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Your chance to attend town centre documentary spotlighting 'unheard male voices' in mental health

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Global performers and local talent are coming together at the Buttermarket to create a new documentary addressing men's mental health challenges in Suffolk – and you're invited to join them.

Why it matters: The collaboration between This Is Ipswich and Scripted Development aims to effect change in how men are "seen and understood" in society, focusing on creating safe spaces for open discussion about mental health.

Raph of Scripted Development and Ramon Bradshaw Logan of Ipswich Community Media
Raph of Scripted Development and Ramon Bradshaw Logan of Ipswich Community Media

The details:

  • Filming will take place on Thursday, 30 January in the former Superdry store at the Buttermarket.

  • The event will feature guest speakers answering questions and live performances, including poetry, spoken word and music.

  • International performers, including Jake Beautyman, who has performed DJ sets in Berlin and Brazil, and filmmaker Kashif O'Connor, known for his work at London and Prague film festivals, will participate.

  • Members of the public are invited to join the audience at 14:30, with filming to begin at 15:00.

  • The event will finish at 19:00.

What they're saying: "Our collaborative mental health doc will help tell the story of many all too often unheard male voices. It will be seen in the spaces, places and faces of the masses to help effect change for how we, men, are seen and understood," says Raph of Scripted Development.

For context: This Is Ipswich has established itself in the local community over the past six months, producing short reel videos featuring conversations with townspeople.

The bigger picture: This Is Ipswich CEO Sarah Tieck says the documentary is part of a longer-term solution to societal issues, aiming to "educate young men on how to communicate and express how they're feeling without fear of ridicule".

Raph of Scripted Development
Raph of Scripted Development

What to look out for: The documentary will focus on several key areas:

  • Encouraging positive physical health

  • Guidance on personal presentation

  • Identifying safe spaces for open discussion in the local community

Supporting the event: Local businesses are contributing, with Fresh Start Charity providing furniture and Harvest Moon Vegan Cafe supplying refreshments for audience members.

The bottom line: The project represents a collaborative effort to address men's mental health through creative expression and open dialogue, bringing together local organisations and international talent in the heart of Ipswich.

Head over to the former Superdry store at 14:30 to get involved.

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

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Suffolk Council commits to giving youth a voice following Ipswich's national recognition

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After Ipswich became the UK's first Town of Youth Social Action in 2023, Suffolk County Council has now signed the Power of Youth Charter with ambitions to become the UK's first County of Youth Social Action.

Why it matters: The signing represents a formal commitment to putting young people at the heart of decision-making across Suffolk, building on Ipswich's pioneering status in youth social action.

The details: The Power of Youth Charter, led by the #iWill Movement, was signed by Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, alongside Cllr Liz Harsant, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, and Cllr Nathan Wilson at a meeting of Suffolk's Youth Parliament.

Bobby Bennett signing the Power of Youth Charter
Signing the Power of Youth CharterSuffolk County Council

What they're saying: "I firmly believe that young people should be involved in the decisions that affect them," said Cllr Bennett.

"By signing the Power of Youth Charter, Suffolk County Council is making a commitment to our young people, to create more opportunities for their voices to be heard, to shape their own futures and ultimately to ensure that we are making decisions with our young people, not for them."

Youth Parliament representatives Kayleb Wright and Hermione Cartwright also signed the charter at the meeting.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are delighted to be involved in this movement, as youth representatives. We believe that this could move the future of youth voice and empower young people in making decisions that affect their futures."

The bigger picture: The #iWill Movement brings together more than 1,000 organisations and 700 young ambassadors and champions from across the UK, supported by charities UK Youth and Volunteering Matters.

Suffolk County Council will now work alongside over 350 other organisations already part of the movement, focusing on five key commitments:

  • Prioritising social action, especially for young people from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds

  • Opening up decision-making to ensure young people have influence

  • Working with other organisations to reach more young people

  • Evidencing the impact of youth social action

  • Recognising and celebrating young people as changemakers

What's next: Stephen Skeet, Director of Business Development and Partnerships for the #iWill Movement, suggests the council's backing could lead to further recognition.

"With Suffolk County Council's strategic backing, we're excited to build on this momentum and work towards establishing the UK's first County of Youth Social Action, where young people's voices and leadership are central to civic life," he said.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council's commitment signals a growing recognition of young people's role in shaping their communities, with the potential for Suffolk to establish a nationwide first in youth empowerment.

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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