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New nature initiative helps people with borderline personality disorder

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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

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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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