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 and activities, for people in Saxmundham and beyond.

Primarily focused on food poverty and loneliness, we offer a range of group activities and practical support. We are welcoming, inclusive and non-judgmental – everyone is welcome!

Donate:

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

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 £4.00 and select from a range of food and household essentials.
Our personal shopping service pairs you with a volunteer who can shop for essentials if you have trouble getting out of the house.

PRESCRIPTIONS

We can collect and drop off prescriptions for people who aren’t able to get out to the pharmacy.
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 or talk through life’s ups and downs.
Join one of our regular clubs or activities to help you meet new people. See below for details.
Check our Facebook page for upcoming dates.

SIGN-POSTING AND REFERRALS

If you need help with life-admin, benefits or other support and don’t know where to start, we may be able to sign-post you to the right place.
We can make food bank referrals for those in financial crisis.

Help for the community, from the community

Everything we do for our community comes from within the community.

We are making the place we live strong and resilient by lifting each other up. Some of our work is funded by grants and funding bids. Most is funded by gifts and donations from private citizens within our local area. Please consider joining our ranks of generous donors by giving a a one-off or monthly donation to support our good work.

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: helping at weekly clubs and activities, local delivery drivers, walkers or cyclists, tea-makers and kitchen helpers, 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 register as a volunteer, please get in touch.