Bangladeshi Support Center (also known as Ipswich and Suffolk Bangladeshi Society) is an organization of Bangladeshi community living in Suffolk, UK. It was funded by a group of Bangladeshi volunteers in 1998 to engage people of the Bangladeshi community in Ipswich & Suffolk in social, cultural, educational and recreational activities. The center registered as a charity in 2001 and as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2005. The aim of Bangladeshi Support Center is to advance education and empower individuals, by providing information, help and support, challenging disadvantage and discrimination in a culturally sensitive way. The center provides various types of education and recreational training, workshops, and activities for people from all communities including travelers and refugees.
Mission Statement
To support people of Bangladeshi and other BME communities (Black and Minority Ethnic) in Suffolk and engage them in social, cultural, educational and recreational activities by:
- Advancing education and training
- Empowering individuals and communities
- Providing information, help and support in a culturally sensitive environment
Support Services
Bangladeshi Support Center office is open Monday to Friday and staffed by bilingual Support Worker(s) who can provide information, help and support to local Bangladeshi people on benefits, council tax, housing, racial harassment, filling-in forms, translation, educational issues, training and many other issues. Supports are provided via face-to-face meeting, telephone, home visit, email and website.
Training Projects
Bangladeshi Support Center started this project in partnership with Suffolk Learning & Skills Council with the aim of strengthening the Training and Capacity Building needs of the Bangladeshi people living in Ipswich and Suffolk. Over the last few years, numerous courses and training have been organized including Interview Technique courses, Food Hygiene training, Health and Safety course, First Aid and Welfare Rights Awareness course. Hundreds of local people have benefited from project so far.
Bangladeshi Women’s Project
Part-time Bangladeshi Women’s Worker(s) help and work closely with local women to organize learning and training activities for Bangladeshi women in a culturally sensitive environment. The project helps women to learn many skills and stay fit by through organizing sewing classes, taster swimming sessions, exercise classes, etc.
Tenants Project
A partnership project with Ipswich Borough Council. A Bangla speaking project worker helps Bangladeshi council tenants with housing related queries and help reduce rent arrears. This project has is very popular among Bangladeshi clients. Events are organized to highlight issues affecting council tenants.
ESOL Project
Bangladeshi Support Center runs an English language Drop-In class. Bilingual Support Assistant are there to the ESOL teacher. English is taught using laptops and other computer equipment. Men and women are taught in separateclasses.
Health Project:
Two part-time workers are appointed to work closely with local people and organize activities that promote healthy lifestyle and lead to reduction in incidents of heart disease. This is done in a culturally sensitive way.
Business Hours
Mon-Fri. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm