Creating opportunities for young people to connect, influence, and inspire is essential for their development and for the future of Ipswich. When young people feel connected to their community, they are more likely to be engaged citizens and make positive contributions. When they can influence decisions and see their ideas in action, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. And when inspired by other young role models and mentors, they are more likely to reach their full potential.

The commitments by our ISMA partners in this section will help create these important moments for young people in Ipswich. By providing opportunities for young people to connect with each other, with adults, and with their community, these organisations are helping them to develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

By giving young people a voice and a platform to share their ideas, we are empowering them to shape their own future and the future of their town.

• Together for Ipswich (TFI) will engage with Christian youth workers and leaders to gather young people's perspectives and inform TFI's work.

  

• Suffolk New College will establish a Youth Leadership Forum to empower learners to become leaders of change and collaborate with local businesses and community leaders. They will also work with Ravenswood Primary School and Mini Mindfulness to develop a program for children that focusses on resilience, mentoring, and exposure to study and career opportunities.

  

• The Thomas Wolsey 550 project will coordinate multi-school opportunities and workshops in workplaces to expose young people to various employment options before they choose their GCSEs. They will also re-run their Wolsey 550 PlaceChangers group, which allows young people to deliver street art projects in central Ipswich.

  

• #iwill will facilitate an ambassador program for young people from Ipswich, including up to 30 young people and 50 #iwill Champions.

  

• Volunteering Matters will create moments for young people to get their voices heard and deliver a youth ambassador program to encourage young people to continue to get involved in youth social action.

  

• The CF Group will support young people in sharing their views and participating in suitable activities. They will also offer a meeting room for meetings of up to ten people.

  

• DanceEast will consolidate its youth leadership through three levels of engagement: YouthFest, CAT Ambassadors, and Community Participants. These groups will collaborate to ensure youth priorities are represented at the governance level.

  

• ASSET Education will involve young people in leadership recruitment and procurement activities, provide them with a platform to share their passion and vision through public speaking, and work with young people to rewrite the Power of Youth Charter.

  

• One Sixth Form College will mentor and support students in Key Stage 4, fostering self-esteem and empowering them to reach their full potential. They will also extend their Skills Escalator program for local primary schools to inspire pupils in Key Stage 1 through employer engagement.