A £45,000 investment in winter warmth packs could help reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on Suffolk's health services as the council responds to the Government's withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Allowance.
Why it matters: The initiative comes at a crucial time when health services typically face increased winter pressures from cold-related illnesses, particularly among older and vulnerable residents.
The big picture: The Warm Homes Healthy People (WHHP) project brings together multiple agencies, including:
Suffolk Councils
Integrated Care Boards
Local hospitals
Voluntary organisations
Community groups
A £45,000 investment in winter warmth packs could help reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on Suffolk's health servicesImageegamIGetty Images
By the numbers:
£45,000 total funding allocated
At least £17,000 specifically for over-65s
Support available through winter 2024/25 and spring 2025
How it works: Partner organisations across Suffolk, including food banks, GP surgeries and hospitals, will identify residents in need and coordinate distribution of winter warmth packs containing:
Hats, gloves and scarves
Blankets
Gilets
Bespoke items based on specific needs
What they're saying: Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said: "We understand the challenges many Suffolk residents face in staying warm during the colder months, particularly as a result of the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Allowance by the Government."
The bottom line: While the scheme aims to protect vulnerable residents, it's also designed to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and reduce strain on local health and social care services during the challenging winter period.
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Brighten the Corners
Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Ross Wishart shares how St Elizabeth Hospice supported his family and why he encourages others to join the annual fundraiser.
Why it matters: St Elizabeth Hospice provides free care to over 4,000 patients and their families throughout the region each year, offering specialist support whenever and wherever it is needed.
The big picture: The Midnight Walk, now in its 19th year, returns on Saturday, 10 May at Trinity Park Events with a pyjama party theme. Last year's event raised over £135,000 to support the hospice's vital services.
Large crowds at MNW 2024St Elizabeth Hospice
The details: Sponsored by Persimmon Homes Suffolk, the event will see hundreds of walkers dress in their most vibrant and colourful pyjamas as they take on the route.
The seven-mile circular route takes walkers through Ipswich streets
Participants will walk to the hospice grounds to write messages on a special Memory Wall
The route continues to Ipswich Waterfront before returning to Trinity Park
More than a charity event: The Wishart family's connection to the hospice goes beyond the Midnight Walk. Ross explained that Jemma first came under the hospice's care in early 2024, after receiving cancer treatment and support from Ipswich Hospital.
Initially, the hospice provided guidance to help them care for Jemma at home. Eventually, she was admitted to the Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, where she received care for several weeks until her death.
"Contrary to what many people might expect, the hospice is a warm and homely environment -- not a scary place at all," Ross said.
"From the moment you walk through the doors, everyone greets you with a smile. The volunteers at reception are so kind, and the staff are exceptional."
The Wishart FamilyThe Wishart Family
What they're saying: "We are eternally grateful for the love and support the hospice provided to Jemma and our family," explained Ross Wishart, whose wife Jemma received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until her death, aged 38, in July 2024.
"The hospice gave Jemma a peaceful and dignified end-of-life, allowing us to be together as a family and share precious moments. These memories will stay with us forever, and I cannot thank the hospice enough for making that possible," he added.
"We've always been keen fundraisers for various charities. While Jemma was receiving care, our family participated in the charity's Midnight Walk," Ross continued.
"It was a fantastic event, and at the halfway point, the route takes you through the hospice. Jemma was able to see us there and wish us well, which made the experience even more special."
James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "The excitement is really building as the Midnight Walk draws closer! We're looking forward to coming together with the community and our supporters to bring a fantastic party atmosphere to Ipswich for this much-loved fundraiser."
St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk 2025St Elizabeth Hospice
What's next: All ticket proceeds and donations for Midnight Walk will go to St Elizabeth Hospice, which provides support to patients and families living with life-limiting illnesses across the region.
The bottom line: "Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or taking part in events like the Midnight Walk, you're making a real difference to families like mine who are supported by the hospice during difficult times in their lives," said Ross.
