Children in Need money is vital, says play bus team

Mandy Potter and Lindsey Beddow, with Denis the new play bus, at their regular stop near Bath Street in Ipswich

A charity which runs a community play bus says funding from the BBC's Children in Need is vital to its survival.

The brightly painted bus, called Denis, moves around locations in Ipswich and can host up to 16 children and their parents or carers in a session.

They have regularly benefited from Children in Need grants in the past, and are currently getting £98,000 until Jan 2027.

Play Bus co-ordinator Mandy Potter said: "If they didn't fund us, we'd probably struggle, and it would could possibly mean the loss of this wonderful facility."

She added: "Their money is vital in keeping this service going so that we can now access more areas to engage more young children and their families."

The play bus was relaunched in October 2003 and currently runs six free play sessions.

Ms Potter says the grant covers the costs of half of the six weekly sessions they run, adding: "Which is a real good backbone, especially as we've had to pay for Denis; the bus and the transformation of him as well.

"But that is to push it forward into the next 15 years."

Denis, a former London bus, cost about £80,000 to refurbish, paid for the charity's reserves.

He replaced Maggie, the previous bus, which had been in service for 21 years.

Play buses through the years, starting in 1979. Maggie (number 3) was in service for 21 years, with Denis taking over earlier this year

Trish Tigges is a regular with her grandchildren.

"It is absolutely brilliant, they love the Playbus, especially the sand and dressing up," she said.

"They are very friendly and welcoming and it's quite local to where we all live, so it's just a case of walking down.

"There's not much else available around this area."

Other projects in Suffolk

BBC Children in Need usually gives three-year grants.

Currently there are eight organisations in Suffolk receiving grants totalling over £500,000.

• BSC Multicultural Services run a Saturday school and homework club

• Outreach Youth give specialist LGBT*Q+ youth work provision

• For Children and Young People (4YP) run counselling and youth clubs

• P.H.O.E.B.E supports children and young people from minority ethnic and migrant backgrounds

• The Bumblebee Children's Charity provide sensory sessions for children and young people with physical difficulties and disabilities.

• Eye Opportunity Group run play sessions for pre-school and early primary aged children with a range of disabilities and additional needs

• Lowestoft and District MENCAP Society run a youth club providing activities, learning, and social opportunities for young people who are neurodiverse.