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Ipswich charity's inclusive sports and garden projects transform local lives

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

From singing groups to inclusive sports tournaments, ActivLives is helping thousands of Suffolk residents improve their physical and mental wellbeing through community-based activities.

The big picture: The Ipswich-based charity has supported 1,921 Suffolk residents over the past year through inclusive sports sessions, exercise activities, support hubs and gardening programmes.

By the numbers:

  • 1,209 women and 712 men participated in activities

  • About 60 volunteers helped deliver programmes

  • Three community gardens operating across Suffolk

Why it matters: The programmes are designed to support older people and individuals with mental health needs and physical and learning disabilities across local communities.

ActivLives falls prevention exercise St Mary at Stoke Church Hall, Ipswich
ActivLives falls prevention exercise St Mary at Stoke Church Hall, IpswichActivLives

Key details: Activities run by the organisation include:

  • Falls prevention exercises

  • Breakfast and lunch clubs

  • Singing groups

  • Health walks at Christchurch Park

  • Inclusive boccia and badminton tournaments

  • Community gardening projects at People's Community Garden and Chantry Walled Garden in Ipswich, and Belle Vue Park in Sudbury

What they're saying: "The sessions have definitely helped with my mobility; my body feels much looser. I feel more positive, and its good speaking to people in similar situations," said a 76-year-old participant in the charity's Better Balance falls prevention exercise programme.

Speaking about ActivLives' inclusive sports tournament, a volunteer said, “It is good for players’ mental and physical health and well-being – the exercise and the connection, the physical and mental activity, with other people.”

Between the lines: The charity works in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk and Boccia England to ensure sports activities are inclusive and accessible to all participants.

Go deeper: Since 2006, ActivLives has worked with NHS, Public Health Suffolk, local authorities and voluntary services to deliver wellbeing programmes across the region.

How to get involved: Residents can find information about programmes and services at activlives.org.uk.

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

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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