IP17 GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

Connecting our community

IP17GNS is a Good Neighbour Scheme based in Saxmundham, Suffolk. What started in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is now a vital lifeline to many in our community.

We have evolved far beyond the usual remit of a Good Neighbour Scheme and now offer a range of support, including with food and fuel poverty, combating loneliness, engaging young children and their parents, clubs and activities for all ages, performing helpful tasks around the house and advocating for the vulnerable or elderly.

Volunteers help to prepare 120+ Christmas dinners

Christmas Day: Volunteers package up deliveries

Community litter pick with our youngest helpers

Supporting The Warden's Trust with a garden clear-up

Our community Easter egg hunt attracted world renowned artists

Collecting a donation from the supermarket

We sent some of our service user to the football

Gathering the community to celebrate the Jubiliee

HOW CAN WE HELP

FOOD & ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

We can offer support if you’re experiencing food poverty or difficulty getting out to the shops.

Our Social Supermarket is open on Tuesdays 9:30-11:00am At Saxmundham Town House and offers food & household essentials at subsidised prices. Pay £3.50 and leave with a bag of shopping worth £12 – £20
Collection and drop off of essential shopping if you can’t get out – you can pay with a card. We can also collect Waitrose click and collect orders
For people in crisis, we can offer an emergency food parcel free of charge.
We’ve set up emergency food points in Saxmundham Kelsale and Benhall where you can help yourself to essentials
We can make food bank referrals if you need support in the longer term.

PRESCRIPTIONS

We can collect and drop off prescriptions for people who aren’t able to get out to the chemist.
We can help with online prescription requests.

STAYING SOCIAL

If you’re feeling isolated and lonely, IP17GNS can arrange for you to be part of our phone buddy scheme, with regular calls from one of our volunteers to cheer you up.
Join one of our regular clubs or activities to help you meet new people: Line Dancing; Mondays 7:30-9:00pm at Saxmundham Village Hall, Gather & Grow (for under 5s and their carers) Thursdays 9:15-10:45am at Saxmundham Market Hall, Funky Fridays; (for children aged 5+) In school holidays – check our Facebook page for upcoming dates.

ODD JOBS

Sometimes you just need a helping hand. Our network of volunteers have a range of skills and can be called on to help with anything from hanging out the washing to putting flat-pack furniture together, giving lifts to cutting hedges.

To use any of these services, use the ‘help’ form or call
0333 335 5266

Help us support the community by donating to our fundraising page:

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE:

TO VOLUNTEER

Everything we do relies on our incredible team of volunteers. Whether you can spare a lot of time, or just a little, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer roles or tasks include: Call handlers, local delivery drivers, walkers or cyclists, tea-makers and kitchen helpers, volunteers to run activities or children’s groups, shelf-stackers & organisers, phone buddies, personal shoppers and many more.

There is no age limit. You do not have to commit to regular hours if you are unable to, and there is no minimum requirement for how much time you can volunteer.

To volunteer, please register by completing the volunteer registration form.