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Weekly wellbeing café unites Ipswich's Ukrainian community

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Bridge Communities and Together for Ipswich have joined forces to create a welcoming space for Ukrainian refugees, offering both practical and emotional support through a new weekly café as the war continues to devastate families back home.

Why it matters: As Russia's invasion of Ukraine passes 1,000 days, local initiatives like this provide crucial support for displaced Ukrainians dealing with trauma and separation from their homeland.

The big picture: The café, running every Monday from 16:00 to 19:00 at On the Huh Café in St Peter's Street, was set up by Revd Andy Buttress and Alex South of Bridge Communities in collaboration with Alan Cutting from Together for Ipswich. It offers:

  • Two psychotherapists - one English-speaking and one Ukrainian-speaking

  • Structured sessions for sharing experiences

  • Informal social space with refreshments

  • Activities promoting wellbeing

  • Information available in Ukrainian

People gather at the Ukrainian Wellbeing Café at On the Huh Café in Ipswich
People gather at the Ukrainian Wellbeing Café at On the Huh Café in IpswichBridge Communities

What they're saying: "Unlike a lot of things, we don't judge its success by how many people come through the door," says Revd Andy Buttress from Bridge Communities. "Because the people who attend are Ukrainian, they often have a recent history of trauma, grief and loss. It's not counselling or therapy, but it is a therapeutic environment."

The details: The initiative began as a six-week pilot scheme after Easter but has continued due to ongoing need. It's a collaboration between Bridge Communities – part of the Church of England in Suffolk's Lightwave Community, which supports communities across the county to combat isolation – and Together for Ipswich.

Between the lines: While the café provides a therapeutic environment, organisers emphasise it isn't formal counselling. Attendees can choose whether to participate in structured sessions or simply enjoy refreshments and conversation.

How to get involved:

The bottom line: As the conflict in Ukraine continues to impact families and children, this local initiative provides a vital space for the Ukrainian community in Ipswich to find support and connection.

Ukrainian Wellbeing Café

A welcoming space for members of Ipswich's Ukrainian community to connect, share experiences and find support.

  • Other
  • Multiple dates
  • 16:00-19:00
  • Every week
People gather at the Ukrainian Wellbeing Café at On the Huh Café in Ipswich
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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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