More than £100k to help tackle homelessness across Suffolk

The news comes as the society says it is "refreshing its 170-year-old mission for the challenges of the 21st century". 

The organisation will be joining forces with carefully selected groups that have a focus on nature and safe housing, with plans for two distinct campaigns.

'Safe Homes for Suffolk' will use some of the Society's profits to provide much-needed funding for Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg) and Emmaus Suffolk.

Jools Ramsey, chief executive of ihAg (Image: Andrew Papworth)

It is hoped this will help tackle the housing crisis, with further collaboration planned for additional organisations in the coming years. 

Jools Ramsey, chief executive at ihAg, said: "Every single person within our community is being affected by the cost-of-living crisis, and to have the support and commitment from another respected local organisation who recognises the value of a safe space to call home, stands alongside us in our efforts to end homelessness is an exciting prospect."

Claire Staddon, chief executive of Emmaus Suffolk, added: "With the support of Suffolk Building Society’s staff and membership our charity has a real opportunity to increase its prevention work, supporting the most vulnerable in our community from falling into crisis across the county."

Claire Staddon, chief executive of Emmaus Suffolk (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

'Saving Suffolk' will see the Society use some of its profits to provide much-needed funding for wilding and habitat protection with Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

The Society will also be working with other organisations and launching additional projects in the coming years.

"As Suffolk’s nature charity, we are delighted to be one of Suffolk Building Society’s charitable partners for the next three years," said Christine Luxton, chief executive of Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Christine Luxton, chief executive of Suffolk Wildlife Trust (Image: Suffolk Wildlife Trust)

"Through a clear mandate from their members, our partnership will deliver real outcomes for local wildlife and people by way of support for the acquisition of a new nature reserve for the county, called Martlesham Wilds."

Richard Norrington, chief executive at Suffolk Building Society, added: “We’ve always been dedicated to supporting local projects and as we worked towards our rebrand to Suffolk Building Society last year, we felt that it was time to make a greater commitment to doing more to support the people of Suffolk and our corner of the planet.

Richard Norrington, chief executive at Suffolk Building Society (Image: Suffolk Building Society)

“We’re delighted to be working with such excellent organisations and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on communities in Suffolk by protecting local nature and helping people keep a roof over their heads.”