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Ipswich charity launches Eurovision sweepstake to support mental health work

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Attwells Solicitors

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Time To Talk Mental Health UK has announced its annual fundraiser with a £2 Eurovision Song Contest sweepstake, with half the proceeds supporting mental health services.

Why it matters: The community-based charity provides vital support for thousands of adults across the UK who are struggling with mental health or mental illness, offering "consistent support, which is otherwise lacking in the mental health care package."

How it works: Each £2 entry receives three randomly assigned countries from the 37 participating in Eurovision, with prizes determined by how well those countries perform in the final.

  • Half of all donations go directly to the charity

  • Half will be distributed as prizes

  • Each entry receives three country allocations

To learn more and find out how to enter the sweepstakes, visit https://www.timetotalkuk.org.uk/the-great-big-eurovision-time-to-talk-sweepstake-2025/

The details: The Eurovision final takes place on 17 May 2025, with semifinals on 13 and 15 May. Entries must be made and paid for before Sunday 11 May.

The bottom line: Time To Talk provides a "safe place for people to talk about their mental health in confidence with others who understand," with the Eurovision fundraiser helping to support events, regular clubs and a library of resources.

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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County council plans 200 new SEND places as demand grows by 40% in five years

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Attwells Solicitors

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Suffolk County Council's cabinet will review proposals for 200 new specialist education places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Why it matters: Over the last five years, the number of Suffolk pupils accessing special schools and units attached to mainstream schools has increased by over 40%, creating a demand for specialist provision that the council has been unable to meet.

Young female teacher working with a Down syndrome schoolboy sitting at desk using a tablet computer and stylus in a primary school classroom
Suffolk County Council's cabinet will review proposals for 200 new specialist education places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)Getty Images

The details: The £18.6 million plan includes:

  • 100 places potentially opening this year

  • Another 100 new places by September 2026

  • £3 million for small groups and units in mainstream schools from September 2025

  • £12 million for developing satellite units linked to existing special schools from September 2026

  • £3.6 million earmarked for further SEND provision

What they're saying: "We know the importance of making sure that children are in the right provision for their needs at the right time. We haven't always got this right, and keeping up with the ask for new places is challenging and costly, but we continue to revisit our plans and redirect resources when needed," said Andrew Reid, cabinet member for education and SEND at Suffolk County Council.

For context: In the past five years, 1,025 new specialist SEND places across Suffolk have been agreed.

What's next: These plans will be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 1 April, at 14:00. A Joint SEND Sufficiency Plan is also being developed to establish how future Department for Education SEND capital money should be spent.

The bottom line: The council is responding to significant growth in demand for specialist education by proposing targeted investment across the county, with headteachers reportedly supportive of opening specialist units linked to mainstream schools.

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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