We had an egg-celent time hopping about with the Easter bunny at the Friendly Bench on Thursday! Our wonderful volunteers braved the awful weather and so did our incredible visitors. We had craft and chocolate at the ready and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

We are looking to hold FREE community events this year! Get in touch if you have an idea and would love to see it happen!

We were in Asda on 9th March to celebrate our area and get your views! Some great conversations were had and wonderful ideas shared on how we can make lasting positive change in our NW Ipswich. Watch this space!

If you would like to share your services, training, events and activities please send to me (by Thursday at 12.30pm) and I will include them in our weekly buzz – this digital newsletter will come straight to your inbox every Friday! Let me know you would like to be added to our list, it’s free!

We will be in Asda, Goddard Road Ipswich, on Saturday 9th March from 10am if you have anything you’d like to discuss or any feedback you think we should implement in NW Ipswich.

Today we had the pleasure of meeting Chris from NHS at Combat2Coffee to discuss developing well-being events and activities. Read the full article for more information.

Up to £500 available to local groups for activities, events and projects that align with our Plan. To apply, go to our contact page or contact Julie direct at julie@nwipswichblt.co.uk

Looking for funding for a project in North West Ipswich? Go to our contact page or email Julie direct for more details.

Our wonderful Engagement Co-ordinator, Julie, is looking forward to meeting residents of NW Ipswich. Check back for updates on our open meetings to be held at the unity Centre, Meredith Road.

Our funding pot will re open very soon! Check back for updates, we cannot wait to support NW Ipswich even more

Make sure to complete our survey to be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher

We held another great event in Whitehouse Park to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III

Come and swap your seeds and plants at the Friendly Bench. All welcome.

Come and celebrate the Coronation of King Charles the 3rd with us. See further details on our What’s On page

We are delighted to find that girls from Westbourne Academy are taking advantage of the training that we are funding.

There are a number of Top Up Shops, Food Banks and Warm Spaces opening up in our area. See our What’s On page for the latest information.

We visited ERT just before Autumn half term with school representatives to see how the students were doing and below is a report from that visit: Throughout this academic year a group of 10 Westbourne students are attending Eastern Region Training (Baylham) one day a week to study a BTEC L2 course in Construction and…. click to read the rest of this article.

WHO DOESN’T LIKE A CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE? One of the many contributions we make to the wellbeing of our NW Ipswich communities is by staging events. Whether it’s an event at our Skatepark, a Dog Show or at our Community Garden, they are all well supported by our residents. So, in December when it was…. click to read the rest of this article.

North West Big Local Trust knows that lack of funds will often be a barrier to someone from fulfilling their potential.  Part of what we do at Big Local is about recognising the talent and initiative of people in our area where sometimes a bit of funding can make all the difference. As part of…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are excited to announce the winners of the photographic competition. The aim of the competition was to encourage children and young people aged from pre-school up to 18 to reconnect with the great outdoors during the Covid-19 lockdown, focusing on what they could see from their window. There were 4 categories and each winner…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Castle Hill Community Centre Trust to create a new Food Bank to support the community. Based at Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, to help families in need during this National Emergency.  We are called the Community Pantry The idea behind our Fresh Food Friday project was…. click to read the rest of this article.

When the coronavirus hit we knew there would be many families in our community in need of support, now more than ever, from help getting groceries and prescriptions through to dog walking and all sorts in-between. We are hearing lots of, sometimes quite harrowing, stories of people who are in real need of help. Many…. click to read the rest of this article.

Sadly, we are seeing an increase in people struggling to cope with isolation  and many of us, at one time or another are going through or know of someone who is going through a tough time. So we’ve put together a list of useful resources for you: StayAlive App- free app Advice and tools to…. click to read the rest of this article.

Lyndsey Young of The Friendly Bench CIC speaks to Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin When we were told the amazing news that our application for a Friendly Bench had been successful we were thrilled. We know from extensive research, and by chatting to local people, that a lot of us experience feelings of isolation or loneliness in our…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are thrilled to announce that our NW Ipswich community is to be awarded a Friendly Bench thanks to National Lottery funding. Friendly Bench is registered as a Community Interest Company, a social enterprise which tackles loneliness and social isolation, offered  community groups and voluntary organisations across the country to apply for their own Friendly…. click to read the rest of this article.

NW Ipswich Big Local Trust is all about development and empowerment for our residents. It’s not always easy and things don’t change quickly, it takes commitment and determination and here is a great example of one residents dreams coming true. Malakai Pearson came to us 4 years ago with an idea to offer learning support…. click to read the rest of this article.

By popular request, North West Ipswich Big Local Trust held our second Fun Dog Show at Castle Hill Park on Sunday, 8 September. Following on from last year’s success, the NWI BLT Events Team, ably assisted by a number of volunteers and Ipswich Borough Council Parks, decided to repeat the show with a slightly different…. click to read the rest of this article.

The North West Ipswich Community Garden has, thanks to NW Ipswich BLT, taken delivery of a Double Disabled Raised Bed suitable for 2 wheelchair users. “We are well impressed with the disabled raised bed that we commissioned ActivSheds to make – it is bespoke so we had exactly what we wanted made to suit our wheelchair…. click to read the rest of this article.

Whitton Youth Partnership are funding another round of support programmes for local families called Who’s in Charge? Parenting Programme. This free nine week group programme is for parents and carers who have a child aged 8-18 who currently appears to be beyond parental control or who uses violent and abusive behaviour towards them. If you…. click to read the rest of this article.

Whitehouse Wanderers, volunteering with Ipswich Community Media, Voist, and Azuko  want to find out what Castle Hill and Whitton Residents have to say about the Whitehouse area. To get an idea of residents’ opinions we have designed a questionnaire which is being asked to randomly selected residents from all ages and backgrounds. The results of…. click to read the rest of this article.

The latest Youth Work report by Whitton Youth Partnership is now available

We had a lovely surprise when we arrived at the Community Garden today – a gift of 3 redcurrant bushes from neighbouring plot holder Joe. We were chuffed to be able to give Joe a few spare slabs in return. Kaiden and I had a brill 4 hours down the allotments today. He enjoyed planting and being…. click to read the rest of this article.

What are we doing to support our young people we hear you ask since Open Mic, Drumming sessions and D2U stopped last year? We have increased our work and funding with local charity Whitton Youth Partnership (WYP). This way we can ensure that we reach more young people and more varied opportunities are provided, supported by…. click to read the rest of this article.

In November Castle Hill School contacted us to see if we could help them by taking in their 7 chickens over the Christmas holidays when they would be shut. The idea of having cute, feathered & mobile ‘rotavators’ at the Community Garden was exciting but sadly not practical but we posted a plea on their…. click to read the rest of this article.

Please note that the Grants process is currently closed for review and will reopen asap. We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we undergo this essential work.

Friday Friends Dementia Café is a Friendly community café for people living with Dementia and their Carers, funded by BLT and in December they held their Christmas party.

We are very proud to announce that we are supporting Whitton Youth Partnership to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to young people in Year 9 or above and aged 18 or under. This has been a long term aim for both organisations and by approving funding we are finally able to get this up and…. click to read the rest of this article.

Venue: Castle Hill Community Centre Date: 13th November 2018 Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm This is an open meeting

We are pleased to announce a funding application by Whitton Youth Partnership to us has been successful and they will be offering are offering parenting support programme for parents and carers in Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill. The FREE programmes bring experienced workers, parents & carers together to discuss issues, share concerns, gain practical advice and information…. click to read the rest of this article.

The Fun Dog Show was a real community success, thanks to you! Thank you to all residents who brought your beloved pets along, and those who just came to watch, it was you that made this show, without you there wouldn’t have been one. Spread the word, tell people about us and how you had a…. click to read the rest of this article.

Although it was a very cold day, the rain held off. The children enjoyed hunting the Park for the Easter Egg clues, which they all done very well. On their return to the ‘Meeting Place’ they claimed their chocolate egg or chocolate bunny and refreshments of Hot Cross Buns, biscuits hot and cold drinks for all was on…. click to read the rest of this article.

Launching on Wednesday June 27th at The Meeting Place Community Centre, Limerick Close, Whitehouse. Save the date and join us for our new reading club.

NW Ipswich BLT take our data protection responsibilities very seriously. You can read our Privacy Statement by following the link at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Friday Friends Café – a community café for people living with Dementia and their Carers Newsletter Article April – June 2018 Friday Friends café goes from strength to strength with the help and support of a large group of Volunteers who come along each week and turn an empty room into a warm and welcoming…. click to read the rest of this article.

Computer course at Castle Hill Community Centre. This course is free and is designed to help people to apply for Universal Credit via the internet. The training will be provided by WEA in our community at Castle Hill Community Centre,. Highfield Road. Residents will be welcome to take their own tablet or phone but laptops…. click to read the rest of this article.

Volunteers required for a new Community Garden Project at Castle Hill Allotments (between Ashcroft Rd & Dales Rd, Ipswich).

Huge congratulations to two local champions, who are working tirelessly for the people of NW Ipswich, as they receive national awards for their endeavours.

Another successful event, it was worth all the blood sweat and tears! Here are just a few of the photos taken on the day of the NW Ipswich Big Local Trust Christmas Extravaganza 2017 but there are more on our Facebook page too. We had so many people to thank but extra special thanks must…. click to read the rest of this article.

Do you know someone that might be interested in learning how to use a computer, laptop or tablet? We are looking into the possibility of providing a course that gives adults the confidence to use the new Universal Credit online benefit system. Gaining the skills required to get signed up and accessing the features of…. click to read the rest of this article.

Having time out in our busy lives to be creative can be beneficial to our mental and physical health… Local residents had expressed a wish to create something for Christmas so we held this free seasonal event. Once we had found someone to guide us in creating our designs and a venue we then worked on…. click to read the rest of this article.

Latest news from the Friday Friends Dementia Café Pudsey Bear paid a visit to the café on Friday 17 November for Children in Need and everyone contributed to this very good cause! Ruth Gillan returned to the café for four weeks between October and November. She based her reminiscence activity on a project being run…. click to read the rest of this article.

To celebrate this Christmas season North West Ipswich Big Local Trust is inviting the local community to their big CHRISTMAS EXTRAVANZA. The date to remember is 16th December at Castle Hill Community Centre between 1.00pm to 4.00pm, don’t be late. Entrance is free and there is lots for all to see and do. Father Christmas in spite…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are hosting an event for residents of Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill to provide the opportunity to make your own wreath…for FREE! Materials provided will include an oasis base, greenery and a few decorations but to make your design truly unique you are encouraged to bring some of your own along. If you have…. click to read the rest of this article.

Suffolk Trading Standards would like to ensure that Halloween is a safe and enjoyable event and asks consumers to take a few simple measures to avoid the use of hazardous accessories: Only allow children access to toy axes, swords and other costume accessories under strict supervision. Do not give children products that are intended for…. click to read the rest of this article.

The essential element of the 150 Big Local groups around the UK is that it is run by local people, for local people. The area is defined and in our case it’s within NW Ipswich comprising of Whitehouse, Whitton and part of Castle Hill. We have a Partnership which is a group of up to…. click to read the rest of this article.

Report by Friday Friends Co-ordinator Louise Barnard We had a visit in July, from local artist Sarah from Pop Print Studio, who held an activity where we decorated a table cloth. We used lots of different vegetables to make stamps which we dipped in paint and produced a beautiful tablecloth that we now use each…. click to read the rest of this article.

Many congratulations to Whitton Allotments for winning Silver in the Best Field category of the Ipswich Allotment Holders Association’s Annual Awards ceremony. Also to Roy Howes who was surprised with a Lifetime Achievement Award! This success comes as no surprise to us because we’ve had the pleasure of working with this dynamic group and supported…. click to read the rest of this article.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition? That ‘Unsung Hero’ in our community? Someone who goes the extra mile to help others? We are always looking for that ‘special someone’ We need you to nominate that person for our Community Star Award to say ‘Thank You’ for all that they do. Please download the Nomination…. click to read the rest of this article.

Friday Friends Cafe is a friendly community cafe for people living with dementia and their carers within NW Ipswich (Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill) and a great example of NW Ipswich BLT working in partnership with ActivLives. The cafe is held each week, 10.30 -2pm at Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, IP1 5NW.Details of how…. click to read the rest of this article.

The NWIBLT have extended the closing date to apply for the “Community Hubs” research project. The North West Ipswich Big Local Trust Partnership would like to commission research on “Community Hubs” in the area with a view to developing a two year strategy and action plan for the Partnership to implement. “Community Hub” means any…. click to read the rest of this article.

***Local Job Opportunity*** Al’s cafe in Meredith Road are looking for someone to join their team.Over 4 days per week. Includes weekendsMust be flexible. Apply directly

Following a review of our grant funding system we are pleased to announce a new, simpler Grants application process Previously we had grants available for up to £10k which would open twice a year plus Community Chest funding for amounts up to £500. We now have one generic funding application – focusing on integrated support and working with…. click to read the rest of this article.

Come along to one of our afternoon tea sessions on September 27, 28 and 29, to find out how Eastern Savings and Loans can put cash in your pocket, through realistic savings plans or affordable loans. Join us for a cuppa and cake between 1.30pm and 2.30pm and take advantage of our special cash offers…. click to read the rest of this article.

Castle Hill Community Centre in Highfield Road goes from strength to strength as it creates a new staff position. If you are a community minded individual who is looking for a part time job, and have the right experience, you could be part of something exciting! Be a part of a small team developing the centre for…. click to read the rest of this article.

What a fantastic day everyone had at the Great Westbourne Bake off. All the contestants worked as a team. I was so impressed at the way they worked together and couldn’t take my eyes off them. They produced some outstanding cakes. Mary Berry would have been proud of them Pat Prior A fantastic afternoon at…. click to read the rest of this article.

North West Ipswich Big Local Trust Partnership would like to commission research on ‘Community Hubs’ in the area with a view to developing a two year strategy and action plan for the Partnership to implement. By ‘Community Hub’ we mean any building that is, or has the potential to be, hired to individuals and community groups…. click to read the rest of this article.

A ball of wool isn’t just for knitting with you know, its also about making connections! At our session on June 2nd, customers and volunteers were asked to draw around their hands.  Then they wrote on each finger (& thumb) things like their favourite colour, what they liked doing the most, where they had liked…. click to read the rest of this article.

By law, all cafes must ensure that any staff who handle food are supervised, instructed and trained in Food Hygiene in a way that is appropriate to the work they do. As you would expect, we have taken this as seriously as everything else that we do, and have been rewarded with the top rating-success! The rating…. click to read the rest of this article.

To coincide with Dementia Awareness week, the East of England Co-op organised a vintage bus trip for people living with dementia and their carers and some of our Friday Friends customers & carers were lucky enough to go. The red double decker bus was loaned and driven by volunteers at the Ipswich Transport Museum.  We…. click to read the rest of this article.

On Friday 19 May, the new Mayor, Sarah Barber, in her first official capacity as Mayor of Ipswich, officially launched a Dementia friendly cafe at the Whitehouse Baptist Church called “Friday Friends”. The cafe has been set up in partnership between the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust (NWI BLT) & ActivLives. This is an…. click to read the rest of this article.

If you thought Friday Friends was just about the gorgeous lunches you’d be mistaken. The main activity last week was making and designing your own paper aeroplane and then we had a competition to see whose flew the furthest.  Pete and Albert won causing much laughter and enjoyment for all. The first photo shows all the volunteers and…. click to read the rest of this article.

Your Health Matters-a guide to wellbeing for children and youth. Wellbeing means more than just being happy, it means feeling able to cope with the challenges life throws at us. If you are unhappy or facing a difficult situation, talk to someone you trust-this could be a parent, friend, teacher or even your GP for…. click to read the rest of this article.

Friday Friends lunchtime club is off to a flying start! If you know anyone who may be interested in trying out our new sessions for local seniors please take a look and find out more, we look forward to hearing from you.

Do you have a passion for drumming or would like to learn more about it? Then this is for you… Youth Action group Diversity 2 Unity (D2U) are hosting a drumming taster session in response to young people from the community showing a keen interest! The event is being held on 12th May from 7pm until 9pm…. click to read the rest of this article.

Keep On Rockin goes from strength to strength. Keep on Rockin members and Music Facilitator Trish Bessell have been rehearsing songs to go on their next CD. Funded by the NWI BLT, Keep on Rocking will be recording a CD to help to raise awareness about the group and the work of ActivLives. They say that a…. click to read the rest of this article.

Parents and pupils of Whitton and Whitehouse primary schools in North West Ipswich were delighted, on Friday 24th March 2017, to be at Whitehouse school playground to see the Roller Event which was part of the Bigger Picture Printmaking Project. This Project was funded by North West Ipswich Big Local Trust and Councillor James Crossley and was run…. click to read the rest of this article.

It’s been a dream for a while to increase support for our older residents living with dementia and now it’s happening! Following extensive research to prove there really was a need in our community and not just in our imagination, we looked for an organisation to help us to employ a project leader. We needed someone with…. click to read the rest of this article.

In 2012 NWI BLT commissioned students from University Campus Suffolk to produce our first DVD called Big Ideas — The Movie. We wanted to hear from people living in the area what they would spend £1million on to benefit their local community. Filmed between January and March 2012, this film captures what they said…Big Idea’s…. click to read the rest of this article.

Have a BIG idea that will change your local area for the better? Do you live in the Castle Hill, Whitehouse or Whitton areas? If you do, why not apply for a ‘Try It’ award and positively change your community… We are proud to be working in conjunction with UnLtd to provide funding and support…. click to read the rest of this article.

Citizens Advice host free Drop-Ins at Whitton Clinic (Meredith Rd) on Tuesdays from 9.30 – 12.00They can support with issues such as Benefits, Housing, Work, Relationships, Debt and Money, and more. Or parents can phone the Advice line on 0300 330 1151 Or there’s drop – in sessions at the Citizens Advice base in the…. click to read the rest of this article.

Parents, grandparents and pupils at Whitton and Whithouse primary schools in NW Ipswich have been learning printing techniques. A two-tonne ‘steam roller’ will be used to create giant wall hangings for two Ipswich schools as part of a community arts project The Bigger Picture Printmaking Project invited parents and grandparents of pupils at Whitton and…. click to read the rest of this article.

NWI BLT moves from ‘Streetlife’ to ‘My Local Forum’ Social media group ‘Streetlife’ announced on 6th February that it would be closing in 2 weeks which came as a complete shock to residents and groups alike. Streetlife was a successful local social network which provided a free and simple place for residents, community groups & businesses to discuss the local area,…. click to read the rest of this article.

Local Trust is a place-based funder who works with 150 Big Local areas, where people are making their communities even better places to live. NW Ipswich (Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill) is one of those 150! The new Local Trust Chief Executive ‘Matt Leach’ has written on his first thoughts as he has taken on…. click to read the rest of this article.

To give our young people the opportunity to tell us what they want for their age group in the community, we set up a youth group. They named it Diversity 2 Unity (D2U). So far they have asked for: A skatepark. Tick! For years our young people had been asking for their own skatepark. We listened…. click to read the rest of this article.

Do you enjoy walking? Do you know that as well as our parks, we have some stunning views right on the doorstep of NW Ipswich? Some area’s as we know are likely to be used for housing at some point but we do have lots that isn’t at risk. Perhaps you have some photos of…. click to read the rest of this article.

On February 4th 2017 we held our annual Away Day when members look back on the successes of the previous year and decide actions for the next. We looked back on the many projects that we have done ourselves, or supported in some way, and at how much impact that work had on the community….. click to read the rest of this article.

By Residents for Residents: Empowering us to take control of our own health & well-being! NW Ipswich Big Local Trust Health & Wellbeing is a new subgroup of NWI BLT which will be looking at various aspects of general health, including mental health. We will start by researching what is already available to the community e.g. advice &…. click to read the rest of this article.

We have analysed the grants system that we have used to date with the biannual Grant Award Scheme and the rolling Community Chest Fund and decided the way forwards. Whilst we felt strongly that as important as this way of funding had been important to date, there are other ways to support groups, organisations and the whole…. click to read the rest of this article.

Local youth group Diversity 2 Unity expand their Open Mic nights to include older generations by popular demand. Following the success of this youth only event, NWI BLT received requests for the age limit to be raised. So, for a trial period we are doing just that! We very much hope that everyone will benefit & learn from…. click to read the rest of this article.

Are you involved in volunteering, have a keen interest in sport and community events and welcome the challenge of getting people involved in their communities? Read on… V- Event Officer £22,500 (37.5 hours per week) based in Ipswich. 1 year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding Do you have the…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are really pleased to announce that Louise Bernard has accepted the role of Dementia Coordinator for the emerging Dementia Café in Whitehouse. Louise will be leading a team of volunteers to develop specialist support for people living with Dementia across North West Ipswich. The café is being created in partnership with ActivLives. A soft Launch…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are looking at starting up and/or joining in some social activities where local people can join in if you would like to. Sometimes it can be hard to go along to things on your own or if you don’t know anyone but we’re a friendly bunch & many of you will recognise us even if you don’t know our name….. click to read the rest of this article.

Al’s café in Meredith Rd are looking for staff to work in their small friendly team, serving the local community. On 9/10 bus route. Apply within.

NW Ipswich Big Local Trust is working in partnership with ActivLives to open a Friday Friends Café and we have great pleasure in announcing our new Friday Friends Co-ordinator, Louise Barnard has been appointed! Welcome Louise! Hopefully it won’t be long before we can tell you more very soon!  

Rebecca Jackaman reports…. I found out about the Big Local Trust, when a member of the partnership came to my local Girls’ Brigade just before the summer holidays. One thing led to another, and I joined the partnership’s youth group, D2U (Diversity 2 Unity), to help advertise Progression Sessions. Of course, as I am no…. click to read the rest of this article.

At NWI BLT we are passionate about making it easier for local residents to Save and Borrow – at much cheaper rates than charged by payday lenders and loan sharks. That is why we are proud to be supporting Eastern Savings and Loans and joining forces in their advertising campaigns. Look out for the posters…. click to read the rest of this article.

An element of the work North West Ipswich Big Local Trust strives to do is to empower members of our community to improve services for others in the area. We have many examples of how well this is happening, here is just one of the latest: Local resident & Diversity 2 Unity youth group member , Malakai Pearson, recognised…. click to read the rest of this article.

The Whitehouse Skatepark has received an Ipswich Society Award of Commendation for improvements to architecture and design to the local area. The Ipswich Society was founded in 1960 and is a community of people who care about the appearance, character and well-being of the town, its past and its future. We are really proud of this recognition…. click to read the rest of this article.

Local girl shaves hair to raise £££ for Macmillan Cancer Support Rachel Adedji has done a huge amount to help us to bring the opportunity for young people of Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill to perform to what could be their first ever audience! By helping to organise Open Mic events, held at The Meeting Place…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are really excited to announce that we plan to open a Dementia Friendly café in the area! NW Ipswich Big Local Trust is working in partnership with ActivLives to open a Friday Friends Dementia Café as part of our steps to becoming a more dementia friendly community. As part of the set up process we need someone with passion &…. click to read the rest of this article.

We have great pleasure in announcing that Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill have two new youth workers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their new posts. We welcome and congratulate Andy Fell and Glen Chisholm, wishing you both good luck in your new roles! If you would like to chat to either Andy or Glen they…. click to read the rest of this article.

The opening of the ‘Lottie Shed’ On a sunny September morning residents of the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust were able to finally reap the fruits of their labour. Dogged, hardworking and resilient, two somewhat understated resident members, Betty and Roy Howes were finally able to open ‘The Lottie Shed’ – a building that…. click to read the rest of this article.

Please take a moment to watch this friendly video for advice on killer Clown craze Although created by Northern Ireland Police, the message still relates to our community

ActivLives are one of the many organisations that we work with, particularly within our NW Ipswich Seniors sub group. They have provided invaluable advice and we constantly strive to encourage them to do more activities within NW Ipswich, but like all organisations there is never enough time to do as much as we would like. That is…. click to read the rest of this article.

Emmaus is a new initiative, set to offer homeless people a safe place to work and the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment through a work related framework. By providing dignity through a dedicated place of work, they aim to rebuild confidence by giving or supporting the skills of the people that…. click to read the rest of this article.

The Friends group is made up of local residents who are passionate about improving the green areas within NW Ipswich for leisure, sport and health, for all to enjoy. They have been shortlisted for Tesco Bags funding and the amount they could receive and therefore have available to invest in our green spaces could be…. click to read the rest of this article.

Castle Hill Community Centre seek Trustees to support future development Trustees will be responsible for the full range of duties of a Charitable Trust. We will be looking to appoint at least eight Trustees including a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer. Also Trustees with skills in publicity, recruiting volunteers, fund raising and people with a…. click to read the rest of this article.

Terri Calversbert has set up an online petition to change the law after she was made a victim of cyber bullying For those that don’t know Terri, she has lived in Whitton most of her life following horrific burns as a toddler and attended Westbourne school. Now a young adult she has been an inspiration…. click to read the rest of this article.

Now closed. We can announce an exciting job opportunity for further development in NW Ipswich! This will be a full time post, based within NW Ipswich at The Meeting Place Community Centre in Whitehouse

Exciting news, we’ve been nominated for an award by our Project Officer Faye Smith! Faye recently told our resident volunteers and advisors that she has nominated us for a Community Action Suffolk award, “The Colonel Probert award” – for community initiative. This award is for an organisation that has worked for the benefit of the community. This could…. click to read the rest of this article.

Alfie was nominated by his mum for a Community Star Award following his bravery and wonderful fundraising achievement! This is what his mum told us: “Alfie is aged 9 and goes to St Pancras Primary School in NW Ipswich. He came home from school and told me about his mates cousin who is 20 and has been…. click to read the rest of this article.

From the beginning of NWI BLT we have placed developments for young people as a top priority. From our early days we have listened to what they have to say and we have funded various activities especially the skate park in Whitehouse Park. We want a better way for young people to be involved so we set up…. click to read the rest of this article.

On Saturday 28th May 2016 at Whitehouse Park, Norwich Road, Ipswich, between 11.00am to 3.00pm. North West Ipswich Big Local Trust and Wheelscape the skatepark builders are busy organising a celebration event for Whitehouse Skatepark which was completed last October. For the users of the skatepark which includes skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes there will…. click to read the rest of this article.

Whitehouse Primary School hold cookery classes by Yum Yums thanks to funding from NWI BLT Yum Yum’s Cookery School delivering after school cookery sessions following their successful application for funding.

The first science lesson has been held in the new outdoor classroom that is the Sunshine Corner Memorial Garden. The development of the overgrown wasteland on the school premises into Sunshine Corner Memorial Garden has provided the school with an amazing resource for our children. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm on their faces…. click to read the rest of this article.

One of the aspirations of NWI BLT is to have a ‘Place where community facilities are thriving and well used, providing a range of activities for all ages, faiths and cultures’ so when we learnt about forthcoming changes at Castle Hill Community Centre NWI BLT members understood the need to get involved and support this much used facility….. click to read the rest of this article.

We understand that negotiations are in hand with SCC for Castle Hill Community Centre to be managed by a Charitable Trust from 1st April. In the meantime, it’s business as usual & it continues to be available for hire & for general community use.  The Centre can be contacted by telephone 01473 747053 or by…. click to read the rest of this article.

Are you interested in helping to make Whitehouse Park an enjoyable area for all the community and can spare an hour or two a month then please join us at Castle Hill Community Centre on Thursday 17th March 2016, at 7.15pm to 8.15pm. Whether you are a parent, a dog walker or a wildlife enthusiast…. click to read the rest of this article.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Promoted by TOWN 102. https://www.town102.com/ And what a night it was! Bands and solo artists performed, with an audience of family and friends. The judges were Cenzo Townshend a local music professional. Marten Warden, a local singing coach. Last but not least, Town 102 DJ, Wayne Bavin. J. S. and the…. click to read the rest of this article.

Saturday the 5th, brought more activity from the BLT. Bright and early, we all gathered at the ‘Meeting Place’, in Limerick Close. We were really excited with our very first ‘Brochure’ all set for distribution. Family and friends came to help, including little people. Big thanks to all those who walked in the rain and…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are about to embark on one of the most exciting stages in moving NWIBLT forward, giving a brochure and feedback form to every house in the BLT area of Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill This is a massive effort in reaching our community and it is vital that we get as many people involved…. click to read the rest of this article.

 WHITEHOUSE PARK Your Park – Your Views – Your Involvement North West Ipswich Big Local Trust are in the process of setting a ‘Friends of Whitehouse Park’ and we need help from the local community to let us know how they would like the park to evolve for all to enjoy.If you are a parent, a young person,…. click to read the rest of this article.

We are delighted to report that Westbourne Student Radio Station is up and running. The dream to launch a radio station for Westbourne has been around for over eighteen months, from the original idea as a Student Voice initiative, to a group of students and staff pitching the original concept to the Big Local Trust,…. click to read the rest of this article.

North West Ipswich Big Local Trust was delighted to celebrate with various organisations and groups the work they had achieved together over the past three years within the Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill areas This first Celebration evening was held in early December at the Meeting Place in Limerick Close and was attended by representatives…. click to read the rest of this article.

ENGLAND ILLEGAL MONEY LENDING TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WEEK STARTING 30th NOVEMBER 2015 Follow IMLT on Twitter and Facebook @loansharksnews www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject Talk about loan sharks and the campaign using the hashtag: #Standuptoloansharks

There is a new Facebook page just for NWIBLT Young People Click here to check it out

At NW Ipswich BLT we are passionate about making it easier for local residents to Save and Borrow – at much cheaper rates than charged by payday lenders and loan sharks. That is why we are proud to be supporting Eastern Savings and Loans and joining forces in their advertising campaigns. Look out for the…. click to read the rest of this article.

On Saturday 31st October the Skatepark was officially opened by the Mayor of Ipswich. Dozens of young people turned up with skateboards, scooters and bikes. See pictures of the weekend on our facebook page.

The NW Ipswich Skatepark at Whitehouse is almost finished.  It will be officially open by the Mayor of Ipswich at 11 am on Saturday 31st October.

NWI BLT were at the installation of the Revd Jutta Brueck as Priest in Charge of St Thomas the Apostle, Bramford Lane. Uplifting service led by the Bishop of St Edmundsbury Martin Seeley. Good food and conversation – we hope to work with Jutta in the future.

Grant Award Scheme Projects recently approved are…. Westbourne Academy –  for startup equipment for the school radio station    £10,000 Fresh Start, New Beginnings –  for supporting child victims of sexual abuse   £10,000 Iceni – to support families affected by drug or alcohol abuse £10,000 Ipswich Community Media –  to provide training to Westbourne Radio  £1,080…. click to read the rest of this article.

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterdays meeting about the future of Castle Hill Community Centre. This building is a part of the heritage of NW Ipswich and a facility that our community feels it cannot afford to lose! If you have an opinion on the future of Castle Hill Community Centre but were unable…. click to read the rest of this article.

Community Action Suffolk will cease to manage The Community Centre in Highfield Road from 31st March 2016. For further details go to ….. https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/latest-news/

Do you live in Whitton, Whitehouse or Castle Hill? Are you aged between 12 and 25? A new Youth Forum is starting on 30th September and we need you! Come along and have your say about what is happening in your community. What would you like to see?  Your views will make a difference. Have…. click to read the rest of this article.

Back…BLT recently took a look back at the last year and all that has been achieved in that time. For a group of local residents, all volunteers, we’ve not done too badly in our ongoing efforts to improve our community for everyone living in it. For a start, more than £61,000 of funding has been awarded to…. click to read the rest of this article.

GET YOUR SKATES ON –  THE PARK IS COMING The need for a Skatepark has been discussed for many years and now North West Ipswich Big Local Trust with  SITA TRUST,  IBC and the North West Area Committee are delighted to be able to make this dream become a reality. Last month planning permission was granted for…. click to read the rest of this article.

NWI BLT has awarded a grant to HOME-START to move into North West Ipswich with the aim of supporting families with pre school children who need help with school readiness. A major part of our work has been to invest in our young people and we hope by supporting this project we will see great…. click to read the rest of this article.

Funday to be held at the Flying Horse, Waterford Road on Sunday August 30th from 12 noon.

Three Dragons from NWI BLT visited Westbourne Academy today to provide a den and to rate presentations from groups of business studies students who presented their business plans. Amazing business ideas and skills demonstrated – next stop the Patent Office! Congratulations to all who took part.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is hosting Scam Awareness Month in July and, in conjunction with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, is aiming to raise awareness among consumers around the issue of scams. This year the theme is Don’t be Rushed, Don’t be Hushed’. I have included a link below. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/trading-standards-for-consumers/suffolk-scamnesty/                 Please share with your friends…. click to read the rest of this article.

The first North West Ipswich ‘Suffolk Assembly of Youth’ ( SAY) event was a great success. Held on the 13th May at The Meeting Place in Limerick Close, young people from Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill got together to discuss issues that affect them. Core topics for discussion included:– Mental Health and Well-Being,– A place…. click to read the rest of this article.

3.4 miles, 6899 steps and a mountain of sacks later…but surprisingly, it was actually fun! Thank you to the Big Clean Community Heroes for all their hard work in helping to clean up litter between Castle Hill Community Centre and Whitehouse Park today. It was great to be involved, and see community spirit alive &…. click to read the rest of this article.

It’s summer spruce up time. From 10 minutes to an hour or the whole three hours be part of the community spirit on Wednesday 24th June, from 10am to 1pm, on a litter pick supported by the East of England Co-op between Castle Hill and Whitehouse Park. Be part of the amazing loop of generosity,…. click to read the rest of this article.

We want to improve the prosperity of our area by putting, or keeping, more money in residents pockets and encouraging it to be spent locally. What we are doing A ‘Fair Finance’ Project with Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union. This project enables people to save and offers a real alternative to loan sharks and…. click to read the rest of this article.

NWIBLT has just awarded grants to three local organisations.  We are supporting HOME START SUFFOLK to move into North West Ipswich. Their project is to concentrate on school-readiness. We are buying an awning for PADDY GEERE HOUSE so that residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors in all weathers. WIGWAMS NURSERY are now able to…. click to read the rest of this article.

Just wanted to say a big thank you again for the grant. We had our Funday on May 17th, we had over 500 people come visit and over 150 children take part in mini tournaments. They loved the bouncy castles etc and we had lots of positive feedback. We have been approached by another local football club who want us to team up and hold…. click to read the rest of this article.

Several local people met the skatepark designers on 21st April.  Comments will now be assessed to make sure that we get the Skatepark design that YOU want.  See our photo gallery for pictures from the event.

North West Ipswich Big Local Trust is joining forces with Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union to promote a new, fairer and better way to borrow money at affordable rates. Contact us to find out more.

Come along to The Meeting Place, Limerick Close on 21st April at 6.00pm to meet the designers and choose how you want your skatepark to look. There will be a free raffle – WIN A SKATEBOARD DECK

We work with 4YP.  Come along and support them.

The NWI BLT has launched a new award, the ‘Inspiration Award’. Up to £1000 per award can be applied for and is available to individuals from NW Ipswich who demonstrate a talent or skill and require additional funding to support the development of this skill. There is no age limit to the award but the…. click to read the rest of this article.

Marshall Childs was our first Inspiration Award recipient.  Seventeen year old Marshall has competed nationally and was keen to compete in international athletic events.  However his javelin just wasn’t good enough.  So we bought him a new one.  Have we funded a future Olympian?  We hope so!

Tommy Bradshaw was given an £800 grant for his Punch and Judy Booth.  At just 11 years of age, Tommy is believed to be the youngest puppeteer in the country. Five years on – you can read an update from Tommy on how this award has made a difference to him and his career.

NWIBLT Officer joins Radio Suffolk phone in about National Lottery Grants