‘Talitha Koum’ is an initiative of Release Ipswich (charity no. 1135528) which is seeking to establish a residential Christian Therapeutic Community for women caught up in addictive behaviours and wanting to change the direction of their lives. The project name means ‘little girl, get up’ and is taken from the Bible. However, it will be open to those of any belief or none.  Today in Ipswich and the surrounding villages, many people struggle with a serious dependency on drink or drugs. For some, this has led to health problems, a loss of freedom and an inability to work and contribute to society. It is hard to feel valued or valuable in these circumstances. Although some positive steps have been made to improve services to this vulnerable group, we believe there is real and urgent need for a residential haven of peace, healing and learning. Students (i.e.residents) will be carefully selected and take part in structured training programmes prior to be assisted back into employment through social enterprises associated with the project. They will also be given extended support to settle into a local community. Planning Permission has now been given for a suitable farm based site after initially receiving the approval of the local Parish Council. See this press release for more information. Please read the Vision Statement for this exciting project and consider how you might be able to get involved.