A total of 96 staff at Lowestoft-based Access Community Trust were made redundant at the end of February, as vital community wellbeing hubs, cafés and support services across Suffolk and Norfolk were all closed.

The charity that had provided supported housing and community-based services for vulnerable people for just over 50 years ceased trading with immediate effect.

The Olive Centre in Lowestoft. (Image: Access Community Trust)

The closures of a range of vital services that supported vulnerable adults and young people across the region affected many isolated people, prompting emergency measures to be put into place as a multi-agency response has been led by East Suffolk Council.

Sam's Wellbeing Hub & Café in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Last month Sam’s Café in Lowestoft reopened, as the council said talks were continuing over the future of other affected sites - including the Waveney Centre in Beccles and the Olive Centre in Lowestoft.

Line dancing used to be held at the Waveney Centre in Beccles. (Image: Submitted)

Now, another important step could soon be........

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