Motherland and Nova Jones writer Helen Serafinowicz praises volunteers at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, event

The writer of hit shows Motherland and Nova Jones has praised Suffolk’s army of volunteers at an event celebrating those giving up their time for good causes.

Helen Serafinowicz spoke to more than 50 people at an event at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, on Wednesday.

The gathering, to mark Volunteer Week, was hosted by Martlesham-based Anglia Care Trust (ACT), Colchester and Ipswich Museums as well as five other organisations and included guided behind-the-scenes tours of the mansion and afternoon tea.

The writer and producer lives in Norwich and has volunteered at ACT since 2023.

She called on people to consider giving up some of their time for good causes.

Helen said: “I've always volunteered in some shape or form throughout my life – so it has been great to meet so many more volunteers at the event.

"As a volunteer appropriate adult, my role is to help young, vulnerable people feel more at ease when they are being processed when they are arrested, helping them understand the process, ensuring they are treated fairly and supporting them where necessary.”

Helen explained why she loved volunteering at ACT so much.

She added: "I absolutely love it. It is so rewarding. You never know what each day might hold as a volunteer but it really opens your eyes to the lives of others.

"I would definitely recommend it to others.

“Everyone has a bit of spare time in their week. Even if that's just a couple of hours, that's all it can take to make a real difference.”

For the event, attendees were given a sneak-peek at the mansion’s attic, which is typically off limits to visitors, took part in butter making classes and went on wellbeing walks around Christchurch Park.

Helen was also interviewed by Nina Nannar, and close friend and arts editor for ITV News, about her life as a comedy writer and volunteer.

The other organisations involved in the event were Suffolk Family Carers, Suffolk Archives, Suffolk Libraries, National Trust and Family First.

Helen Orvis, volunteer co-ordinator at Colchester and Ipswich Museums, said the organisations wanted to get together to say thank you for volunteers’ work and thought Christchurch Mansion was the perfect venue.

She said: "Today was all about getting everyone together and giving them a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

“Together they gave up more than 67,000 hours of their time last year and this was our chance to give something back.

"It has been so lovely seeing everyone getting to know each other and the feedback has been great, there's been lots of happy faces."