Suffolk businesses face "most challenging environment since COVID"

Why it matters: The college-wide programme aims to make a positive difference in the local community while promoting sustainability and addressing social issues, such as knife crime.

The details: The campaign kicked off with a staff-versus-student basketball match designed to encourage people to unite through sport rather than divide through crime.

Anton Dixon, basketball coach for Suffolk New College, said: "The game was a huge success, bringing energy, competition, and most importantly, a strong sense of community.

"Beyond the game, this event was about more than basketball. It was a celebration of the hard work and dedication these young people have shown all year, committing to something bigger than themselves, building a community in a space that encourages growth, respect, and positive change -- that rejects crime."

Marley Gunn, 18, from Ipswich, who played on the student team, said: "Sport gives me a safe environment and gives me something positive to do with a group of friends."

Staff members narrowly defeated the students in the match.

What else is happening: All social action activities have had a sustainability theme, including:

• Art and design students establishing a thrift shop to raise money for Got to Read, an Ipswich-based charity that helps adult learners read

• Litter picking and river cleaning initiatives

• Two groups of music students creating charity singles using sustainable materials for St Helena Hospice and the British Red Cross

Emily Merry Brown, 18, from Felixstowe, who helped organise the thrift shop, said: "It's great to raise money for a really good cause. The event helped bring the college and the community together. It's nice to support where we can."

Jake Smith, 18, from Ipswich, added: "Sustainability helps make the world a better place."

What they're saying: Hayley Rigby, a personal development co-ordinator at the college who was key in creating the social action month, said: "Social Action Month is all about getting the students to shine a light on injustices in society and highlight sustainability.

"Year three students from across our four college campuses have created projects and this programme of social action has been running for the last four years. The students have been really engaged and positive and we have 29 projects happening this year."

Mike Mears, head of student personal development, added: "At Suffolk New College, we're immensely proud of our students' commitment to sustainability. Through the social action meek, I've seen first-hand the incredible impact of their projects, from litter picks to sustainable fashion. Our college community, including staff, has come together to inspire and drive positive change for a brighter, eco-friendlier future."

The bottom line: The month-long initiative demonstrates how educational institutions can engage students in meaningful community work that addresses important social issues while developing sustainable practices.