A new mental health awareness project called, The Bench UK, has been launched in Norfolk and is encouraging people to engage with friends and family, to talk!The project highlights the experiences of people living through the social isolation periods of Covid- 19; focussing particularly on mental health. Andy Watts, The Bench UK’s Founder, worked as an Urgent Care Practitioner in Lincolnshire throughout Covid-19. He recalls conversations with colleagues anticipating a surge in mental health cases; “Covid-19 was a particularly challenging time for everyone, but the restrictions on our social inter- actions, had a dramatic affect on people’s coping mechanisms. Social inclusion is important for most of us, that’s why we make friends, join groups or take up a new hobby; to meet people and talk. The importance of this should…

The Tia's Treasures Fundraiser to celebrate 12 years of Tia's Treasures was held on Saturday 20th May at Pops Meadow, Gorleston and a fun day was had by all. The sun shined continously and there were plenty of big smiles from Children and Grown Ups alike. The Tia's Treasures Team would like to say a big Thank You to Cherise and Lewis and everyone else at Pops Meadow, Tiffany and everyone else at Starlight Characters, Ann Keable MBE and her team of Home-Start Norfolk Fundraisers, Jill and Sheila for their help with the 50/50 Raffle, Ellie for her part of Jubilee the Liger (Lion/Tiger) and her very helpful assistant Joshua, Jessica from Penny's Sweet Treats and Chelsea for the beautiful cup cakes and cake, Lisa for her part as Monkey…

Darts aces stepped up to the oche and hit the bullseye for charity. Kind-hearted players from the Loddon and District League have been raising money throughout the season and recently handed over £1,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. Brenda Cushing, the league’s secretary and treasurer, said: “EACH is such an important charity here in Norfolk. “Everyone feels strongly and, on a personal note, myself and my husband live close to The Nook. “We go along to the fortnightly coffee afternoons every other Tuesday. It’s a charity that does so much great work and it was my privilege to be invited on a recent tour of the hospice. It’s an incredible place – so modern, spotlessly…

Tireless fundraisers admitted feeling inspired and motivated after being shown around a leading children’s hospice. Nick and Elaine Loades and Kyra Welch have raised more than £34,200 after joining forces to organise events including three hugely successful balls at Holkham. All three are bereaved parents who have been supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Nick and Elaine’s daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis shortly after birth and died in November 2013, aged 16. She received care at EACH’s former hospice, at Quidenham. She was friends with Kyra, who suffered her own devastating loss when son Kaiden died in October 2021. He had Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), detected after 18 weeks of Kyra’s pregnancy. Having had open-heart surgery after just three days, he defied doctors by living until he…