Suffolk Mind receive £12,000 donation from Ipswich Cemeteries

Ipswich Cemeteries has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Suffolk Mind after raising money through a precious metals recycling scheme.

The money will go towards our vital services, supporting people across our county to improve and maintain their mental health.

Families of loved ones cremated in Ipswich are able to choose to support local good causes with any income generated through precious metals that remain after cremation.

Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind said: “We are hugely grateful for this generous donation from Ipswich Cemeteries.

“We appreciate the gravity of this donation and what it means to the families – and we would like to thank them for their kindness. Every penny of their donation will go to helping people across the county.

“We want Suffolk to be the best place in the world to talk about and take care of metal health, and this donation will help us on that mission.”

As an independent charity, we rely on donations and grants to provide support, which spans from teaching children as young as five how to look after their mental health, to counselling and allotment groups for those over 18.

Emma Helyard, Bereavement Services Team Leader at Ipswich Borough Council, said families were pleased to take part in the scheme.

“A lot of people, when they find out about this service, their reaction is overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

“It feels like their family members are leaving a lasting legacy. They take something really meaningful out of the experience.”

Ipswich Borough Councillor Philip Smart said: “We are very pleased to be able to make this donation. We are grateful to the families for their kindness in thinking of others at a difficult time in their lives.

“Suffolk Mind is a brilliant charity helping to improve the mental health of people living across Suffolk and I’m sure the money will be well spent providing its vital services across the county.”