STAFF from shops and restaurants in Ipswich will be giving up their time on Friday to make a difference to people's lives.

Naomi Cassidy

STAFF from shops and restaurants in Ipswich will be giving up their time on Friday to make a difference to people's lives.

There will be chance to try a whole world of flavours on CSV's Make a Difference Day as representatives from some of the town's catering venues will be gathering at the Ipswich Caribbean Association to hold tasting sessions and cooking demonstrations.

Experts will also be on hand to show how food can help improve people's physical and emotional well-being. There will be free apples on the day promoting local seasonal produce and helping people to think about a healthy diet.

The event has been organised by CSV's ICON project (Integrating Communities and Overseas Nationals), which works with different groups to build a cohesive community in Ipswich, along with Agents4Change, V-one in a Million and UK online.

The project will be launching its new website, iconkitchen.org.uk, which will provide access to a wide range of recipes from around the world and the opportunity for people to add their own.

Make a Difference Day is designed to show people what volunteering opportunities are available in the area. Previous projects have included the Ipswich Rivers Clean-ups, Refugee Week, Music in the Park, and ongoing conservation work.

On the same day, CSV will also be celebrating Get Online Day 2008 by offering taster sessions in using the internet with UK Online. Complete beginners or those who already have the basics and want to learn more, can attend the sessions.

Everyone is invited to come along.

Have you been volunteering for a charity for a long time? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.