Skip to main contentEnter
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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.

Royal seal of approval for Ipswich's answer to the NHS dental crisis

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has seen first-hand how the University of Suffolk is taking on the region's dental care challenges.

Why it matters: The £4.7 million dental facility combines NHS treatment with training future dental professionals, directly addressing the shortage of dental provision in Suffolk and North East Essex.

The big picture: The development in the University's James Hehir Building includes teaching labs for the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course and dedicated space for the Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) to perform NHS treatments.

The Duke of Gloucester opening the University of Suffolk Dental CIC
The Duke of Gloucester opening the University of Suffolk Dental CICGregg BrownUniversity of Suffolk

By the numbers:

  • The Dental CIC began treating patients in spring 2024

  • The BSc programme welcomed its first cohort in February 2024

  • A further 25 students joined in September 2024

  • The course receives over 20 applicants per place

  • Students conduct more than 200 placement hours per year

What they're saying: Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: "It was a real honour to welcome HRH the Duke of Gloucester to our new Centre for Dental Development, to see first-hand the impact these facilities are making.

"These impressive new facilities are enabling some of those in most urgent need of NHS dental treatment to access vital oral healthcare. We are equally proud of our role in training the dental professionals who will serve our community in the years to come."

The impact: Dr Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "The University of Suffolk Dental CIC plays a key role in our strategy to improve NHS dental provision for local people and to end the so-called 'dental desert'."

The Duke of Gloucester on his tour of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC
The Duke of Gloucester on his tour of the University of Suffolk Dental CICGregg BrownUniversity of Suffolk

What's next: The Dental CIC, approaching its first anniversary, will continue to offer NHS dental services to the local community.

For context: The facility was commissioned by Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care Board, and was "Highly Commended" for the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care Award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

The bottom line: The University's response to dental challenges in the region has already improved access to NHS treatment and contributed to its recognition as Community University of the Year by The Mail University Guide in September 2024.

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

Today's supporter

Attwells Solicitors

An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Speak with us

Fashion, food and music: Ipswich students celebrate their heritage at Culture Day

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph praised One Sixth Form College's celebration of cultural diversity, saying it gives students the chance to "celebrate who they are and where they are from."

Why it matters: The fifth annual Culture Day at One Sixth Form College (ONE) brought together students, staff and local organisations to champion equality and celebrate the diverse backgrounds within the Ipswich community.

BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph with Ellisha Soanes, an Eastern Education Group consultant
BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph with Ellisha Soanes, an Eastern Education Group consultantEastern Education Group

Students and staff took to the catwalk in a fashion show wearing outfits representing their heritage, with music provided by Angelle Joseph, who also hosts BBC Introducing in Suffolk.

"It's a chance to celebrate the diversity of the college," said Joseph, attending the event for the third time. "People have travelled from all over the world and now live in Ipswich. It's a day where everyone can feel really proud and celebrate who they are and where they are from."

The bigger picture: Local organisations including Aspire Black Matters, Ipswich Museum, Job Centre Plus, Karmartri, Outreach Youth and Volunteering Matters supported the celebration.

Activities included Chinese health practices, while food sold on campus offered a selection of dishes from around the globe.

Cass and Lexie from One Sixth Form College
Cass and Lexie from One Sixth Form College helped organise the Culture DayEastern Education Group

What they're saying: Lexie Jordan, 17, from Ipswich, who helped organise the event, said: "It's all about embracing everyone's different cultures, recognising where everyone is from and understanding what that means to each person."

For A-level student Cass Herrieven, 17, from Leiston, the day had personal significance: "It's important for me as I'm half Portuguese and I've not got much of a chance to connect with that side of me – so having somewhere that is celebrating me and everyone else is pretty special."

Nyasha Mangoma, 17, from Ipswich, who took to the fashion catwalk representing black Britain alongside her mother Sharon representing Zimbabwe, added: "I think it is important to celebrate everyone's cultures especially when we live in such a culturally diverse area of England."

Nyasha Mangoma was representing black Britain during the One Sixth Form College culture day
Nyasha Mangoma was representing black Britain during the One Sixth Form College culture dayEastern Education Group

For context: Ivya Scott, a University of East Anglia student representing Suffolk Windrush, displayed quilts people had made relating to their history. She said: "This event is important as people get to know the contributions that people in their community have made to Ipswich, Suffolk and Britain."

Jackie Ellis, representing The Hive and The Ipswich Museum, said: "I think this event is very important as there is a diversity of different communities (here at ONE) and when people learn from other cultures, it empowers them to interact better and understand one another."

Ivya, a student from the University of East Anglia
Ivya, a student from the University of East Anglia, came along to talk about the Windrusg GenerationEastern Education Group

The bottom line: ONE Group Principal Jake Robson summarised the event's purpose: "This is our fifth annual Culture Day, a celebration of belonging. It brings our diverse community together, allowing everyone to embrace both their unique identities and shared experiences."

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.

Load next article