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More Suffolk libraries to livestream mental health courses

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Suffolk Libraries is expanding its mental health education programme, offering free Recovery College courses at additional locations following a successful trial in Ipswich.

Why it matters: The expansion gives more Suffolk residents the chance to access mental health support and education within their local communities, with courses available to anyone over 16.

County Library in Ipswich
County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: Three libraries will host live-streamed sessions from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust's (NSFT) Recovery College:

  • Ipswich County Library: Introduction to Understanding Autism (6 February, 14:00-16:30)

  • Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds libraries: Welcome to the Recovery College (18 February, 15:00-16:00)

  • Woodbridge Library: Understanding and Managing ADHD (4 March, 14:00-16:00)

What they're saying: "Those who came along said they liked the opportunity of sharing with each other and valued it and said it was easier to pay attention in a group of people. They also liked the central location," Dan Brown, Recovery College partnerships development lead, said.

How it works: Library staff will be available to support attendees during the sessions. While booking is not essential, it provides access to additional Recovery College benefits.

The bottom line: The programme aims to help people invest in their wellbeing and become experts in their own mental health recovery, combining online learning with group support in accessible community locations.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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