Seckford Foundation raising community spirit during Covid-19 crisis

Woodbridge-based charity, The Seckford Foundation, may have been affected themselves by the implications of Covid-19, but their first thought was to help their community.

The Foundation encompasses several organisations, including Seckford Care residential and sheltered care for older people, Woodbridge School, Seckford Education Trust, and Seckford Springboard mentoring and grants programme for young people.

Graham Watson, Director of The Seckford Foundation, said: “One of our key values is to ensure that no-one suffers through rural isolation and many are feeling more isolated than ever right now. The Seckford Foundation were determined to respond positively to the Covid-19 crisis and continue the legacy of strengthening communities built by benefactor, Thomas Seckford”.

Staff from Seckford Education Trust schools in Beccles, Ixworth and Saxmundham have been making face masks for the NHS in their Design Technology laboratories. Following suit is Woodbridge School teacher Anna Nyberg who is working in the Design Technology Department with BT to make and supply face visors using their laser cutting machine.

Another teacher at the school, Emily Turner, has been sewing colourful headbands to ease the strain on ears when wearing face masks, and is also making scrubs for local NHS staff. Ipswich Hospital has been in touch to ask for more headbands.

The Seckford Foundation are proud of their history, but trustees are keen to not live in the past. And that has meant going digital.

Graham Watson said: “Seckford Springboard mentoring of young people has moved to virtual meetings. We felt it important that young people have someone impartial and positive they can talk to for wellbeing during this confusing time.

We are also helping them to understand how important it is to use the lockdown constructively, so they can continue to achieve their potential and be productive, for example by offering their time to the community.”

Staff across the entire Foundation are being pooled to where the need is greatest. This has included the School minibus drivers volunteering their time to make vital deliveries to food banks.

Other acts of kindness include loaning a large fridge and giving 600 disposable gloves to newly set up Woodbridge Town Teapot Food Bank.

For further information visit the Seckford Foundation website.

Photo caption: Anna Nyberg, Teacher at Woodbridge School, with daughter, Freya.