September Sickle Cell Awareness Month: On Friday 13^th September there will be an evening of music, food, information and dance. It will start at 6.30pm and be held at Inspire, Lindbergh Rd, Ipswich, IP3 9QX. For more information visit sicklecellsuffolk.org.

Fill your September with friendship! September is  Oddfellows Friendship Month. Events include Cream Tea at 2pm Friday 13^th and a Beetle Drive with a twist at 10.30am on Wednesday 25^th September. Both events will be at Ipswich Oddfellows, 37 High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3QH. For more information email [email protected]. There’s also a Facebook page.

Voluntary Services at Ipswich Hospital are looking for volunteers to help out at ‘Colour Run 2024’. It will be on Saturday 28^th September, at Christchurch Park, between 8am and 1pm. This family friendly event will be full of colour and enjoyment, with a 1k & 5k route to walk, jog or run. Donations and fund-raising will be put towards each participant’s appeal which they chose. Roles include: Registration Area, Colour Bandits (throwing colour onto the participants), Marshalling the route. If you can help, call the Charity Team 01473 704473.

On-Going Activities:

111 Online is for when it’s less urgent than 999. Access now for FREE at 111onlinesuffolk.careuk.com. 111 Online provides information on: how to manage your condition; 24/7 Clinical support; the best routes to healthcare in Suffolk. Beat the queue for NHS 111 by using 111 Online in Suffolk.

Get active with ActivLives, an inclusive community-based, sports programme. It is open to any adults who would like to become more physically and socially active. If you’re new or returning to activity you’re particularly welcome. Walking football, badminton, yoga, short tennis, and health walks are just some of the sessions available. Find out more via 01473 345350 or activlives.org.uk/activsport.

Suffolk Mind has allotments in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. ‘GreenCare’ sessions take place twice a month at each site. For more info about the allotments or volunteering opportunities, please go to suffolkmind.org.uk/greencare.

Worrying about memory loss or dementia? Sue Ryder’s Suffolk Dementia Helpline provides emotional support and a listening ear. It also provides practical information and signposting to other local sources of help 24 hrs a day 7 days a week.  Call free on 08081 688000.

Every Monday: Suffolk Carers Natter is a chance for family carers, aged 55+, to come along and enjoy some “you” time, share experiences, make new friends and enjoy a cuppa and cake. At the Unity Centre, Meredith Rd, Ipswich, 10am-12pm. More info call 01449 707030
Every Tuesday: Memory Lane Café at The Meeting Place, Limerick Close, Ipswich IP1 5LR 11am-2pm. This is for people living with dementia and their carers. Contact Tina on 07742 300293 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Ipswich Outreach is the charity working with the homeless and those in need within the town. They distribute food and items of clothing, bedding and toiletries. If you’d like to help Ipswich Outreach make a difference, then email [email protected] or visit their website ipswichoutreach.co.uk.

Ipswich Romanian Community say, “Volunteer with us. “We promote well-being, equality, and diversity. Also, we work closely with local organisations and authorities for better help and support. We hold regular events, including cultural celebrations, social gatherings and educational workshops.” Contact [email protected].

With thanks to Hospital Radio Ipswich for compiling this list.