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.

Lighthouse Women’s Aid

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

  • 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

Ipswich Outreach

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

  • Crisps – multipack and individual wrapped packets
    Biscuits which are individually wrapped
    Toiletries men and women (especially deodorant)
    Dog food

Donation for the Ipswich Outreach Shop

They appreciate most items for this shop at the moment including:

  • Newish Jeans
    Clothes
    Small electrical
    Small furniture
    Bed linen
    Sleeping bags
    Blankets
    (no duvets)
    Books
    Toys
    (Really – anything)

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.

In 2020 the theme was ‘…for the earth’. Sangha members organised litter picks in their local area as well as giving greater emphasis to ethical action such as recycling, reuse, and use of plastic. Our Community Action kula created an Action Calendar to support sangha members in taking action.