Community Events
November 2025
Background
The offer of community support grew out of the Warm Space and Cost of Living
initiatives, when the council provided a free coffee morning for all parishioners. This
was complemented by occasional visits from the Rural Coffee Van and the extension
of the Constable Hall lunch club for older residents (OAPs). The Council awarded
£2,000 to support this work.
Delivery
From September 2023 to March 2025, Councillor Hurley and I ran weekly coffee
mornings. These sessions offered a mixture of services focused on:
• Health
• Well-being
• Cost of living support
We also engaged with Suffolk and Babergh Council for guidance. In particular,
Gareth Moir, Suffolk Integration and Partnership Manager, has been instrumental in
helping us build links with a wide range of services.
Partners and Services Involved
• B Well Bus
• Cost of Living Team
• Suffolk Centre for Warmth
• Feel Good Suffolk
• Digital Skills
• Shaw Trust – Social Prescribing
• Suffolk Carers
• Social Services Care Suffolk
• Rural Coffee Van
• Utilities Warehouse
• Community Allied Health team
• Community Police Trading Office (Scam Advice)
• Holiday Activities for Families Suffolk
• PC Kate and PCSO Adams
Impact
• Over 140 people were supported during this period.
• With Council approval, we have also been able to offer a bi-monthly service
over the past year.
• These sessions are now fixed and scheduled, helping establish a regular
community presence in the village.

Future Vision
We could continue as a Council to facilitate a strong, socially cohesive village where
residents can connect, support one another, and access vital services. By providing
a welcoming space for community interaction, we aim to address the challenges of
rural isolation—both physical and mental—while offering essential support for health,
well-being, and the cost of living.
Additionally, we seek to establish scheduled outreach services to provide guidance,
advice, and practical assistance to those in need. Our goal is to empower villagers to
shape and sustain their own community-driven initiatives, whether through enhanced
healthcare resources, family-focused projects, or other local support networks
Budget Request
I am requesting £500 for the next year to:
1. Continue delivering this service.
2. Explore development opportunities with existing village organisations.
3. Create a working group of three councillors to support delivery and
planning.