Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

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

New nature initiative helps people with borderline personality disorder

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

A new programme is helping people in Suffolk with borderline personality disorder connect with nature and improve their wellbeing.

The big picture: Suffolk Mind's Waves service has partnered with Suffolk Wildlife Trust to offer "Waves in the Wilds" visits to local nature reserves. The initiative aims to provide a peaceful setting for participants to experience nature and discuss their mental health.

Charlie Zakss and Kym Hackett
Charlie Zakss and Kym HackettSuffolk Mind

Why it matters: Outdoor therapy sessions can offer a different approach to traditional group settings, allowing clients to open up in a more relaxed environment.

Waves's Community Services Manager, Kym Hackett, said clients have been "looking around in childlike wonder" during the visits and that the programme helps people "get away from the stress and noise of daily life."

What they're saying: Dawn, a service user who visited Martlesham Wilds, praised the initiative:

"Waves in the Wild opened the door to a new therapy for me. It's easier to walk and talk when you're in an environment like this. It's not all focused on you – it's a different way of working."

Another participant described the experience as "relaxing and calm," saying their "inner child felt free when with nature."

About the programme: Waves is a 12-week programme for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or emotionally unstable personality disorder. It aims to help participants:

  • Learn new skills to manage their diagnosis

  • Build confidence and self-esteem

  • Weekly sessions are held in Ipswich on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

What's next: Further visits are planned at Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Bradfield Woods nature reserve in the spring, funded by the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths' Landscape for All Fund.

The bottom line: Charlie Zakss, Engagement Officer at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, emphasised the mutual benefits of the partnership: "Nature can recover and nature can help you recover."

How to access: Admission to the Waves service is by referral from health and social care professionals. More information is available at www.suffolkmind.org.uk/services/waves-borderline-personality-disorder-support

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

Load next article