The winter months are some of our busiest at IP17GNS. Due to the nature of our work in the community, many of the issues we tackle are exacerbated by the cold weather, Christmas and other seasonal pressures; all of which can lead to increased social isolation and financial difficulties.
Take a look below at dates and events we’re committing to this year & add them to your diary. Don’t forget that everything we do is funded by grants and donations, so if you’re able to; please consider supporting us this Christmas with a small donation (details on how to donate are below).
Additionally, if you receive a winter fuel payment from the government but do not need it; please donate it to IP17GNS so we can make use of it among our service users who are struggling to afford to heat their homes.
Gather & Grow Christmas Party
15th December, Saxmundham Market Hall
Come along for a festive party at Gather & Grow – our weekly group for little ones and their grown ups.
Featuring a visit from Santa and Christmas activities and games. Booking is essential to make sure there are enough presents for everyone! Call 07835 064509
Santa's Sleigh Ride
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December
Santa will be making a tour of Saxmundham, Benhall and Kelsale in his sleigh! As well as spreading good cheer and festive wishes to everyone he passes, he will have treats for any well-behaved children.
Keep a close eye on the IP17GNS Facebook page for timings and his full route nearer the time. And don’t forget we also post a ‘Santa Tracker’ there on the days of his visit in case of any delays or last-minute changes.
Christmas Day Meals for Vulnerable People
Some studies estimate that a staggering 8 million people in the UK spend Christmas alone – that’s 1 in 6 people. At a time when media representation of the festive period is angled towards big family gatherings, socialisation and an abundance of food and gifts, it can be extremely jarring if that is not your reality.
And so, each year, IP17GNS gathers a team of merry volunteers to offer friendship and food to those experiencing loneliness or hunger on Christmas Day. Our team gather donations from the local community and prepare a hearty, hand-cooked Christmas meal, as well as a bag of festive gifts and treats. On Christmas Day one of our volunteer elves will pop round to deliver each Christmas care package along with a smile and a chat.
If you, or someone you know is going to be alone this Christmas, or is unable to cook Christmas Dinner, please book by calling 033 333 55266 or on the ‘Christmas Dinner booking form’ on our website. If you’re booking on someone else’ behalf please make sure they’ve agreed and are expecting their delivery.
If you’d like to brighten someone’s day, why not donate £10 to IP17GNS this Christmas to cover the cost of a Christmas care-package delivery. Or if you’re crafty and would like to make a small gift to add to the bag, please get in touch!
Reverse Advent Calendar
Since we are so busy during December, and the demand for our food-related services increases at this time of year, we rely on donated food more than ever.
The IP17GNS Reverse Advent Calendar is an engaging and low-cost way to support us. Instead of taking a chocolate from a traditional advent calendar, why not give a little something to your local community every day in December? Get a box ready for December 1st, each day add a food item – you can follow our suggestions of most-needed items, or get creative. At the end of December you will have collected 24 items which we can use to support families and individuals going through financial hardship.
Reverse Advent Calendars can be downloaded from our website or Facebook page or collected from various locations around Saxmundham. Completed boxes can be dropped into our offices at The Town House, Saxmundham IP17 1BW.
Stay Warm
We have a rack of winter coats available at the back of the Town House which people are welcome to come and choose something from to keep warm this winter. If you would like to donate a coat to this initiative, add them to the rack. Due to limited storage, please only donate warm coats for now.
We are also working in collaboration with Saxmundham Library and SKC Church to provide a warm hub. This can be found at the library during opening times and The Crossroads Church Shop on Mondays and Fridays. Here you will receive a warm welcome, refreshments and a cosy place to sit.