Community Action

The members of our sangha take positive action in many ways to help improve the lives of all beings. As a Centre we give particular emphasis to two local and one international charity.

NEXT COLLECTION 18-25th June (for Soup Kitchen & Ipswich Baby Hub)

The Community Action Kula and volunteers will be happy to pick up donations from your home or workplace between 18- 25th June 2021. Please contact the Community Acton Kula via email at
communityaction@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk – let us know your preferred collection day and location and we will get back to you to confirm.

Ipswich Outreach provides support to people who are hungry and/or homeless in Ipswich. 

The Buddhst Centre has regular collections of food to support the work of the nightly soup kitchen. At present, due to the limitations of COVID, this is limited to packeted food such as wrapped cakes, biscuits and crisps.

Ipswich Outreach website

Donations for the Soup Kitchen

THE FOLLOWING IS NEEDED FOR THE COLLECTION IN JUNE.
  • Crisps – multipack and individually wrapped packets
  • Biscuits which are individually wrapped
  • Toiletries for men and women (especially antiperspirant), shower gel
  • Wet wipes
  • Small bottled water
  • Unused men’s underwear
  • Unused socks
  • Toilet roll
  • Disposable razors
  • Shaving cream

Buddhist Action Month

Each year The Ipswich Buddhist Centre unites with Buddhists across the world in a month of practical action on a shared theme.

This year (2021) the theme for Buddhist Action Month is ‘The Lion’s Roar – speaking up in a troubled world’.

Sangha members organise litter picks in their local area as well as giving greater emphasis to ethical action such as recycling, reuse, and use of plastic. 

See details of the 2021 litter pick.

The Ipswich Family Bank provides support for struggling families, babies and children.

Current needs are for:

  • Nappies size 4 and above
  • Tinned potatoes
  • Children’s cereals
  • Toiletries
    (No Baby Milk at this time thanks)

Lighthouse Women’s Aid provides refuge and support for women, young people and children who expereince domestic abuse.

We have regular collections of the items they most need such as clothing toiletries, toys, art and school materials, baby and child-care equipment and materials.

We collect items at our centre and also door-to-door around Ipswich. To arrange a pick-up please email enquiries@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk

Lighthouse Women’s Aid website

Donations to Lighthouse Womens Aid

DUE TO SUCCESS OF OUR PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS FOR LIGHTHOUSE, DONATIONS ARE NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME.

  • A5 hardback notebooks, – these are used by the women who attend the programmes for their thoughts and any notes they like to make during the 10 week course. If these could be nice/pretty books so it is a nice thing to keep.
  • Non perishable food – kids jellies, rice pudding etc, tinned veg, beans etc.
  • Stationary unused
  • Kitchen equipment
    Pots and pans
    Plates and mugs
    Cutlery
  • Gift vouchers for pharmacies, B&M, Home Bargains and supermarkets (preferably Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsburys

Karuna Trust

Members of the Ipswich sangha  also take international community action by supporting the Karuna Trust. Inspired by Buddhist values, the Karuna Trusts seeks to end caste-based discrimination, poverty and inequality in India and Nepal. It works with individuals focusing on education, gender equality and dignified livelihoods transforming communities and changing society. If you are interested in supporting the amazing work of this Trust please visit the Karuna Trust website