costs UK employers £51 billion annually. Suffolk Mind says this figure could be "drastically lower" if more businesses engaged in mental health training, making their new cost-effective packages particularly timely.

Jon Neal launching The Mental Health Toolkit at a packed-out launch event at Venue 16 in IpswichSuffolk Mind

The details: Suffolk Mind has introduced four tiered packages for the Mental Health Toolkit. Each package builds on the previous one and includes:

Training tailored to different roles, including management and HR
Display materials like posters and graphics
Support using Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs and Resources approach
Optional ongoing support from an account manager

What they're saying: "Since launching The Mental Health Toolkit in 2022 we have been overwhelmed by the response from businesses both in Suffolk and the wider UK," says Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind.

Lynn Rozier, director at Blue Star Human Resources, adds: "The services provided by The Mental Health Toolkit are extremely valuable to businesses – they are very straightforward and really help managers gain a better understanding of mental health."

Bottom line: Businesses interested in accessing the new training packages can find more information at www.thementalhealthtoolkit.co.uk/packages.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

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Ellisons announces sponsorship of Ipswich Sports Club

NewsLast updated 14 April, 2025

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

14 April, 2025

Local law firm Ellisons is backing Ipswich Sports Club to help make sport accessible to all, including schools, disabled individuals and disadvantaged community members.

Why it matters: Without sponsorship support, the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) would struggle to maintain its current level of access, facilities and programmes for the local community.

In their words: "The support from Ellisons, alongside our other sponsors, is absolutely invaluable. Without their generosity, we simply wouldn't be able to offer the same level of access, facilities and programmes," said Andy Isles, Chairman of Ipswich Sports Club .

Guy Longhurst, Lorna Denton-Cardew, George Burley, Andy Isles and Simone DowsingEllisons

The bigger picture: Ipswich Sports Club has established itself as a cornerstone of local sport, offering various activities and developing talent from grassroots to professional levels.

The club has produced elite athletes and regularly hosts prestigious international tournaments.

What they're saying: "We're incredibly proud to sponsor a club with such a strong reputation for developing talent and attracting international tournaments," said Guy Longhurst , Managing Partner at Ellisons .

"Sport has a unique ability to unite communities, you only have to look at ITFC at the moment for proof of that, so it's crucial that organisations like Ipswich Sports Club continue to thrive," he added.

Longhurst also noted a personal benefit to the partnership: "I also love a game of Padel and see this as a great excuse to make use of the facilities myself!"

The bottom line: This partnership reflects the latest commitment from Ellisons to support community initiatives with lasting impact, after just last week announcing their partnership with Brighten the Corners, whilst ensuring the sports club can provide an inclusive environment for enthusiasts of all abilities.