Community Action Suffolk

01/06/2026

This job provides a unique opportunity to make a significant positive difference to the challenges surrounding Suffolk’s rural housing, and with it the outlook of local communities and people. Whoever takes it up will be working with some great colleagues too.

Find your next job at Suffolk Jobs Direct

01/06/2026

Today is the beginning of Volunteers’ Week, which honours the selfless contributions made by individuals who give up their time to make such a major positive difference to people and communities alike. In recognition, we are posting a series of insights on how VCFSEs can more effectively recruit and manage volunteers. This is the first.

Create a clear and simple process for getting prospective volunteers involved - make it as easy as possible for them to express interest in volunteering. Use Volunteer Suffolk for free to advertise your roles and also manage your volunteers, and ensure your website has: • Clear information about the roles available • A simple sign up process or expression of interest form • Information about what happens next after they sign up • Offer a chat/interview when you receive an application form – this is a two way meeting enabling you to outline the role in more detail, the expectations and opportunity as well as for them to be confident that this is the right role and organisation for them. It is at this meeting that you can talk about flexibility, commitment and mutual expectations.

Providing a clear and welcoming process reduces barriers and makes it easier for people to take the first step in volunteering with you. For more information on recruiting volunteers please visit the Volunteer Suffolk website - https://volunteersuffolk.org.uk/volunteer-management-support/

22/05/2026

Think Differently for a Stronger VCFSE Future - Hannah Reid, Community Action Suffolk Chief Executive, explains in her latest blog why challenging times require a different way of thinking. Please use this link to read it https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/thinking-differently-for-a-stronger-vcfse-future/

And to book your place at the CAS annual conference please use this link https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/casevent/3826/

19/05/2026

We’re recruiting – Rural Housing Enabler
Are you passionate about supporting rural communities and making a real difference to affordable housing in Suffolk?
Community Action Suffolk is looking for a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly and collaborative team. You’ll play a key role in helping communities identify housing need and develop local affordable housing solutions.
📍 Location: Ipswich or Lowestoft with blended working
🕒 Hours: Up to 34 hours per week
📅 Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2027
💷 Salary: £31,295 FTE (pro rata £28,374.13)

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with communities, councils, housing providers and partners to bring forward meaningful rural housing projects.
✅ Flexible & blended working
✅ Generous annual leave + pension
✅ Supportive, values-led organisation

If you’re a strong communicator with a passion for community engagement and rural issues, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply now or find out more: http://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/vacancies/

18/05/2026

Our one in A Million Act of Hope – Here at Community Action Suffolk we celebrated the Million Acts of Hope campaign by undertaking our own event. Staff gathered for an hour to share stories on acts of hope that we have witnessed, as well as discussing what brings us hope.

The stories exchanged included random acts of kindness, care for neighbours, a community fridge and pantry, local action to improve a shared garden space, plus much more. Many of the stories were written down for the resulting wall display that created a visual heart of hope – as in the picture posted.

A Million Acts of Hope is taking place between 13 and 20 May. To find out more please use this link https://millionactsofhope.org/ And if your organisation is participating, please share your story with us.

12/05/2026

Suffolk Community Awards open for 2026 Nominations - Once again, the free to enter awards are the county’s annual showcase on individuals and organisations that go out of their way to help others. It is the one way in which anyone can nominate a friend, family member, work colleague, a group, or just someone they see acting selflessly, to get the recognition they deserve for helping other people or community.

Nominating could not be easier. Simply visit the nominations page on the awards website, and complete the simple to use form https://www.suffolkcommunityawards.co.uk/nominate/ There’s no cost, and entry does not have to be about an organised campaign or cause, it can simply be someone who takes time to look after others, or raises funds for good.

Winners are announced and presented with certificates and awards at the grand awards night in September. Arranged and hosted by Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Association of Local Councils, the awards are the big chance to publicly reward those that really do deserve it.

29/04/2026

What do parrots, tricorn hats and treasure all have in common? Yep - Pirates (bear with us...)

We’re delighted to share that our annual conference is back this year with a Pirate themed twist. While not usually thought of as role models, for good reason, and we of course don't advocate all their behaviour - you may be familiar with the book 'Be More Pirate' by Sam Conniff which talks about thinking differently and adopting a different mindset to challenge norms - after all, would we know the earth wasn't flat if we hadn't tried to sail off it..?

But we do believe, in the current challenging environment for VCFSE organisations, we must also take on the challenge of 'out of the box' thinking if we are to create meaningful change.

If that resonates with you at all, and you're free on the 16th July, this conference is for you.

Bookings are now open, with VCFSE 'early bird' prices until the end of May. Book here https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/casevent/3826/

28/04/2026

What if your daily coffee could change a life? Say hello to The Mix Coffee Shops.

The Mix youth work charity has officially taken over the Paddy & Scott's Coffee shops in Hadleigh and Ipswich. A new name, but the same great coffee, same brilliant coffee shops, same friendly faces, and of course, the same top notch Paddy & Scott's Coffee… just with a shiny new name.

But the big bonus is every coffee, cake and everything else sold is now helping to support young people across Suffolk.

And this is just the beginning…The Mix cafés in Stowmarket and Needham Lake will soon be adopting the new look and name.

To read the full story here: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b8e2a97b/JI5xzx35W0SQb55dh8acBg?u=https://www.themixstowmarket.co.uk/post/the-mix-expands-its-community-coffee-shops-across-suffolk

22/04/2026

There are four weeks to go before the national week of A Million Acts of Hope gets underway - 13 to 20 May - and many Suffolk VCFSEs are preparing to play their part.

Contributions can be anything from sending a kind message to undertaking a major project to help make people and communities healthier and happier. What counts is doing anything big or small, to build towards the million count in making a positive difference across the UK.

Organisers Hope Not Hate, has produced a very helpful and comprehensive support pack of ideas and visuals that anyone can use, here is the link https://millionactsofhope.org/community-hub And you can register your activity to feature on the Million Acts of Hope national map https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY31jHNMP7-uYurHGl7hN7IdozVgv4r4iZ4LxNNdA8FnduFA/viewform

At CAS we’ll be running our own project – details to follow shortly. And please send us information and images of what you are planning so that we can share them with others.

16/04/2026

Two Simple Skills That Change Everything for Food Projects.

Running a food bank, pantry, café or community garden is already a lot of work. But two simple skills can make a huge difference — without adding more pressure.

✅ Measuring your social impact
✅ Planning your work better

Groups using these say they:

• Win more funding
• Save time and money
• Work more efficiently
• Recruit and retain volunteers more easily

The good news?

These skills are easy to learn — and we’re offering a free, 2‑in‑1 course this month in Suffolk.

You’ll learn:

• Why understanding your impact really matters for funding
• What “social value” means (in plain English)
• How simple planning reduces stress and saves time
• How other local food projects are already benefiting

Ipswich – Tuesday 21 April https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/casevent/3852/

Bury St Edmunds – Tuesday 28 April https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/casevent/3853s

This is a free, practical session led by professionals, with time to network and learn from others like you.

👉 Spaces are limited – book now and make your impact count.