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Town mascot Bluey joins mental health lesson at Ranelagh Primary

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich Town's mascot, Bluey, surprised pupils at Ranelagh Primary School during a special mental health awareness session on February 4.

Why it matters: The visit was part of Suffolk Mind's Bluesday Tuesday initiative, which teaches children essential mental health techniques and aims to fund similar sessions at other schools through 'pay it forward' fundraising.

Ipswich Town's mascot, Bluey, surprised pupils at Ranelagh Primary School
Ipswich Town's mascot, Bluey, surprised pupils at Ranelagh Primary SchoolSuffolk Mind

The details: Children learned several key mental health skills during the session:

  • Reflective listening techniques for better peer support

  • 'Dragon breathing' for stress management and clearer thinking

  • The importance of movement for mental wellbeing

What they're saying: "Children often speak to other children before they speak to adults, so learning to listen is such a useful skill for them to support each other," said Louise Taylor-Harris, Suffolk Mind's Children, Family and Young People's Service Manager.

Ranelagh Primary School Headteacher Nicky Ling added: "Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing is key to helping our children here at Ranelagh achieve and thrive in their learning."

The bottom line: The event, featuring the tagline "If I'm Blue, I can talk to you," aims to re-engage with schools Suffolk Mind has previously worked with while raising funds to expand the programme to more schools.

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

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Third men's mental health talk show coming to Ipswich Buttermarket

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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A men's mental health event featuring local artists and speakers will take place at the Superdry unit in The Buttermarket on Thursday, 17 April, marking the third instalment in the series.

Why it matters: Men's mental health often goes unspoken, and this event creates a safe space for conversation, creativity, and community support.

Raph from Scripted Development speaking with Omid Djalili
Raph from Scripted Development speaking with Omid DjaliliOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The Pop-up Talk Show will run from 15:00-19:00 and features performances from local artists including XIDONTLIE, a long-standing advocate for mental health and disability rights.

Other featured speakers and performers include:

  • Ed Ngai, digital artist and CICC founder

  • Dan Somers

  • L.A Muse

  • Romeo Mustata

Who's behind it: The event is hosted by the This Is Ipswich team in collaboration with Scripted Development.

What to expect: The open talk show and creative showcase focuses on raising awareness around men's mental health, sharing personal stories, and building community support through conversation, networking and performance.

For your planning: Food will be available for purchase from The Caribbean Smokehouse, with furniture supplied by Threads For All and Fresh Start.

Worth noting: The event welcomes all attendees, not just men, and forms part the third part of a documentary filming segment.

The bottom line: The Pop-up Talk Show aims to break stigma and encourage conversation about men's mental health in a welcoming environment. Head over and join the conversation. No booking required.

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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