Celebrating Our Impact – A Visit from Our New MP

Dear Supporters,

We were delighted to welcome Suffolk Coastal’s new MP, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, to The Old Hospital Hub on 7 February for her first tour of our vibrant community space. With a special interest in affordable housing and care for the elderly, she took a keen interest in the work SouthGen has done to support families across Southwold, Reydon, and surrounding villages.

The visit was organised by Better Society Capital, the UK’s leading social impact investor, which played a crucial role in helping us complete the project. When we faced soaring construction costs due to Brexit and Covid, they provided a vital £75,000 loan, alongside an incredible last-minute £50,000 fundraising effort from our community. This support helped bring The Old Hospital Hub to life.

During the tour, Mrs. Riddell-Carpenter visited our social housing flats, The Canteen café, Southwold Library, the Geography Fieldwork Academy, and The Studio, our new community space now hosting Barclays banking services three days a week – essential for many elderly residents needing digital banking assistance.

She was particularly moved by the impact of our affordable housing, learning that nine children now call The Old Hospital home, with eight attending Southwold Primary School—helping secure its future. She also recognised the importance of our tenants, who contribute to local employment and volunteer for charities, including our own.

Mrs. Riddell-Carpenter has promised to return in May for the launch of our visual history project, tracing the Old Hospital’s journey since 1898 and honouring the service of its former staff. More information on that coming soon!