Each year, East Suffolk’s 55 councillors have an allocation of £7,500 in their Enabling Communities Budget to spend on community projects or to develop new projects which tackle community needs in their area.

Cllr James Mallinder ward councillor for the Deben Peninsula has provided funding for a community lunch in Hollesley supporting ‘Meet up Mondays’ and the community Café.  The lunch which took place this week offered a three-course meal, warm room, and much needed cheer to local residents.

Many are lonely and are struggling with financial issues, so such a lunch was an important project that Cllr Mallinder supported   to assist with his focus on developing communities and helping mental health. The event held at Hollesley village hall not only offered a hot three course meal but also brought together residents both young and old who might be feeling isolated.  The meal was followed by a raffle with prizes for all.

Cllr Mallinder stated: ‘Supporting such an event is really important to me, mental health is something we all need to work on so bringing people together is real priority along with developing a sense of community, not only that but with a cost-of-living crisis effecting so many people a warm room and hot meal is really important. ‘ 

Not only was Cllr Mallinder able to support the event from his local community grant he was able to attend and meet many of the residents and talk about local issues and concerns.

Cllr Mallinder stated: ‘The lunch was alive with noise of chatter as everyone met up with old friends and made new friends, I felt so proud to support my residents and I know they all left with full tummies and a smile, a really great lunch. ‘

The lunch was organised by Mrs Helen Lewis a local resident with support from local volunteers who cooked and served the food.

Helen Lewis stated ‘I was delighted to receive Cllr Mallinder’s offer of support for such an event, never underestimate the importance of a hot meal and chat with friends, a really successful event and everyone had a lovely afternoon. ‘ 

Through his enabling community budget Cllr Mallinder is able to support many local initiatives from lunches, grit bins, purchasing of spring bulbs to a new a lawn mower. The support is wide and varied and this event is another example of Cllr Mallinder’s continued commitment to his local residents 

Photo credit James Mallinder 

Photo - Cllr Mallinder and Helen Lewis