Rural Coffee Caravan - Catch Up Issue 12 - November 2022

publication again at some point.

In the meantime the phone numbers for each of our community team members are listed on our directory page so please call if you think we can help or you would like to book a visit to your village by one of our pop up mobile cafes.

At the time of printing there are over 130 warm spaces listed on our website map. If you don’t have access, please ask someone to show you. Alternatively call us and we will direct you to the nearest one. This winter will be challenging for many, so look out for each other, ask for help if you need it and know that we are at the end of the phone.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the magazine over the last two years and an extra special thank you goes out to Tim Allen of Tuddenham Press, and his team, for their support in turning Catch Up into such a wonderful quality publication. Wishing you all the best Christmas possible.

Above photo: Darren’s Autumn Clouds (Walberswick) by Tina Hannay

Claydon – Village Visit

At Claydon we visit a sheltered housing scheme with over 20 elderly residents who have a great sense of humour and fun. They always look forward to our visits, and Norma, one of our volunteers, knows them all by name, remembers all about their lives and chats to them every time. We always draw a large crowd here, with not just the residents from the housing scheme attending but also of residents from the neighbouring bungalows, and friends and relatives always attend too. We also have quite a few people living with dementia who have become familiar faces, with their care agency staff telling us that it makes their day. Many of our visitors here have benefitted from the fire safety home check that we have introduced them to, and one lady with her sight dog has become a regular user of the Bike Active service in Stutton, after finding out about it from us in March. Keith in his trademark pork pie hat/fedora and Tuppence his little dog never miss a session!

Boyton – Village Visit

Boyton is a new village visit for us. We pitch our van at a historic set of alms houses on the edge of the village in a very rural location. Despite the residents living very close together in this horseshoe of houses, opportunities for socialising struggled to get off the ground before we came along, leaving the residents feeling a bit flat, so we tried three visits over the summer to introduce ourselves and bring a bit of a ‘forum’ to the area. At first the number of visitors was low, with a few more the second time and new residents taking part and introducing themselves; talking about tackling the garden. At the third visit we had to break out the extra chairs! A great atmosphere ensued and we hope to keep on growing the good times next spring/summer!

St James Village Visit

Following the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we consulted with our villages to see if they would like us to go ahead with their visits. Many villages agreed that the residents would still like to receive our visit and use the opportunity to get together to share memories of her wonderful life and service. Here at St James South Elmham we displayed a memorial picture board along with her jubilee flags (beautifully made by one of the residents) as the villagers discussed the funeral and marvelled at the changes that the Queen had seen in her lifetime.

Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan

Buxhall Village Visit

Our good friend Jay from Adventures in Outreach and Henry, one of our publicity volunteers and visit helpers, attended our regular visit to the village hall an interesting brick building which in fact used to be the little village school. The dynamic duo of chihuahuas, Brooke and Millie, joined the fun while their owner Jay did an imromptu litter pick on the village green.

Chattisham

A BBC film crew joined us in August at Chattisham, one of Suffolk’s very rural villages in which the only community amenity is the village church. Once a month the Rural Coffee Caravan visits this little village, since we were invited by them to do so when resident Margaret Anderson approached us at The Suffolk Show in 2019.

The weather on this particular visit was glorious and visitors plentiful. There was an abundance of chatter, coffee and cake. On a serious note, the BBC had asked to join our visit to interview local residents to gauge how the ‘cost of living crisis’ was affecting people in such a rural location, and to chat with them about the ways they were coping. Chattisham resident Shirley Daniels was the star of the day, and after being initially reluctant to be in the spotlight, gave a great interview!

It was really interesting to observe the process of the BBC putting together their feature for the TV.

During one interview, we had to pause filming to welcome three bemused cyclists who had wandered in to join the visit. We love this aspect of being sure to offer a warm welcome to

anyone and everyone who drops by to our visits! These friendly young German chaps were on a cycling holiday and had been enjoying the gentler Suffolk countryside terrain after the hard going of some very hilly parts of Wales! They chatted with the locals and enjoyed our Rural Coffee Caravan hospitality. They were really interested in the whole concept of what the Rural Coffee Caravan offers and were inspired to take the idea back to Germany.

Claydon, Boyton, St James, Buxhall and Chattisham

Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan (continued…)

Redlingfield

Village Visit and a visit from The Prince’s Countryside Fund

In October we enjoyed welcoming Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, to our Village Visit to Redlingfield. Keith told us he’d had: “A most informative and enjoyable visit to Redlingfield last week to see The Rural Coffee Caravan in action. I came away very impressed and it was good to speak to members of the community about all that you are achieving on your visits, particularly with the various challenges ahead.” The Rural Coffee Caravan is one of a handful of projects that has been supported through the Fund’s Supporting Rural Communities grant programme. We are extremely grateful to the Prince’s Countryside Fund for their support and we welcomed the opportunity to share feedback with them directly from some of the beneficiaries of our core service. Redlingfield residents were falling over themselves to tell Keith what our visits mean to them!

Great Glemham

Village Visit (Last of the summer shine!)

Rachel bought a tin of home made brownies to our visit to Great Glemham this afternoon (which everyone duly attacked!) After we took the photo we noticed that the tin was being illuminated by an angelic beam of light!

Freckenham Village Visit

On the subject of cakes and biscuits (one of our favourite topics…) at our final Freckenham visit of the year we got to celebrate regular visitor Neville’s 88th birthday with him! Julie Potter, one of our fab volunteer bakers for the visit, had kindly made him a carrot cake as it is his favourite.

Cavendish Village Fete

Occasionally we attend village events to introduce new people to ’what we do’ at the Rural Coffee Caravan. In September Diana and Elaine joined the village fete at Cavendish and got chatting to West Suffolk Councillor for

Clare, Hundon and Kedington ward, Nick Clarke, who was interested to find out about the different ways we support the local community there. So much so that he kindly mentioned us in his online blog. The fete was a success, a great demonstration of community spirit, and a wonderful opportunity to engage with new local folk and invite them to our village visits.

MeetUpMondays™ launch

Garry, our community engagement team lead for Mid Suffolk visited the launch of MeetUpMondays at The Grosvenor pub in Felixstowe at the end of October.

A welcoming and friendly venue, and a great start to hosting some very delighted visitors, including the local Mayor, Sharon Harkin! A dog friendly venue, there were almost as many furry friends visiting as human ones!

On

Lucy

Warm Hearts and Warm Spaces

How we’re going to manage to keep warm this winter has been the topic of many a conversation at our village visits of late. More people than ever may find themselves having to make tough choices and face unexpected challenges throughout the colder months, in order to mitigate rising costs.

Though wider support and more permanent solutions may be needed, many of our wonderful Suffolk communities are stepping up, ensuring no one in their neighbourhood is lacking a regular place to be warm as winter approaches. Our county’s towns and villages have started to set up a variety of ‘warm banks’, ‘warm hubs’ and ‘warm rooms’ for their local residents, making good use of community buildings such as libraries, church rooms, village halls and local pubs which will be open and heated anyway.

The Rural Coffee Caravan is identifying and mapping out each of these community ‘Warm Spaces’ across Suffolk, so that people can easily find their nearest.

The Rural Coffee Caravan also has a Winter Warmth page on its website sharing a variety of useful resources from around

the county on winter warmth initiatives, guidance in setting up Warm Spaces, and links to vital cost of living support. We’ve included some of these resources on pages 26 & 27 of this issue of Catch Up, but we will continue to add to the online directory as we come across further information. Find the online resource page at ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/winter warmth

If your village or town can host a Warm Space for your community do let us know and we’ll add you to our map. Email us at: info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

CILIP, the library and information service have published a guide, backed by Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, on setting up a Warm Space in your local community. A link to the downloadable PDF document can be found on our Winter Warmth website page.

“

The heating is on in our community building, so you are warmly invited to come and share it.”

This year, the 12th Surviving Winter Appeal has been widened and will now help Suffolk people, with a three pronged focus on ‘fuel, food and support’.

With many people already facing problems due to rapid increases in the cost of living, this year the annual appeal has been extended and renamed ‘Suffolk Cost of Living Surviving Winter Appeal’. Grants to help pay for fuel will be available as before, (to people of all ages), some food projects will be supported, and local charities, which are themselves facing huge challenges, could also be helped. The Appeal is a joint initiative by Suffolk Community Foundation, Citizens Advice Ipswich, and Suffolk councils’ Warm Homes Healthy People.

“Across the county there are many wonderful food projects, large and small, and this year the Appeal will give grants to help some of those providing food to meet the increased demand we know they are seeing. We also want to help other smaller Suffolk charities who offer essential help and enable people to be self sufficient, but are themselves facing challenges with stretched budgets,” Melanie Craig, the Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation explained. “We are very grateful for the support of the Suffolk Building Society who are a donation point for us.”

In 2021/22, the Appeal raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds and provided warmth and other

vital financial advice and support to over 1800 households across Suffolk.

“

Our challenge now is to ensure that this year’s appeal is our most successful yet.

As always, we encourage people to hold on to their Winter Fuel Payment and other cost of living support if they need it to stay warm and well this winter. However, in the long held ‘Don’t Need it, Donate it’ spirit of this appeal, we ask that those who can make a donation, perhaps from their Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance, donate it to the Appeal,” Melanie added.

The latest local data shows the sharpest rise in fuel poverty in Suffolk that we have witnessed for some time. Despite local and national government support, it is estimated that a further 20,000 households (75,000 in total) are now struggling to meet their living costs and heat their homes as winter approaches.

If you would like to receive individual support from the SUFFOLK COST OF LIVING SURVIVING WINTER APPEAL, wherever you are in Suffolk, please contact Citizen’s Advice Ipswich on 01473 298634.

To donate to the Appeal: online by visiting www.suffolkcf.org.uk, by telephone 01473 602 602 (during office hours), or visit any branch of Suffolk Building Society to make a payment over the counter.

MeetUpMondays™ is a network of pubs and cafés throughout Suffolk (and growing across the UK) helping to address loneliness and isolation since 2018. MeetUpMondays™ creates opportunities for folk on their own to access regular company without feeling labelled as lonely, and helps to reinforce our local pubs and cafés as community hubs. Just turn up on the day, grab a free cuppa, and chat! More info and a map of participating host venues can be found on our website and social media pages.

www.meetupmondays.org.uk

All of the wonderful MeetUpMondays™ groups in and around Suffolk can be relied upon to be Warm Spaces for anyone needing a regular place to be warm this winter. Find your nearest on the map on our website.

The Grosvenor *NEW* 25 31 Ranelegh Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7HA Tel: 01394 284137

The Man on the Moon *NEW* 86 Palmcroft Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6QX Tel: 01473 464182

The Pig and Whistle *NEW* 2 8 All Saints Green, Norwich, NR1 3NA Tel: 07376 469647

Theberton Lion *NEW* Main Road, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4RU Tel: 01728 830185

East Point Pavilion *NEW* Royal Plain, Lowestoft, NR33 0AP Contact via email: hello@eastpointpavilion.com

Barleycorn (Brandon) Brandon Health & Leisure Centre, Church Road, Brandon IP27 0JB Contact via email: shelby@barleycornmildenhall.co.uk

Mondays 11 am 1 pm

Mondays 11 am 12.30pm

Mondays 12 noon 2pm

Tuesdays 12.30pm 2.30pm

Thursdays 11 am 12 noon

Mondays 10.30am 11.30am

The White Horse Hopton Road, Thelnetham, Diss IP22 1JN Tel: 01379 898800 Phone only manned part time presently Mondays 10.30am 12 noon

The Cherry Tree 73 Cumberland St, Woodbridge IP12 4AG Tel: 01394 384627

The Golden Key Priory Road, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SA Tel: 01728 688510

Emmaus Suffolk Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3BB Tel: 01473 225627

The Butchers Arms London Rd, Beccles NR34 9YT Tel: 01502 712243

Combat2Coffee 8 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BZ Tel: 07736 351406

The Golden Boar The Street, Freckenham, Newmarket IP28 8HZ Tel: 01638 723000

Sproughton Community Shop Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Tel: 01473 747768

The Bluebell Tea Rooms Bypass Nurseries, London Rd, Capel St Mary IP9 2JR Tel: 01473 806620

Fisher Theatre 10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE Tel: 01986 897130

Somersham & District Community Shop Princes Gardens, Lower Somersham IP8 4PF Tel: 01473 833416

Mondays 10am 12 noon

Mondays 10.30am 12 noon

Mondays 12.30pm 4pm

Mondays 4pm 5.30pm

Mondays 10am 12 noon

Mondays 2.30pm 4pm

Mondays 9.30am 11.30am

Mondays 10am 12 noon

Mondays 10.30am 12.30pm

Mondays 2pm 3.30pm

The Wellington 27 29 High Street, Feltwell IP26 4AF Tel: 01842 828224

White Horse 97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF Tel: 01787 374321

The Engine Room Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road IP24 3LH Tel: 01824 779867

The George 52 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5AL Tel: 01473 822151

The Norman Warrior Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB Tel: 01502 561982

Barleycorn (Mildenhall) 30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF Tel: 01638 712877

The Greyhound 9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE Tel: 01473 252862

Pennoyer Centre Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Tel: 01379 676660

The Shepherd and Dog The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855

The Angel 2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660

Mondays 2pm 4pm

Mondays 10.30am 12 noon

Mondays 12 noon 2pm

Mondays 11am 12.30am

Mondays 10am 12 Noon

Mondays 9.30am 11am

Mondays 10am 11.30am

Mondays 10am 11.30 am

Mondays 2 pm 4 pm

Mondays 4 pm 7 pm

Clare Antiques and Interiors The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449 Paused until 2023 whilst building work is undertaken

The Crown Hotel 25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722

CoffeeLink, Leiston Co-op Sizewell Road, Leiston IP16 4AE Tel: 01728 831613

The Sun Inn High Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DF Tel: 01206 323351

The Meadlands 93 Needham Rd, Stowmarket IP14 2AD Contact via email: stowmeadlandsrec@gmail.com

The Garden House 1 Pembroke Road, Norwich NR2 3HD Tel: 01473 624038

Combat2Coffee 12 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1PR Tel: 07889 767695

The Corn Hall St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB Tel: 01379 652241

The Chestnut Horse Great Finborough IP14 3AT Tel: 01449 674688

The Crown Inn Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SL Tel: 01728 689112

The Brantham Bull The Street, Brantham, Suffolk CO11 1PN Tel: 01473 328248

Café 66 Kesgrave Scout Hall, Twelve Acre Approach IP5 1JF Tel: 07852 902879

Pura Vida High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN Tel: 01379 766200

The Five Bells Southwold Road, South Cove, Wrentham NR34 7JD Tel: 01502 675249

The Golf Hotel 748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR Tel: 01473 727450

Brewers Arms 18 20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS Tel: 01473 790862

Mondays 10 am 12 noon

Mondays 10am 11.30am

Mondays 10.30am 12 noon

Tuesdays 10am 11.30am

Tuesdays 12pm 1pm

Wednesdays 10am 12 noon

Wednesdays 1.30pm 3pm

Wednesdays 12 noon 2pm

Wednesdays 10am 12 noon

Wednesdays 10am 12 noon

Wednesdays 10am 11am

Wednesdays 9.30am 11.30am

Thursdays 10am 12 noon

Thursdays 12 noon 2pm

Fridays 12 noon 2pm

SUFFOLK LIBRARIES OFFER KINDNESS AND SUPPORT THIS WINTER

Suffolk Libraries is currently firming up its plans to run a kindness campaign this winter to help people across Suffolk during what is likely to be a very challenging winter.

Suffolk Libraries recently celebrated ten years as an independent charity and in this time the county’s libraries have cemented their place as community hubs which offer so much more than the traditional library offer. Our libraries are fun, engaging, amazing spaces. Library staff work with local people and organisations to develop services and activities specific to the needs of their local community with wellbeing now a vital part of everything that Suffolk Libraries does.

With so many people in our communities likely to be facing multiple financial pressures this winter, this is when community focused organisations like Suffolk Libraries, Rural Coffee Caravan and so many of our wonderful voluntary sector partners really step up to help.

recently launched by CILIP, the library and information association with support from Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert.

We are planning to officially launch our Be Kind in Kind campaign in November, but in reality libraries are already open and happy to welcome anyone who needs a warm space.

Suffolk Libraries is also working on plans to offer hot drinks and kindness racks in many libraries and we hope to also offer some special events and activities over the winter period. Please check our website and social media channels or contact your nearest library for more details of what’s on offer during the winter.

Of course there is already such a lot on offer which is either free or very low cost:

Free internet and computer access and support to get online.

Books and a wide range of online eLibrary items eBooks, eAudio, music downloads and streaming, online newspapers and magazines and film. All free with a library card (which is free and easy to apply for).

Suffolk Libraries has already announced that all of our 45 libraries will be warm spaces during the winter (yes there are 45 now with a new library in Moreton Hall opening in August!) We’re very grateful to The Rural Coffee Caravan for helping us to signpost these.

Suffolk Libraries has helped provide ideas and guidelines for the national Warm Welcome guidance which was

Weekly activities for all ages which can offer a free alternative to more expensive leisure activities and a chance to meet new people and socialise. Anyone coming along just to make the most of the warm spaces initiative is welcome to join in with these so it can be a great way of tackling loneliness and isolation.

Pride and periods free menstrual items which are available from many libraries.

Expert help and advice from our staff and if we can’t help we’ll know who can.

www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

Suffolk charity, ActivLives, recently ran a Boccia tournament at Whitton Sports Centre in Ipswich, to help to celebrate National Boccia Day 2022. There were 38 competitors from across the county, who came together to enjoy a fantastic day of Boccia action.

During the day the tournament was visited by BBC Radio Suffolk with some of the players being interviewed about their love of Boccia. Paralympian, Evie Edwards, a member of the Boccia team that represented Great Britain in Tokyo and now coaches the sport, was also at the tournament to help referee the games and to present the winner’s medals at the end of the day’s competition.

Whitton Sports Centre, Ipswich to find out more, and how to get involved, email mike@activlives.org or call the ActivLives office on 01473 345350.

ActivLives is a local independent charity working in Ipswich and across Suffolk to keep people active, connected and involved with their local community through accessible sports and exercise, learning new skills and volunteering opportunities. Their sessions include Better Balance sessions, sports sessions, community gardens, lunch clubs and community choirs. www.activlives.org.uk tel: 01473 345350

Mike McCarthy, ActivSport Development Officer at ActivLives, said “Boccia is a great sport, anyone can enjoy it, it’s a sport for people with disabilities as well as those who may find other sports intimidating and/or difficult to play. The sport is so inclusive, it really is great fun!”

ActivLives are particularly grateful to all of the great volunteers who helped to make this event happen. If you are interested in trying Boccia, ActivLives hosts a regular session on Thursdays between 10:30am 12:30pm at

ActivLives Boccia Tournament hailed a success

A WARM WELCOME

AND MORE AWAITS YOU AT WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE

Our local community colleges in Haverhill, Ipswich, Sudbury, Thetford and Chatteris (opening January 2023) are delighted to be part of the network of Warm Spaces.

At set times each week our community colleges will be providing space for you to come in, stay warm and socialise, or if you prefer to simply take a seat and quietly read a book or newspaper and enjoy a warm drink and snack in a comfortable safe environment. Please check the timetable for the individual Warm Space opening times and contact details of each local college.

At our colleges you can expect:

• A warm and friendly welcome from the team

• To be treated with dignity and respect

• A safe space; we will be following the usual safeguarding policies that we always use

• We will not tell anyone why you need a Warm Space, but if you would like to talk, someone will always be available to listen. That person will not tell anyone about the conversation unless you give them permission, or they must because of our safeguarding policies

• Our Warm Space is a non judgemental space, you are welcome whatever the reason you have for needing to come and all using the space will be treated equally and never judged.

Not only can we offer a warm and friendly welcome but if you would like to, the chance to learn a new skill, to try something different and

the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications. Did you know most of courses we provide are fully funded and can be offered to you for free?

With lots of different courses and learning options available our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to answer your questions; offering advice, guidance and support to help you to achieve your individual aims.

Keeping both your mind and body active during the winter months is a great way to make friends, pass the time and support your mental health and wellbeing.

With different classes available every day of the week, including some Saturdays, you are not just limited to visiting our centres during the Warm Spaces opening times, you are most welcome to enrol onto any of our courses or classes which interest you. Please directly contact your local community college to see what classes and courses they have scheduled that you can join and take part in.

We understand that our courses may not appeal to all and that is ok, please know you are always most welcome to visit our centres and make use of the warm space available to you.

All the team at West Suffolk College look forward to giving you a warm welcome.

How are we helping East Suffolk residents to manage the rising cost of living?

We have set up new pages on our website to provide information, advice and links to organisations that can help.

We have developed a contact form for people who need help to access food and essential household items, to manage their money, and with housing issues: my.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/service/Cost_of_living_help_referral

Our Financial Inclusion Team offers support to households in East Suffolk who are worried about their finances whether it’s creating a personalised financial plan to make your money go further, getting ID documents to open a bank account, connecting you to other organisations or something else, the team are here to help. Contact them by calling 0333 016 2000 (ask for help with money) or by emailing helpwithmoney@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

East Suffolk Council understands the pressures faced by many people today and is working closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure support is available to help ease the squeeze for households in East Suffolk. See our website for more: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community/squeeze

If you can’t access the website at home, you can contact us by phone on 03330 162000 or we have digital champions who can help you to get on line.

Appointments are available at the Marina Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10am 4pm) and at desks within Halesworth, Aldeburgh, Woodbridge and Felixstowe libraries, please call 03330 162000 to book.

www.warmhomessuffolk.org

The scheme aims to improve the EPC rating of the most energy inefficient homes in the county, with measures including installing appropriate forms of insulation, fitting air source heat pumps, replacing single glazing and more. The team is also on hand to offer expert advice on reducing energy bills and energy usage, and to identify benefits that residents may be entitled to, to help keep their homes warm.

As well as reducing residents’ fuel bills, Warm Homes Suffolk will also help the county towards its target of Net Zero by 2030, as making homes more energy efficient will mean less carbon is released into the atmosphere.

We’re here so that residents don’t have to live in a cold house or become unwell because they are worrying about their energy bills.

Warm Homes Suffolk The Warm Feeling Fund, was set up in 2021 after a successful bid was made to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for £2.7 million pounds of funding. The latest round of funding is part of the Government’s Local Authority Delivery phase three (LAD3) scheme, and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), designed to improve the energy efficiency of Britain’s homes.

With energy costs for all households already extremely high, we want to assure people that help is out there. Warm Homes Suffolk is here so that residents don’t have to live in a cold house or become unwell because they are worrying about their energy bills. If you, or anyone you know is having difficulty heating their home, or is concerned about their energy bills, please get in touch with Warm Homes Suffolk.

For eligible residents, the scheme can offer a range of home upgrades, including cavity, loft and external insulation. Once insulation is in place other measures may also be available, including the installation of air

The scheme is available to homeowners, those renting privately and landlords. There are some conditions to meet before being able to access funding. The gross household income must be under £30,000 per annum and the home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

Landlords whose tenants and property meet the above criteria, could receive a subsidy of up to two thirds for work which improves the energy efficiency of the property. This is especially relevant, as new regulations coming into force in 2025 state no property with an EPC lower than C can be rented to new tenants.

The scheme has not only been set up to help as many households as possible but it will also serve to improve the energy efficiency of Suffolk’s housing stock, helping us move closer to being a net zero county.

More details about eligibility can be found on the Warm Home Suffolk website www.warmhomessuffolk.org or by calling 03456 037 686. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

If you think you or someone you know could be eligible. Please get in touch.

Guest Article by Nicky Russell RAFBF Community Engagement Worker

The RAF Benevolent Fund has existed since 1919 to support members of the RAF family, which includes serving personnel, veterans, their partners, widows and carers plus children up to the age of 18. Veterans only need to have served one day to access our help and this includes time in National Service and the Royal Observer Corps.

Our primary focus is to ensure that all members of the RAF Family live a happy and fulfilled life and with the current concerns over the cost of living, our role is even more important.

Based in Suffolk; I am a Community Engagement worker, supporting veterans and their partners or widows if they have become isolated and would like help to access local activities or telephone friendship groups. I work closely with many Suffolk based groups and support services so that I can provide the most relevant information for people In our community to help them feel connected and valued going forward.

Pictured are Sybil and Michael, in their nineties, who were supported to attend the Chelsea Flower Show this year and had an amazing time but not all outings are this exciting and glamorous! Many of the veterans that we support get enormous pleasure from attending a local breakfast club, having a weekly telephone chat with other veterans or friendly coffee morning.

My aim is to meet each person, find out what would help and then work with them to achieve this, providing ongoing support.

My role is just one of many supporting members of the RAF Family as I have colleagues who provide a range of support from financial assistance to mobility aid, telephone counselling to disability friendly holidays.

Trained professionals can assist with benefit queries, advocacy and housing adaptations we are keen that nobody in the RAF family struggles and can access the help they need, particularly during these very challenging times.

If you know of anyone who could benefit from our support, do please get in touch.

Nicky Russell tel: 07840 852 168 nicola.russell@rafbf.org.uk

*NEW* Orford Coffee & Chat Mondays (except Bank Holidays) 1pm 3pm

OrfordSports&RecreationClub,MundaysLane, OrfordIP122LX

An informal meeting up with tea, coffee, biscuits and cake provided. No charge but donations are welcome. For more info call Corinne on 01394 450849

*NEW* Westleton Village Hall Coffee Mornings

Monday to Friday 10am 12pm

WestletonVillageHall,TheStreet,Westleton, Saxmundham,IP173AD

We welcome all to our lovely new light and airy Foyer. We offer light refreshments such as tea and coffee, biscuits and bars from 10am 12noon every weekday. Local volunteers are there to chat with and to give local recommendations such as walks and events etc. In warmer weather people can sit outside too, as we have bifold doors and a small courtyard; a lovely sunny space most of the year!

*NEW* Warm Welcome

Every 3rd Friday of the month 2pm 3.30pm

DumbartonRdScoutHall, DumbartonRd,IpswichIP43JP

This friendly social group is an opportunity for adults to meet up and chat over coffee and cake. Hosted by Rushmere Good Neighbours and Rushmere Churches Together.

*NEW* Craft Club at Theberton & Eastbridge Jubilee Hall

Every Friday 10am 12pm

Theberton&EastbridgeJubileeHall,ChurchRoad, Theberton,Leiston,SuffolkIP164SB

Come along for some friendly company, coffee and biscuits. You don’t have to take part in the crafting but if you want to, you can either bring your own project to work on or share the materials available. £1 subscription for regular craft clubbers. Anyone is welcome, just turn up to take part and it’s not just for the ladies!

c a f e is a Rural Coffee Caravan initiative helping to connect Suffolk community groups with organisations which can offer free support, advice, training & information, to help groups and clubs flourish and become sustainable.

Tattingstone

Every Thursday 10.30am 12pm

TattingstoneVillageHall,School RoadIP92ND

Our village hall is located close to Alton Water and is a lovely venue for a cuppa and chat, choose from our speciality teas, coffee, hot chocolate or squash, accompanied with biscuits. There is a small charge of £1 per adult, children are free. Please feel free to borrow a book or jigsaw from our tabletop library. The hall has a car park and wheelchair access making it accessible to all. Call Tricia on 07895 052 086 for more info.

Metfield Community c a f e

First Saturday of the month 9am 12 noon

MetfieldVillageHall,Skinner’ s Lane,MetfieldIP200LH

All ages welcome, come along to tuck into breakfast and real coffee. An opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones! 9am 12 Noon. There will be a rolling programme of interests. For more info on the current month’s events and offers to be involved, contact: Lorraine 01379 586 307, Chris 01379 586 560, Lynda 01379 588 170.

Women Like Me Allotment Sessions

Weekly from end of February

AllotmentlocationsinLowestoft NR322QL,KessinglandNR337SG andBecclesNR349BP

Weekly group sessions open to women, providing a place for them to just be themselves, share life experiences to learn, laugh and grow together. Allotment sessions run in Lowestoft on Mondays, Kessingland on Tuesdays & Beccles on Wednesdays. For more info and times email Claire at: info@women like me.co.uk

Here’s a directory of currently active c a f e (coffee and friends events) groups

Brandon Day Centre c a f e ‘Old Friends, New Friends’

Mondays 10am 12 noon

BrandonDayCentre,WarrenClose,Brandon IP270EE

Come and join us each week for some friendly company and chat, all welcome! Friends old and new! Tel: 01842 819 777

‘Mates On Monday’ hosted by Marram Green c a f e

Mondays (except Bank Holidays) 10.30am 12.30pm

MarramGreenCommunityLounge,Hall Road,Kessingland,NR337AH

Come and enjoy a free cuppa, cake or biscuit and some friendly chat! This event is supported by Kessingland Parish Council.

Coffee, Cake and Chat Days

Second Friday of each month. Drop in between 10am 12pm or 1pm 3pm

MichaelBurkeWellbeingCentre,Hartismere Hospital,CastletonWay, EyeIP287BH

Our events are designed to give people the opportunity to get out, meet new people and make friends. Everyone is welcome. We do not charge for refreshments, although donations towards our costs are always gratefully received. Call Bev on 01379 388682 for more info.

Suffolk Carers Natter sessions are FREE and aimed at family carers 55+ coming together to meet with others within their communities whereby creating friendships, sharing experiences and forming networks of peer to peer support over a cuppa and cake. For more info on all of the below sessions: email Sharon or call 01284 333 035

*NEW* LAUNCHES 23rd NOVEMBER

Southwold Every 4th Wednesday, 10 am 12pm AdnamsCafe,4DraymanSquare,Southwold,IP186GB

*NEW* LAUNCHES 23rd NOVEMBER

Sudbury Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 10am 2pm

PaintersCafeatTheAngel,43FriarsStreet,Sudbury,CO10 2AG

*NEW* LAUNCHES 24th NOVEMBER

Ipswich Every 4th Thursday of the month 10am 12pm

MorrisonsCafé,Morrisons,SproughtonRoadIP15AQ

Ipswich Every Monday 10am 12pm

Combat2Coffee,UnityCentre(WhittonClinic),Meredith Road,IpswichIP16ED

Pakefield Every 3rd Tues 10am 12pm

MorrisonsCafe,18TowerRoad,Pakefield NR337NG

Eye Every 3rd Thursday 10.30am 12.30pm

TheBankArtsCentre,2CastleStreet,EyeIP237AN

Needham Market Every 2nd & 4th Tues 10am 12 pm

TheGardenCafé,Roots&ShootsGardenCentre, StowmarketRd,BadleyIP68RR

Stowmarket Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2pm 4pm LangamsCafe, 4MarketPlaceIP141DP

Wickham Market 1st Tuesday of month 10am 12pm

VidaHausCafe,ThreeTuns,MainRoad,Pettistree, WickhamMarketIP130HW

Brandon Fortnightly on Wednesdays 10am 12pm

Tilly'sTearoom,BrandonIP270AA

Felixstowe Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30 12.30pm

TheCliffTopCafe,CobboldRoad,FelixstoweIP117LR

Thurston Fortnightly on Thursdays 2pm 4pm

TheFox&Houndspub,Thurston,BuryStEdmunds IP312QT

Beccles Fortnightly on Thursdays 10am 12pm

TheStationCafe,StationRoad,BecclesNR349QJ

Woodbridge Fortnightly on Wednesdays 2 4pm Christine

sTeaRooms,74TheThoroughfare, WoodbridgeIP12IAL

Weekly

Angela on 07377 190

Booking

If your local group is interested in joining the network you can find out more by visiting the c a f e page on the Rural Coffee Caravan website: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk, by emailing us at cafe@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk or by calling us on 01379 855 338.

Slow Cooker Recipes from Nadine

8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs

Rural Coffee Caravan friend and supporter, Nadine, is a trained chef with many years of experience. She loves to feed people and to see the joy food can bring.

Although Nadine hasn’t lived in Suffolk for over 20 years she still has strong friendship ties to the county and is delighted to help the people of Suffolk during these financially testing times.

- 3 peppers (red, yellow, green) sliced

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 large onion (sliced)

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tins of chopped tomatoes

- 2 packets of fajita seasoning

1 veg stock cube, crumbled

200ml water

- Salt and pepper

Method:

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and mix well. Set to cook on low for 6-7 hrs or on high for 3 hours. Take the chicken out of the slow cooker and using 2 forks shred the chicken then add it back to the pot. Stir well and your fajitas are ready.

Serve with warm tortilla wraps or rice.

300g macaroni pasta

- 100g butter

- 330g medium cheddar cheese (grated)

750ml full cream milk

1 packet of cheese slices (unwrapped and cut up)

- 25g parmesan or parmesan substitute grated Salt and pepper to taste

8 rashers of streaky bacon cooked crisp and chopped up (optional)

4 large spring onions, chopped (optional)

Method

Add all ingredients except the bacon if using to the slow cooker and stir well and cook on low for 3 hours stirring occasionally. After the mac and cheese is cooked it may still look a little runny but let it stand for 5 mins and the sauce will naturally thicken up.

If using the crispy bacon and spring onions add to the top of the mac and cheese before serving.

3 medium bananas very ripe (mashed)

-

2 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp bicarb of soda

- 55g brown sugar

150g castor sugar

- 250g chocolate chips (30g reserved for the top)

- ½ tsp cinnamon

250g plain flour

- ½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

- 110g melted butter or margarine

Method: Mash the bananas, stir in sugars to melted

butter then add the mashed banana, mix well.

In a different bowl add flour, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and salt.

Add the wet to the dry and mix well.

Add 220g of the chocolate chips and stir well.

Line the slow cooker with baking paper and pour in your banana bread mix, spread out to even the top then place your reserved chocolate chips on top to look pretty.

Cook on low for 3.5 4 hrs until the top isn’t wet but sticky to the touch.

Serve warm or cold.

By offering some great foodie ideas for using the slow cooker Nadine hopes to inspire our readers to utilise their own. More slow cooker recipes can be found on the RCC Winter Warmth resource page on our website.

150g pudding rice

1 tsp vanilla essence

60g butter

1 large tin evaporated milk

- 750ml full cream milk

- 70g castor sugar

Method

Lightly butter the dish of the slow cooker to half way up the pot. Add all the ingredients to the pot and stir well.

Cook on low for 3 hours stirring occasionally. Once cooked serve straight away. Got any left over? Looks like its gone too thick? Add a little fresh milk and reheat, it is normal for rice pudding to become too thick once cold, don’t panic a little fresh milk will bring it back to the right consistency.

Serve with strawberry jam or cinnamon.

Could you become a ?

A Collaboration of Compassion

What if we could support you and other Ipswich and East Suffolk residents to feel more confident and able to offer compassionate support for people towards the end of their lives, and their loved ones?

Imagine having the training, ongoing support, knowledge and confidence to be a companion volunteer, working alongside other members of the community and clinical teams to provide the best possible care to those at the end of their lives.

Our aims are to:

• Improve end of life care in our communities across Suffolk

• Provide non-medical and compassionate support to individuals in their last year of life and their loved ones

• Enable conversations about the choices available at the end of life

• Support people to live their lives fully as possible before they die.

If you are interested to learn more about compassionate companions, please watch the short film which is on the homepage of our website: www.compassionate-communities.co.uk

If you would like more information or are considering joining the companion team please contact Dr Crockett, lead GP at lindsey.crockett@nhs.net

Or

your name and telephone number for

call.

How do I know if I’m right for this volunteer role?

No formal qualifications are necessary. Full training is given. Having time to spend with a person in the last year of life and having the ability to share information (learned at the training) when appropriate is plenty.

What training will be given and what is the ongoing support?

The training course is a bespoke three day training provided by experienced Doulas and endorsed by End of Life Doula UK.

Safeguarding training takes place every three years (a few hours online).

An informal interview and enhanced DBS check are also part of the enrolment process.

The lead team of clinical, research and administrative support supervise the companion volunteers. Companions attend regular, online zoom sessions facilitated by members of the lead team for debriefs, shared learning and evaluation purposes. The lead team have expertise to support and sign post where necessary.

What commitment is expected of a companion?

The amount and time spent visiting a person is variable and mutually agreed by both companion and individual. Some companions will have weekly contact face to face, others may mix contact types with face to face and telephone calls.

Companions are expected to complete a diary sheet after every visit/contact. Simple questions about the nature of the contact are fed back and submitted anonymously. This is a requirement to fulfil the terms of NHS funding to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the service.

What happens if the companion volunteer does not ‘connect well’ with the person matched (or vice versa)?

The person will be offered another companion and the existing companion volunteer can be matched with another individual.

Is the companion volunteer expected to be in attendance when the individual is physically dying?

This role is primarily to support people and their families by giving time to listen, enable and empower them to make informed choices to be honoured at end of life. There is no expectation for the companion to be present at the very end.

A

OF NUMBERS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL

Rural Coffee Caravan Community Engagement Team

West Suffolk Diana 07494 572 153 East Suffolk Annette 07957 779 623

Mid Suffolk Garry 07746 160 781 Office 01379 855 338

Suffolk County Council - Help with finances and household expenses. www.suffolk.gov.uk/CostOfLiving Tel: 0345 606 6067* (Customer services.)

West Suffolk Council - Cost of living support. www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living Tel: 01284 763233 (Customer services.)

Mid Suffolk & Babergh Council - Cost of living support. www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/benefits/cost-of-living-support Tel: 0300 1234 000* (Option 7 is general enquiries.)

Advice and support service specifically tailored to village halls and community building trustees, managers and volunteers on the various aspects associated with operating these facilities. Community Action Suffolk Switchboard: 01473 345 400 communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/organisation-support/village-halls-andcommunity buildings

Suffolk Good Neighbour Network suffolkgoodneighbours.co.uk Community Action Suffolk Switchboard: 01473 345400

LATER LIFE COMMUNITY CONNECT

A single point of access telephone support service, open 7 days a week from 10am – 2pm daily with a real person at the end of the phone even Christmas Day! We are here to support, signpost and provide information on anything later life related the service is free of charge and primarily aimed at people aged 65+ in Suffolk. You can even just call us for a chat! Tel: 01284 334 516 www.communitiestogethereastanglia.org/later life community

Each year, billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. Make sure you’re not missing out. Pension Credit is extra money to help you cover your costs if you’re over State Pension age and living on a low income. You might be able to get it even if you have other income, savings or assets. Chat with Later Life Community at Communities Together East Anglia to see if you’re eligible. CTEA also runs a series of monthly “Tea & Tech” sessions in community spaces across the county where they can support individuals who may have a question or problem with a digital device. Tel: 01449 707030 for more information.

Healthwatch Suffolk ‘What if people who struggled against poverty could help to make decisions about tackling poverty? Healthwatch Suffolk are supporting a core group of people to lead this project with them, helping people to work together on tackling local poverty. This will include:

• People who are struggling against poverty, and who want to tell their story.

• Leaders from the public, business, civic and charitable sectors who want to learn more about people’s experiences, and who can help to bring about change. If you have a question about this project, or Healthwatch Suffolk please contact coproduction@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk. You can also call freephone 0800 448 8234 (you will not need to pay for the call). More info at: www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/poverty

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK. www.stoploansharks.co.uk Tel: 0300 555 2222*

Anglia Care Trust have produced a great booklet with some useful tips and advice on how to help save money on gas and electric, water, food, fuel and more. Contact them by email: angliacaretrust.org.uk or tel: 01473 622 888 to order a copy. A PDF version can downloaded from their website at: angliacaretrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACT-Brochure-A5-Livingcosts v3b.pdf

Community Oil Fuel Buying Scheme Save money on heating oil via Community Action Suffolk/AF Affinity when your community purchases together. Tel: 01603 881 888 email: enquiries@af affinity.co.uk www.af-affinity.co.uk/cas

D.A.N.E.S. Disability Advice North East Suffolk Do you have a disability or long term health condition? Warm & Well in Waveney is a new project delivered by D.A.N.E.S.

Advisors can complete benefits checks and help you apply for grants towards the 01502 511 333 email info@danesonline.co.uk

Disability Advice Service East Suffolk can help you complete benefits forms (PIP, UC, ESA, DLA, AA etc) over the telephone. If your benefit has been stopped, you have not been awarded at all, or have been awarded less than expected they can advise you and even represent you at appeal and have an excellent record in this area. Tel: 01394 387070 email: advice@daseastsuffolk.org

Suffolk Trading Standards Trading Standards help, and customer rights advice for consumers and businesses. Tel: 0808 223 1133 www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards

*Numbers starting with 030 can cost up to 10p per minute from a landline and between 3p and 40p per minute from a mobile phone. Numbers starting 0345 can cost up to 16p per minute from a landline and 3p to 65p from a mobile phone.

RURAL COFFEE CARAVAN VILLAGE VISIT

TIME of visit NOV date DEC date

Rattlesden Pavilion 10.00 12.00 1st November 6th December

Frostenden Village Hall 10.30 12.30 1st November 6th December

Fornham All Saints Thingoe Lodge 10.00 12.00 2nd November 7th December

Kenton Church Grounds 10.00 12.00 3rd November 1st December

Sotterley Chapel/War Memorial 10.00 12.00 3rd November 1st December

Stutton Community Centre 10.00 – 12.00 7th November n/a

Shotley - Village Hall 14.00 16.00 7th November 5th December

Great Glemham – Village Hall 14.00 16.00 8th November 13th December

Alpheton Village Hall 10.00 12.00 9th November 14th December

Framsden Village Hall 10.00 12.00 9th November 14th December

Huntingfield - The Hub 14.00 16.00 9th November 14th December

Combs Green (Look for the campervan) 10.00 12.00 10th November 8th December

Hitcham Village Hall 14.00 16.00 10th November 8th December

Worlingham Samford Court 14.00 16.00 10th November 8th December

Lidgate Village Hall 10.00 12.00 11th November 9th December

Darsham - Village Hall 10.00 12.00 12th November (Saturday) 10th December (Saturday)

Cavendish - Church 10.30 12.30 14th November 12th December

Battisford Info Drop at The Punchbowl Pub 15.00 16.00 n/a 12th December

Chattisham - All Saints and St Margaret Church 10.00 12.00 15th November 20th December

Hintlesham Community Hall 14.00 16.00 15th November 20th December

Brome & Oakley - Village Hall (Info Drop to lunch club) 12.30 14.30 16th November n/a

St James - St James & St Nicholas Village Hall 14.00 16.00 17th November 15th December Polstead Village Hall 10.00 12.00 18th November 16th December

Bramford - Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace 09.30 11.30 21st November 19th December Wattisfield Community Centre 10.00 12.00 22nd November n/a Gazeley - Village Hall 10.00 12.00 23rd November n/a Mickfield – Village Hall 10.00 12.00 23rd November n/a Westhorpe Village Hall 14.00 16.00 23rd November n/a Marshmoor Park 10.00 12.00 24th November n/a Worlington – Village Hall 10.00 12.00 25th November n/a

Claydon - St Peter’s Court 10.00 12.00 25th November n/a Buxhall Village Hall 14.00 – 16.00 28th November n/a

Visit locations, dates and times are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you’d like to confirm any visit details before travelling, please give us a call or get in touch with us using any of the methods on the previous page.