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.

WATCH: New short film showcases long-lasting impact of fostering

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council has collaborated on a touching new short film called "Everything" that aims to highlight how fostering can have a lifelong positive impact on children in care and encourage more people to become foster carers.

The big picture: Suffolk County Council is among more than 100 local authorities participating in this national campaign to recruit more foster carers, particularly for teenagers.

Key details: The film follows a foster family's journey over decades:

  • The 7th collaborative film project of its kind, involving councils from Cumbria to Devon

  • Depicts how fostering relationships often last well into adulthood

  • Shows the important role that children of foster carers play

  • Developed with input from foster carers and people with care experience

Why it matters: There is a chronic shortage of foster carers, not just in Suffolk, but across England. This film aims to show the rewarding nature of fostering and encourage more people to step forward.

Fostering is... Everything

What they're saying:

Cllr David Roach, Suffolk County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Fostering and Adoption: "The 'Everything' project has given our fostering service an amazing film that shows the long-term impact fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood."

"We are committed to giving vulnerable children and young people we care for the best chance to thrive, which for the vast majority of them is with local fostering families."

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network: "'Everything' will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster."

The bottom line: Fostering means you can support vulnerable children in your community, providing them with a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive. For more information, visit https://fosterandadopt.suffolk.gov.uk/

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

Three more arrests in Billy McNicholl murder investigation

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team has made three new arrests following the murder of Billy McNicholl, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

Why it matters: The investigation into the death of 63-year-old William "Billy" McNicholl, who was found dead in a Hawthorn Drive property on 1 January, continues as police seek justice for the victim and his friends and family.

A Home Office post-mortem indicated McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

The details: Three people were arrested on Tuesday 1 April – a 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old man – on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

All three have been questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre and subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July.

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: "A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy."

He added: "Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues."

The bigger picture: On 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions and is due to return to police on Tuesday, 22 April.

A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been told she will face no further action.

What's next: Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy's murder."

He added: "If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we'll pass it on for you."

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025.

The bottom line: Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them quoting reference 37/162/25, either via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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