East Suffolk Communities Team

30/03/2026

Do you offer food support to people in East Suffolk?

Do you help those experiencing food poverty (defined as where someone can't access an adequate quality or sufficient quantity of food by standard means)? Do you run a top up/pop up shop, pantry, foodbank, community fridge, little larder or similar? Do you distribute surplus food from supermarkets or larger providers?

If so we would love to partner with you in designing food support systems for the future!

We are working with postgraduate researchers at University of Essex to understand the food support we have in the district, food and funding sources, issues faced by services, and the wrap around support offered to residents. This research will influence policy, grant funding and potentially the development of new programmes.

The initial stage involves a survey, open to all food support organisations. If you prefer answers can be anonymised before Essex University share with us. From that a number of organisations will be invited to take part in a deep dive exercise with site visits and interviews. Over the next 6 months we will also be holding three food support forums during which you can feedback directly to researchers, policy makers and grant funders.

We hope that this work will also lead into strong, local food networks in areas where they aren't currently operating.

To take part in the research please email gemma.fraser@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

26/03/2026

Something New for Rural Communities….

We’re excited to share that work is progressing on VANESSA (the East Suffolk Support and Advice Van) a new programme that will help bring services to the most rural East Suffolk communities. 🚐💙

The van is currently being converted into a comfortable mobile hub that will include space for conversations, advice, health checks and even a small on board social supermarket.

VANESSA is being funded by East Suffolk Council but being run as a partnership between ESC, Citizens Advice East Suffolk, community organisations and other statutory services.

Over the coming months, we’ll be working with local partners to shape routes, finalise locations, and prepare for launch.

We’ll share updates as things develop, but for now, we’re looking forward to bringing this new resource to our rural residents soon!

20/03/2026

Our Community Help Hub team has officially launched 🙌🏼

26/02/2026

Would you like to work with us? An opportunity to cover maternity leave on a part time basis has come up. Follow link for more detail.

Find your next job at Suffolk Jobs Direct

18/02/2026

18/02/2026

Dates for Volleyball on South Lowestoft beach. 🏐 Visit Level Up Beach Volleyball to sign up.

10/02/2026

At a meeting of East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet on 3 February, it was agreed that an existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place for the Harbour ward should be discharged and replaced with an updated order to better respond to current patterns of anti-social behaviour in the town.

The new PSPO strengthens measures to tackle behaviours including the dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes, public urination, spitting, threatening conduct, and the wearing of masks or face coverings used to conceal identity while engaging in anti social behaviour.

Read more using the link in the comments.

05/02/2026

Puzzles, books, games and crafts are just some of the activities residents in East Suffolk get up to at our Warm Welcomes! 🧩

❄️ Open throughout winter, anyone is welcome to attend and they’re the perfect opportunity for you to meet others in your community as well as finding more about services and support in your local area.

Find your nearest space by following the link in our comments.

31/01/2026

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Important update on the Lowestoft Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

East Suffolk Council hereby gives notice of its intention to discharge a Public Space Protection Order under Section 61(4) of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014, such order being the: Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014, Section 59.

This applies to Harbour Ward Public Space Protection Order 2023.

This PSPO will cease to have effect on 3 February 2026.

Following a consultation in November, East Suffolk Council has finalised the draft PSPO for Lowestoft. The updated proposals, which include measures to address alcohol related ASB, misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes, and other behaviours causing nuisance or distress will be presented to Cabinet for consideration on 3 February.

View the Proposed Draft PSPO Lowestoft Town Centre 2026: https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community-safety-and-emergencies/public-space-protection-orders

View the Harbour Ward Public Space Protection Order 2023:https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/Harbour%20Ward%20Public%20Space%20Protection%20Order.pdf

26/01/2026

Residents are invited to a community drop-in session taking place on Tuesday 27 January at Thorpeness Country Club (12noon until 2pm).

Our Coastal Management, Communities and Housing teams will be available to speak with residents, answer questions and help people access advice and support.

Further drop-in sessions will take place on Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 February.

Please note that there are steps into the venue – an accessible lift and ramp is available by arrangement with the Country Club.

26/01/2026

🌟 3 Weeks to Go! Well-Minds 2026 🌟

For any professionals looking to grow their mental health knowledge and expand their networks, this is for you!

After the incredible success of our Well Minds event in 2025, we’re excited to be hosting the next one on February 17th, 2026, at Lowestoft Sixth Form College.

✨ What’s in store?
💬 Inspiring new keynote speakers sharing their journeys and insights
🧠 Engaging workshops full of learning experiences and group discussions
🤝 A fantastic opportunity to network and connect with organisations
☕ Plus, refreshments and lunch provided!

📌 Want to join us?

As a guest: Fill out this form ➡ https://forms.office.com/e/vUjPrtRcsD
As a stallholder: Fill out this form ➡ https://forms.office.com/e/gznfjbA91x

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and be inspired! 💡✨

15/01/2026

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