How we’ve supported Suffolk in 2023.
Through our Safe Homes for Suffolk and Saving Suffolk campaigns, the Society donated a total of £45,000 to make a difference to people and nature in Suffolk.
We were thrilled to welcome our charity partners to our head office and hear the latest updates on the impact these vital funds are having.
Here’s a little more about the amazing work these local charities do in the community.
Safe Homes for Suffolk campaign
Our Safe Homes for Suffolk campaign supports people facing homelessness, social isolation, and domestic abuse in Suffolk.
Claire Staddon, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Suffolk, said: “We work with vulnerable and socially isolated people, and those at risk of homelessness, across the east of Suffolk. This generous donation allows us to continue the vital work we do within the community, from our wellbeing hubs to our new modular homes on Felixstowe Road in Ipswich.”
Jools Ramsey-Palmer, Chief Executive Officer at Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg), said: “Across 2022-23, 110 people were found bedded down on the streets of Ipswich. At ihAg, we’re on hand to anyone who needs support, advice, and practical help. This contribution from Suffolk Building Society means we can invite people in for breakfast and offer hot showers and washing facilities – basic human needs most of us take for granted.”
Sally Winston, Chief Executive Officer at Lighthouse Women’s Aid, said: “Here at Lighthouse, we support women, young people and children who are experiencing, or have been impacted by, domestic abuse. These additional funds will help us to run essential services from our Women’s Centre. This lifeline of support enables women to recover from the traumatic effects of domestic abuse, take the time to make informed choices and move on to a life free from abuse.”
Photo caption, from Left to Right
Suffolk Building Society Chief Executive Officer Richard Norrington, Emmaus Suffolk Chief Executive Officer Claire Staddon, Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg) Chief Executive Officer Jools Ramsey-Palmer, Lighthouse Women’s Aid Chief Executive Officer Sally Winston, Suffolk Building Society Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Newman.
Saving Suffolk campaign
Our Saving Suffolk campaign helps to protect local nature through our support of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. In 2023, this focused on the ‘wilding’ of a new nature reserve for Suffolk.
Michael Strand, Community Fundraising Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “As the only organisation dedicated wholly to safeguarding Suffolk’s wildlife and countryside, we are incredibly grateful for this donation. By supporting Martlesham Wilds, Suffolk Building Society is helping to restore a new 289-acre nature reserve. This ‘wilded’ land will provide habitat for species including barn owl, curlew, yellowhammer, and fallow deer, as well as providing a wonderful environment for people to enjoy nature – both now and for generations to come!”
Photo caption, from Left to Right
Suffolk Building Society Chief Executive Officer Richard Norrington, Suffolk Wildlife Trust Community Fundraising Manager Michael Strand, Suffolk Building Society Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Newman.
