Warm spaces, food and support services are among the resources one suburb of Ipswich has pulled together to help those in its community affected by the cost of living crisis.

In Chantry, residents have been working hard to ensure there are friendly spaces for all to access if they are feeling the pinch.

“The government doesn’t have the wherewithal to help, so the community is doing it for itself,” explained Chris Bedford, the pastor at Greenfinch Church in Greenfinch Avenue. 

Vicki Mann, executive library manager at Chantry Library in Hawthorn Drive, agreed that the area is rich in community spirit. 

“Chantry has a heartbeat. I’m really proud of our community,” she said. 

Ipswich Star: Vicki Mann from Chantry Library said she is proud of the area's community spirit. Pictured here with Corrin Eaton from the Men Can Talk group after his fundraising cycle challenge.Vicki Mann from Chantry Library said she is proud of the area's community spirit. Pictured here with Corrin Eaton from the Men Can Talk group after his fundraising cycle challenge. (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Ms Mann said that in September, there were 3,887 visitors to the library – a rise of 94% from September 2021. 

She believes this may be due to people turning to the support services the library offers. 

Cancer support, men’s wellbeing, over 55s, and advice and CV support for young people are just a few of the groups which meet at the library.  

A food bank is also based there, with members of the public able to take five items of food per visit. 

On December 1, Greenfinch Church began its first ‘soup and chat’ session.

Every Thursday from 11am to 1pm, the church offers a warm space as well as free soup, rolls, tea and biscuits. 

Ipswich Star: Greenfinch Church offers several resources to residents. Pictured: Pastor Chris Bedford, left, and right, Ozzie Bozdag, owner of Codfellas fish and chip shop.Greenfinch Church offers several resources to residents. Pictured: Pastor Chris Bedford, left, and right, Ozzie Bozdag, owner of Codfellas fish and chip shop. (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Volunteers enjoy a cup of tea at Greenfinch Church's first 'soup and chat' event. Pictured L-R: Sonya Rutherford, Ann Pike and Kathy Rutherford.Volunteers enjoy a cup of tea at Greenfinch Church's first 'soup and chat' event. Pictured L-R: Sonya Rutherford, Ann Pike and Kathy Rutherford. (Image: Newsquest)

“This is the first year there has been a need for warm spaces,” said Pastor Bedford. “People have been feeling the pinch for a few months now, but we’re expecting to really feel it in January and February when the weather turns colder.” 

His wife, Jan, runs the Freedom Programme, an education programme for women who have experienced domestic violence, while an over 60s group also meets at the church each Tuesday.  

Mrs Bedford explained that the church’s volunteers were particularly keen to offer support to people in their 70s and 80s. 

“I think people from this generation often just get on with things, and can be too shy to ask for help,” she said. 

Meanwhile, owner of Codfellas fish and chip shop, Ozzie Bozdag, runs the Codfellas Chantry Charity.

Donation pots are located all over the area, and residents are able to approach Mr Bozdag to ask for the charity’s support. 

“In a country like this, we shouldn’t have people going without,” he said. 

Ms Mann said that she was proud to be part of the Chantry community. 

“I don’t know why other communities don’t do this,” she said. “We are fortunate to live here.”