"...Social media takes a bad rap, but I have to say it's what is changing the perception of Autism and ADHD in a very positive sense. So it's a good place to be. We've got our main 'Autism and ADHD' (Facebook) page, where we've got over 200,000 people that we have on there and that we connect into, which I'm very proud of..." From supporting families through the Autism diagnosis process, right through to assisting adults get the support they need, Autism & ADHD really are making a difference. As part of the launch of our Cost of Living Toolkit, we had the pleasure of chatting to Annie Clements from the organisation about al the fantastic services they offer, which often fill a gap that communities cannot receive elsewhere. Annie also shared how they are now branching out internationally as the organisation is now held in such high regard by neurodivergent communities all over the world. For more information on all the fantastic services offered by Annie and her team, please visit https://bit.ly/43H1R1Z or connect with them on social media. This community conversation was brought to you by The Orwell Cost of Living Toolkit. The new online resource that connects our communities to the tools and services across the region that really make a difference. https://bit.ly/43sE1qi We are inclusive. We are supportive. We are Orwell. #communityconversations #teamorwell #mentalhealth #loneliness #costoflivingcrisis #autism #adhd #annieclements #autismandadhd #neurodiversity

"...I've seen first hand how important these food parcels are. It is a case of that if they don't get these food parcels, then they won't eat. We're all going through the Cost of Living Crisis, so you know, I understand that and it's difficult for everyone, but if we can help them, then let's help because you actually don't know if that's going to be you one day ..." From delivering community sporting activities to assisting food banks, Ipswich Town Foundation really are making a difference. As part of the launch of our Cost of Living Toolkit, we had the pleasure of chatting to Leanne Smith from the foundation about how they touch all areas of our community with their amazing, inclusive initiatives. Leanne also shared how their Senior Blues programme is bringing together the older members of our communities and how you, or your customers, can get involved. For more information all the fantastic initiatives the foundation offers, please visit https://bit.ly/40sCAWw This community conversation was brought to you by The Orwell Cost of Living Toolkit. The new online resource that connects our communities to the tools and services across the region that really make a difference. https://bit.ly/3FOjHWj We are inclusive. We are supportive. We are Orwell. #communityconversations #teamorwell #mentalhealth #loneliness #costoflivingcrisis #itfc #ipswichtown

"...What we do at BME is beyond work. It's family. Making sure that we support people from the grassroots until they're able to stand on their feet and when you belong to that kind of community, you feel that sense of fulfillment that you are doing something to help someone..." Many people are finding the cost-of-living crisis affects many areas of life. So if we find ourselves in that position, where can we get the compassionate, local support we need? As part of the launch of our Cost of Living Toolkit, we had the pleasure of chatting to Funmi Akinriboya from BME Suffolk Support Group about how they built an award-winning Ipswich-based community from the ground up, to now expanding throughout the region. Funmi shared how her community can help support you when you just need a helping hand. For more information on the fantastic services BME Suffolk Support Group provides, please visit https://bit.ly/3LDpGks This community conversation was brought to you by The Orwell Cost of Living Toolkit. The new online resource that connects our communities to the tools and services across the region that really make a difference. https://bit.ly/3LEZwxH We are inclusive. We are supportive. We are Orwell. #communityconversations #teamorwell #loneliness #mentalhealth #bmesuffolk #costoflivingcrisis

"Very often, a lot of the stigma around mental health is to do with labels and how people see themselves...talking about emotional needs helps us to realise that we all have needs. That is something we all share in common. So recognising this allows us to see that it is not our identity, it is just whether or not our needs are being met..." Many people are finding the cost of living crisis very challenging for their mental health. So if we find ourselves in that position, where can we start to get the support we need? As part of the launch of our Cost of Living Toolkit, I had the pleasure of chatting to Ezra Hewing from @suffolkmind about managing our mental health through challenging times. Ezra shared some fantastic advice, how Suffolk Mind can help support you and even some quick breathing and self care excercises you can start trying today. For more information on the fantastic services Suffolk Mind provides and how you can take their emotional needs survey, mentioned in the conversation, please visit https://www.suffolkmind.org.uk/emotional-needs-survey/ This community conversation was brought to you by The Orwell Cost of Living Toolkit. The new online resource that connects our communities to the tools and services across the region that really make a difference. https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/.../cost-of-living-toolkit/ We are inclusive. We are supportive. We are Orwell. #communityconversations #teamorwell #loneliness #mentalhealth #suffolkmind #costoflivingcrisis @mindcharity #mindcharity

"...Most people, when asked what the pandemic restrictions meant to them, was a lack of conversation...and touch..." ❤
Through the pandemic and now through the cost-of-living crisis, loneliness can be very challenging for those in our communities.
As part of the launch of our Cost of Living Toolkit, we had the pleasure of chatting to Ann Osborn from The Rural Coffee Van about loneliness and the work she does visiting our towns and villages around the region, bringing people together who might not usually have the opportunity.
For the full conversation, check out the link in comments 👇
For more information on the fantastic services The Rural Coffee Caravan provides and how you can either take part at a local meeting or support Ann directly, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eRNFRzAU
This community conversation was brought to you by The Orwell Cost of Living Toolkit. The new online resource that connects our communities to the tools and services across the region that really make a difference.
We are inclusive. We are supportive. We are Orwell.
#communityconversations #teamorwell #loneliness #coffee #ruralcoffeecaravan The Rural Coffee Caravan