We believe it’s important to spend time with the community organisations we support to see their incredible local impact. Through our four community support programmes: Community Cares Fund, Local Giving, Small Donations and In-Branch Hosting we support charities and community organisations across East Anglia.
In our Community Support Lead Angela's blog series 'Community Connections' she shares her learnings from these visits, shining a spotlight on some of the amazing organisations making a difference in our region.
Community Connections by Angela Carpenter, Community Support Lead
Our community programmes are designed to support local initiatives that strengthen community cohesion and integration across our region. During my recent visits, I’ve been reminded that the most powerful community projects aren’t just about activities—they’re about creating spaces where people truly belong. Whether through writing, sport, or music, these groups are tackling isolation and loneliness, providing opportunities to learn and building lasting friendships. The three visits I’m sharing today highlight how targeted support can help communities flourish in unexpected and heart warming ways.
National Centre for Writing, Suffolk
Who are they?
The National Centre for Writing in Norwich celebrates the power of words and ideas through courses, events and conversation.
With a £3,762 grant from our Community Cares Fund, the centre delivered a thoughtful and inclusive programme of 20 sessions for people aged 60+, focusing on memoir writing, local heritage, and storytelling. These sessions were be led by experienced creative facilitators. Twelve sessions were ‘drop-in and write’ sessions, prioritising those living alone, in supported living, or receiving care. The remaining eight sessions were for LGBTQ+ older people.
Supported by...
Our Community Cares Fund
Did you know?
A Life Written – the powerful anthology created as part of this project is available to download on the National Centre for Writing website.
What I learned
I recently joined some participants of this wonderful project for lunch in the sunny courtyard of Dragon Hall (home to the National Centre for Writing). It was heartwarming and inspiring to hear first-hand how much the experience had meant to those involved.
We looked at and talked about the beautiful and powerful anthology that this inspiring group created and heard some of the stories that emerged. It was clear to me that it helped people feel connected, valued, and creatively empowered.
What struck me most was how this writing group has grown beyond a simple project. I was struck by the bonds that have formed amongst the group and even though the project has now finished it’s clear that a new group of friends has been formed.
Projects like these don’t just deliver outputs; they change lives, reduce isolation, strengthen identity, and leave behind something long-lasting both on the page and in the hearts of those involved.
Find out more
National Centre for Writing | NCW | Celebrating the Power of Words and Ideas
Ipswich Town Football Club Frame Football, Suffolk
Who are they?
Ipswich Town Football Club’s Frame Football sessions are designed to offer children who use walking aids like frames or crutches a chance to reap the benefits of playing football.
The sessions are open to children aged 4 to 16 of all abilities and are led by qualified and experienced disability football coaches.
Supported by…
Our Local Giving campaign
Did you know?
Two of our local stores (Gainsborough and Needham Market) raised over £1,330 for this fantastic charity as part of our Summer 2025 Local Giving campaign.
What I learned
I visited the Ipswich Town Foundation Frame Football programme with two colleagues from the nearby stores who raised the funds to donate to this project: Jackie Mayes and Emily Potter.
The children train regularly, supported by refurbished walking frames painted in Ipswich Town’s iconic blue and white, which not only improve functionality but also build team pride. It was clear that opportunities like this are limited in the area, making this programme incredibly important for the children and their families.
The team is led by passionate volunteers like Eoin McNamee, whose dedication and enthusiasm have been crucial in creating and sustaining this group. Without people like Eoin and the amazing support from others involved, initiatives like this simply wouldn’t exist.
What also impressed me was Ipswich Town Foundation’s commitment and dedication backing Frame Football. They’ve consistently stood behind this initiative which opens doors for children who might otherwise be excluded from sports. Their devotion to inclusion and community spirit shines through in everything they do.
We were proud to hear that the funding raised through our Local Giving programme by our stores in Needham Market and Gainsborough covered the costs of the group’s new training tops, helping to further boost the children’s confidence and sense of belonging.
Find out more
Find out more about the group and how you can support them:FRAME FOOTBALL - ITFC FOUNDATION
Unscene Suffolk
Who are they?
A singing group for people living with visual impairments. Unscene Singers, based in central Ipswich, has around 20 regular participants who meet weekly during term-time. Members include those who have been visually impaired from birth, individuals who have lost their sight later in life, and some with additional mobility needs. The group offers a supportive environment for those unable to access mainstream groups, as well as providing a first musical experience for others. The group focuses on making singing accessible, sociable, and enjoyable.
Supported by...
Our Community Cares Fund
Did you know?
The way the group learns songs is both impressive and inclusive, rather than relying on printed lyrics, everything is taught by ear, with members memorising lyrics and harmonies through careful listening and repetition.
What I learned
Joining Unscene Suffolk’s weekly singing group was a truly uplifting experience. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter, making it easy to feel at home straight away. The group was originally created in response to visually impaired people expressing a desire for an accessible singing group and it’s clear that their voices have been heard.
The session is led by Emma, who is wonderful and her enthusiasm and passion for the group is completely infectious. Her energy brings the room to life and clearly inspires everyone around her.
During my visit, I also heard genuine concern from some members about the group’s future. With limited funding and increasing costs, there’s a real fear that this vital space, which means so much to so many, might one day not be able to continue. For many participants, it’s more than just a singing group; it’s a lifeline, and a place of belonging.
UnScene Suffolk is doing something truly special, creating a space where everyone feels supported, empowered, and able to express themselves through the arts.
Find out more
Supporting Unscene Suffolk, whether through donations, volunteering (they would especially like to find a volunteer driver from the Sudbury/Hadleigh area), or simply spreading the word, could help ensure that this much-loved community can keep singing together for years to come.
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