Challenging inequalities and barriers to social mobility is essential to ensure that all young people in Ipswich, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

By addressing these inequalities, we create a more equitable and inclusive Ipswich where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

The commitments outlined in this section will  provide targeted support and opportunities for young people who face additional challenges, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs.

• 4YP will involve young people in developing a flagship Youth Hub, providing a safe and inclusive space on the Ipswich Water Front.  

  

• The Thomas Wolsey 550 project will deliver activities to broaden young people's understanding of career options, develop their skills and confidence, and ultimately aim to retain talent in Ipswich.  

  

• #iwill will host events to engage young people and empower them to lead change in identified areas.  

  

• Volunteering Matters will actively seek and incorporate the perspectives of diverse groups, including teenage parents and young offenders.  

  

• ASSET Education will support the ASSET Arrows, our Pupil Parliament, and our EcoCouncils in all of our primary schools to lead on a new strategy for food that is healthier and more sustainable. We will provide the support needed for these young people to work in their communities to address the challenges to eating well. We'll give them platforms to share their views and social action regarding food and the environment, and we'll create connections and seek funding to empower their work.  

  

• ASSET Education will devise and put in place a strategy to remove structural barriers to entry into teaching as a career, working with secondary schools, FE, HE and local organisations. We will provide support at all stages of a teacher’s journey from application into teaching and leadership so that before 2048 our workforce is fully representative of the children and the communities it serves at all levels of seniority.

  

• ASSET Education will extend the Complete Human Strategy approach to support the well-being of children and families as well as staff and use this model to connect them to opportunities and organisations in the town that meet their needs and aspirations.

  

• ASSET Education will continue our ASSET Alumni programme, providing any necessary support and connections they need to bring their “People Park” concept to life in Ipswich, and to ensure that we learn from their experience of transition to high school in order to shape our primary education curriculum and pastoral support.

  

• Ipswich Borough Council is developing a Community Engagement strategy to improve community engagement, with a specific focus on youth engagement and addressing homelessness.  

  

• Ipswich Community Media will continue its efforts to challenge inequalities, support marginalised young people, and tackle complex issues with courage and creativity, guided by their Youth Steering Group.