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A team of 18 climbers have completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of Joe Langfield, coming together to support Inspire.

The team climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in 24 hours, supported by four volunteer drivers who spent more than 28 hours on the road helping them safely travel between each mountain.

Organised by Joe’s sister, Victoria the challenge marked five years since Joe’s passing and continued a remarkable run of fundraising for Inspire. In 2023 Joe’s close friend Ali Clements cycled 925 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in Joe’s memory, also raising funds for the charity.

Joe’s family chose to support Inspire because they wanted Joe’s memory to help other young people across Suffolk. This latest challenge is another example of that ongoing commitment.

Looking back on the weekend, Victoria said:

“Completing the National Three Peaks challenge, was so much more than I imagined it would be. I still don’t think I have come down of the adrenaline high. I’m absolutely buzzing.

I am so proud of the incredible team. Showing up for each other on the brutal bits, (Snowdon descent felt about 3 weeks long) and we got every single person up and down, despite a few injuries.

It was such a special weekend spent alongside an amazing group of people, brought together by the love we share for my big brother, Joe.

His absence has left a hole in so many lives. The incredible turnout for this challenge, and the generosity of everyone who has donated, is a true reflection of the man that he was”

Commenting on the weekend, Andy Crump, CEO Inspire, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Victoria, Joe’s family and friends who took part in this challenge. Young people talk about the importance of people in their community that care. In completing the three peaks, the group will help us continue supporting young people across Suffolk.  We can’t thank everyone enough and on behalf of the whole team here – congratulations to you all!”

Everyone at Inspire would also like to thank the volunteer drivers, whose support behind the scenes helped make the challenge possible.

The team

Volunteer drivers

Whether they were climbing, driving, donating or cheering the team on from home, everyone involved played a part in making the weekend such a success.

From all of us at Inspire, thank you. Your support will help more young people across Suffolk access the guidance, opportunities and encouragement they need to move forward with confidence.

As Terry Hunt steps down after nine years as Chair, Inspire welcomes James Buckle to lead the charity into its next chapter.

Today marks Terry Hunt’s final Board meeting as Chair of Inspire Board of Trustees.

Terry Joined us in September 2017 and become Chair in December 2020, taking over from Prof. Dave Muller

After a six-year term as chair and three prior years as a trustee, Terry is stepping down. Bringing to a close almost a decade of thoughtful leadership, steady guidance and an unwavering belief in young people.

During Terry’s time as Chair, Inspire has supported more than 8,000 young people and 22,000 children, delivered over 5,000 free counselling sessions, created 20,000 hours of youth-led social action.

Terry has given more than 10,000 hours of his own time to the young people that have passed through the Inspire doors. It has been said that dedicating 10,000 hours makes someone an expert in their field. We can certainly attest to Terry’s “expert” credentials when it comes to the impact he has had at Inspire.

From mock interviews and graduations to board meetings and strategic decisions, Terry has never sought the spotlight. He has always taken greater pride in celebrating the achievements of others, asking the thoughtful question when it matters most and quietly encouraging those around him. As Terry has often said, “You can’t truly understand Inspire until you’ve been a part of it.”

Thankfully this isn’t a permanent farewell, we are delighted that Terry is staying with us in a new capacity as one of our ambassadors.

I have been hugely honoured to chair this wonderful charity for the last six years.
Thanks to the fantastic team, brilliant volunteers and our tremendous board, Inspire has gone from strength to strength.
Of course there have been challenges along the way, particularly the Covid years, but the charity has negotiated those hurdles admirably.
I know Inspire is in very good hands with James Buckle as chair and Andy Crump as CEO. I look forward to the charity continuing to grow, supporting young, often vulnerable people.
I am very pleased to say that I will continue my association with Inspire, having very kindly been invited to become an ambassador, a role I look forward to very much.

– Terry Hunt

Andy Crump, Chief Executive of Inspire, said:

“Terry’s contribution to Inspire goes far beyond the years he has served as a Trustee and Chair. While many people know him for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the charity, I’ve also been fortunate to know him personally for much longer. As his sons football coach in the early days of my own career to working alongside him as Deputy CEO and, over the last year, as CEO, I’ve experienced first-hand the encouragement and friendship that he brings to everything he does.

Throughout my first year as CEO, Terry has been a constant source of support. His calm judgement, thoughtful challenge and ability to keep sight of what matters most have helped both me and our leadership team navigate change with confidence. In a sector where priorities and circumstances can shift quickly, Terry has always ensured that our focus remained exactly where it should be, creating the very best opportunities and outcomes for the children and young people we exist to support.

On behalf of everyone at Inspire, our staff, trustees, ambassadors and the thousands of young people whose lives have been touched by the charity — thank you. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, and an even greater privilege to call you a friend.”

As we say thank you to Terry, we’re also delighted to welcome James Buckle  as the new Chair of Inspire.

James is already a familiar face to many across the charity. As one of our trustees, founder of The Porch Project and a passionate advocate for young people across Suffolk, he brings a deep understanding of our mission and the communities we serve.

James joins us at an exciting time for Inspire. Demand for our services continues to grow, new partnerships continue to open doors for young people and we’re reaching more communities than ever before. We’re looking forward to working alongside James as Chair, supporting Inspire’s continued growth and impact.

James told us;

“Three years as a trustee of Inspire has given me a first-class view of the amazing difference that the organisation makes to the lives of children and young people. 

I am incredibly grateful to Terry Hunt who is passing on the role in fine shape, hopefully I will be able to continue the great work he has done. Terry has assembled an incredible array of talent in his trustee board all of whom I am very much looking forward to working with. 

It will be an enormous privilege to chair this fantastic charity and to work with the most amazingly committed team.” 

As one chapter closes and another begins, we’d like to thank Terry for his leadership and commitment he has shown over the past nine years.

James certainly has some big shoes to fill, but we know he’ll make them his own. We look forward to working together as Inspire continues to create opportunities that help young people fulfil their potential.

Every journey starts with someone who believes in you.

“Working with young people, I’ve learnt that a lot of them just need time, patience and someone consistent around them.”
– Matt, Inspire Work Coach

When people think about employment support, they often picture CV writing, interview preparation and job searching. Those things are an important part of the role, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle.

The National Youth Strategy highlights the importance of trusted adults in young people’s lives. It’s something we’ve seen first hand for years. Before many young people feel ready to apply for a job, they often need someone to help rebuild their confidence, work through setbacks and recognise strengths they don’t always see in themselves.

Every young person who walks through our doors brings different experiences, ambitions and challenges, which means no two days look the same for our Work Coaches. Some young people benefit from structured employability support, while others need opportunities to build confidence before they’re ready to think about applications or interviews. The support always starts with the individual, and our coaches adapt their approach to meet young people where they are.

Across the team, that flexibility takes many different forms. Tony developed an employability course that combines practical workplace skills with interview preparation and confidence building. James has introduced tabletop gaming sessions that encourage communication, teamwork and social confidence in a relaxed environment, while Molly’s wellbeing walks in Felixstowe recognise that some conversations happen more naturally side by side than across a desk. Matt is always looking for opportunities that help young people gain experience, connect with employers and recognise the progress they’re making.

Those are just a few examples. Every Work Coach brings their own ideas, experience and personality to the role, but they all share the same goal: helping young people move forward in a way that works for them.

When we asked young people about their experiences, it was striking how often they talked about the people who had supported them, rather than simply the practical help they had received.

Gemma told us:

“Matt has helped boost my confidence in job hunting. I’ve believed in myself more since I joined Inspire and I can see how much I’ve grown with Inspire. I’ve put myself out there more than before by networking at places I’d love to work. I got myself a side job with an art studio doing the things I love. I highly appreciate all the help Matt has provided me, encouraging me to never give up and see things through.”

Jacob said:

“Matt has helped me word my CV properly and understand what employers are looking for. The support has also helped with job applications and training courses, and he has been really understanding.”

Leon shared:

“The support from Inspire has helped me gain confidence in applying for jobs and helped me get into college. Matt is a very nice and caring person.”

Brandon reflected on Tony’s employability course:

“I really enjoyed the course because it helped me with interview skills and my confidence.”

Alfie added:

“It has helped me build my confidence with interviews and create a stronger CV. I feel more prepared now when applying for jobs and speaking to employers.”

Looking across those experiences, it’s easy to see that while every journey is different, there are some common themes. Young people talk about practical support, feeling more confident and being better prepared for the future, but they also remember something less tangible. They remember people who listened, encouraged them and gave them the confidence to keep moving forward, even when progress felt slow.

Of course, Inspire doesn’t do this work alone. Helping young people move into employment relies on employers and organisations across Suffolk that are willing to invest in the next generation and create opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.

Some partnerships help young people discover careers they may never have considered. Fred. Olsen has welcomed young people aboard one of its cruise ships through careers insight events, giving them the opportunity to explore the maritime industry, meet professionals and gain an insight into the wide range of careers available within the sector.

Other partnerships create direct routes into employment. GMA Warehousing has supported young people into apprenticeships, helping turn confidence and potential into long-term careers.

Alongside them, many other businesses and organisations have supported our young people through workplace visits, mentoring, mock interviews, work experience placements and employment opportunities. Every partnership is different, but each one helps young people build experience, broaden their horizons and take another step towards the future they want.

Youth Employment Week provides an opportunity to celebrate those collective efforts. Behind every young person who secures a job, starts an apprenticeship or returns to education are the people who encouraged them, supported them and opened doors along the way.

Ready to take your next step?

Whether you’re looking for your first job, exploring your options, returning to education or simply working out what comes next, our Work Coaches are here to help. We’ll work alongside you to build confidence, develop your skills and help you take your next step.

Find out more about Planning Your Next Step:
Planning your next step

Could your organisation help build the next generation?

If your organisation could offer work experience, apprenticeships, mentoring, workplace visits or employment opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out how your organisation can help build the next generation:
Build the next generation

This Youth Employment Week, we’re celebrating the young people behind the statistics.

The conversation around youth employment is often dominated by numbers.

More than one million young people across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), and the Milburn Review warns that too many are slipping through the cracks before they receive the support they need. It estimates the cost of youth economic inactivity at £125 billion a year, highlighting the urgent need for earlier support and more opportunities for young people.

But behind every statistic is a person.

A young person with dreams, talents and aspirations. Someone whose story deserves to be heard.

At Inspire, we’ve always believed that’s where the real story begins.

Long before the Milburn Review made national headlines, we were supporting young people across Suffolk to build confidence, discover their strengths and take their next steps towards work, education and brighter futures.

The review hasn’t changed our direction. It has reinforced what our Youth Employment team has known for years:

Young people don’t lack ambition. They need someone to believe in them, and the right support at the right time.

In recent months, 407 young people have walked through our doors.

Every one of them brought a different story.

Some came to us knowing exactly what they wanted to do.

Others weren’t sure where to begin.

Every one of them deserved the opportunity to move forward.

Take Liam.

When he first came to Inspire, he had disengaged from support and struggled to see what his future could look like. Today, he’s volunteering, exploring opportunities in sports coaching and, perhaps most importantly, has rediscovered his confidence. Along the way, he even found himself encouraging another young person who was feeling anxious, proving just how quickly support can become confidence, and confidence can inspire someone else.

Courtney’s journey looks completely different. After experiencing life-changing mobility challenges, she was determined not to let them define her future. She’s now volunteering five days a week, building her independence and working towards a career helping others.

Harry came to us with a clear goal: to work in hospitality. With support to strengthen his CV, prepare for interviews and build his confidence, he’s now thriving in a role with PGL.

Three young people.

Three completely different journeys.

One thing in common.

Someone believed in them before they believed in themselves.

Already, that support has helped achieve:

Those numbers matter.

But the people behind them matter even more.

Throughout Youth Employment Week, we’ll be sharing more of their stories, celebrating their achievements and introducing the dedicated coaches who help make those journeys possible.

Because behind every statistic is a young person with potential.

And every young person deserves the chance to fulfil theirs.

Ready to take your next step?

Whether you’re looking for your first job, exploring your options, returning to education or simply aren’t sure where to start, our Youth Employment team is here to help.

We’ll work alongside you to build confidence, develop new skills and find the opportunities that are right for you, because no two journeys are the same.

Find out more about our Youth Employment support and how we can help you take your next step:
Plan your next step

Are you an employer?

If you’d like to help create opportunities for young people across Suffolk, we’d love to hear from you. By offering work experience, apprenticeships or employment opportunities, you could help change a young person’s future.

Find out how you can work with Inspire:
Get Involved

On Sunday 28 June 2026, Team Inspire swapped desks, meetings and emails for walking boots as they took on the Orwell Challenge, united by one goal: raising funds to help young people across Suffolk thrive.

Together, a team of Inspire staff, joined by friends supporters and an ambassador of the charity, walked a combined total of 104.8 miles around the beautiful Orwell Estuary.

It was a brilliant example of the passion our team brings to Inspire, not just during the working day, but in their own time too. Every step taken and every pound raised will help more young people across Suffolk access the opportunities, guidance and encouragement they need to fulfil their potential.

Team Inspire was made up of Rosie Bowen, Ben Sanders, Peter and Jackie Dawes, Sara Warburton, Andy Crump, Ginny Long, and Cara and Adam Miller, all coming together to take on the challenge in support of Inspire’s work.

A special congratulations goes to Ginny Long, who completed the full 26-mile route, an incredible achievement and a testament to her determination.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who sponsored the team, donated, cheered them on or supported them along the way. We’d also like to thank the organisers and volunteers behind the Orwell Challenge for hosting another fantastic community event that brings people together to support local charities.

Every donation will help Inspire continue providing trusted adults, safe spaces, wellbeing support and opportunities for young people across Suffolk, helping them build confidence, develop skills and create brighter futures.

Feeling inspired? Whether you’d like to take on your own challenge, join one of our fundraising events or support young people in another way, we’d love to have you on the team. Explore our upcoming events and find out how you can get involved.
View our upcoming events

There are some awards that celebrate achievement. Others celebrate the difference someone makes to the lives of others.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Tony, Inspire’s Skills Lead, has been named Adult Educator of the Year at the Suffolk Adult Learning Awards.

Sponsored by the Adult Learning Service, the award recognises educators who go above and beyond to equip adult learners with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need for the future through inclusive and inspiring teaching.

The award was presented by Caroline Elgood, Adult Learning Quality Manager at the Adult Learning Service, during a ceremony hosted by Gulshan Kayembe, celebrating the outstanding educators, learners and organisations making a difference across Suffolk.

For those who know Tony, this recognition comes as no surprise.

A journey that has come full circle

Long before he became an award-winning educator, Tony was a young person on the The Prince’s Trust TEAM programme himself.

That experience shaped not only his career, but the way he supports every learner who walks through the door. More than 20 years later, he has never forgotten what it feels like to be on the receiving end of encouragement, guidance and belief.

Over the past eight years at Inspire, Tony has progressed from Youth Employment Coach to Skills Lead, developing and delivering employability programmes that have helped hundreds of young people take their next steps towards education, employment and training.

His four-day employability workshop, which he designed from the ground up, has become a cornerstone of Inspire’s support for young people who are NEET or facing barriers to employment. Through practical learning, personalised support and genuine encouragement, Tony helps young people rebuild confidence and recognise their own potential.

It’s the little things that make the biggest difference

What makes Tony exceptional isn’t just the programmes he delivers or the outcomes he achieves. It’s the way he shows up for people.

He’s the person who stays behind after a session to help perfect a CV before an interview. He’s the person who stays behind after a session to help perfect a CV, makes that extra phone call to an employer, or spends another hour helping someone prepare for their first interview.

When a young person risked missing out on employment because they didn’t have the right equipment, Tony made sure they were ready for day one.

When another learner was struggling at home without something as basic as a washing machine, Tony didn’t simply point them towards support. He called on his own network, found one, and helped get it installed.

These aren’t extraordinary moments for Tony. They’re simply part of how he works.

Measurable impact, lasting change

Tony’s passion is matched by results.

Learners consistently describe his teaching as engaging, supportive and empowering. Through his employability programme:

Behind every statistic is a young person who has grown in confidence, gained new skills and taken a positive step towards their future.

Congratulations, Tony

Everyone at Inspire is incredibly proud of Tony and this well-deserved recognition.

His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, lives can change. From once being a participant himself to now receiving Suffolk’s Adult Educator of the Year Award, Tony embodies everything Inspire believes in: that every young person deserves the chance to discover their purpose and fulfil their potential.

Congratulations, Tony, and thank you for the difference you make every single day.

This week, Inspire was proud to host the graduation celebration for Sharon Michell Centre for Counselling (SMCF) Level 4 trainee counsellors.

The event brought together trainees, tutors, placement providers and supporters to recognise the dedication, hard work and commitment shown throughout their counselling journey. During the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from both SMCFC and Inspire, celebrating their contribution and the positive impact they have made while supporting young people through our Wellbeing Service.

Their formal CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling qualification (BACP approved) will follow later this summer, marking the successful completion of years of study, supervised practice and professional development.

At Inspire, we know that meaningful partnerships create meaningful change. Our partnership with Sharon and the team at SMCFC is a wonderful example of this, bringing together experienced professionals, aspiring counsellors and our Wellbeing Service to make a lasting difference for young people across Suffolk.

Throughout their placements with Inspire, the trainee counsellors became valued members of our Wellbeing Service. Under supervision, they provided compassionate, professional support to young people, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience and feel heard during difficult times.

While this marks the end of their training, it also marks the beginning of exciting new careers. We hope to continue working with some of this year’s graduates as sessional counsellors, supporting even more young people through our Wellbeing Service in the future.

Every conversation matters. Every young person deserves the opportunity to be listened to, understood and supported. The time, care and empathy shown by these trainee counsellors has helped make that possible for many of the young people we work with.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon for her continued support, guidance and partnership. Her passion for developing skilled, compassionate counsellors has created opportunities not only for her students, but also for the young people who have benefitted from their support through Inspire.

To every graduate, congratulations on this incredible achievement. We are proud to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing the positive difference you will continue to make throughout your careers.

Thank you for the difference you have already made, and for the difference we know you will continue to make in the years ahead.

Interested in training as a counsellor?

If you’re considering a career in counselling or would like to find out more about the courses available through Sharon and SMCFC, you can learn more here: Sharon Michell Centre for Counselling

Looking for counselling support for a young person?

If you know a young person who could benefit from talking to one of our counsellors, our Wellbeing Service offers a safe, confidential space to help them navigate life’s challenges. Find out more about the support available here: Wellbeing Service | Inspire.

Thinking about joining us for Holiday Club this summer?

Come along to our Holiday Club Open Event on Tuesday 8 July from 4pm–5pm and take a look around before booking.

This relaxed session is a chance for children and parents to step inside our venue, meet the team and get a feel for what Holiday Club is all about. We’ll have some activities available to try, and our team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

We know that trying something new can feel like a big step, especially for children who are a little nervous, or simply like to know what to expect before their first day. Visiting beforehand can help build confidence, make faces and places familiar, and turn those first-day worries into excitement.

Whether you’re already planning to book, still deciding, or just curious about what we offer, you’re very welcome to come along.

Our Holiday Clubs run every school holiday for children aged 5–12 and are packed with games, sports, crafts, challenges and opportunities to make new friends. Every day is designed to be active, engaging and, most importantly, fun.

No pressure. No commitment. Just a chance to come and see what it’s all about.

📅 Wednesday 8 July
🕓 4pm–5pm
📍 Inspire, Lindbergh Road

We’d love to meet you.

We are incredibly proud to welcome Becketts as a new member of Inspire+ and to celebrate the beginning of a partnership focused on creating brighter futures for young people across Suffolk.

As part of opening their new office in Lowestoft, Becketts has generously donated £1,000 to support young people in the local area through Inspire’s youth clubs and community-based activities.

Their support will help provide safe spaces, trusted relationships and positive opportunities for young people who need them most. From youth sessions and wellbeing support to activities that build confidence, connection and life skills, the donation will directly support young people in Lowestoft to thrive.

At Inspire, we know that strong partnerships with local businesses play a vital role in helping young people move away from uncertainty and towards brighter futures. By joining Inspire+, Becketts is becoming part of a growing community of organisations committed to investing in the next generation.

Gavin Wood from Becketts said:

“Supporting young people to build confidence, develop life skills and access new opportunities is vital for creating stronger communities and brighter futures. That is why Becketts is proud to support Inspire and the valuable work it does across Suffolk to help young people overcome challenges, reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.”

We are hugely grateful to everyone at Becketts for their generosity, support and belief in young people.

We look forward to working together and making a lasting difference across Lowestoft and beyond.

To find out more about Inspire+, visit:
https://inspirecharityuk.org/about-us/inspire-plus/

To find out more about Becketts and the services they offer, visit:

Beckettinvest.com

We are incredibly proud to share that Inspire has been chosen as the Charity of the Year by the Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex during Andy Brown’s presidential year.

Andy officially began his term as President following the Institute’s AGM earlier this year, launching a presidential theme centred around “Future Talent”. A vision rooted in creating opportunities, building confidence and supporting young people to achieve their potential, something that sits at the heart of everything we do at Inspire.

Speaking about his appointment, Andy said:

“Becoming President of the Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex has been a real honour and it is not something that I take lightly.”

He continued:

“Last year as Deputy President, I was asked to consider what I wanted as my theme. I chose to encourage, nurture and develop the future of our profession, namely Insurance.”

When choosing a charity partner for his presidential year, Andy knew he wanted to support young people and make a difference locally.

“I always knew that I wanted to support and raise awareness of a local charity and with being a father of two girls, I knew I wanted to try and help children.”

After researching local organisations, Inspire stood out immediately.

“So, I did my research and having studied Inspire’s website I knew that they were the perfect fit not only for my theme for the year, but also they were the perfect match for who I am and who I want to help achieve their best potential through the efforts of our wonderful council.”

At Inspire, we work every day to help young people discover their purpose, build confidence and access opportunities that help them move forward in life. Partnerships like this help us continue creating safe spaces, trusted relationships and meaningful opportunities for young people across our communities.

Sara Warburton, Head of Fundraising at Inspire, said:

“It was amazing to hear about all the plans already in place for fundraising events during Andy’s presidential year and we’re incredibly excited about what we can achieve together to make a real difference.

Partnerships like this are so important to us because they help raise awareness of the challenges young people face while also creating meaningful opportunities, connections and support across our community.

We’re really looking forward to working alongside Andy, Cassie and the wider council throughout the year ahead.”

We are incredibly grateful to President Andy Brown, Deputy President Cassie Watts and the wider council members for choosing to support Inspire and stand alongside young people across our communities. Their belief in our work, and in the potential of young people, means a huge amount to us and the young people we support every day.

Reflecting on the year ahead, Andy shared:

“I look forward to the year with energy and excitement as to what we can achieve together.”

We are excited too, and we look forward to working together over the coming year to champion future talent and create more opportunities for young people across Suffolk and North Essex.

Find out more about the CII here:
https://www.localinstitutes.cii.co.uk/ipswich/home

Last week, a major review into young people and work was published. 

Led by Alan Milburn, the review looks at why increasing numbers of young people are struggling to access education, employment and training, and what needs to change to help them build positive futures. 

Earlier this year, Inspire contributed evidence to the review, bringing together the experiences of young people across Suffolk alongside insights from the staff who support them every day. 

Reading the final report, it was encouraging to see so many of those experiences reflected in the findings. 

“I say I can’t and they hear ‘I won’t’.” 

One young person told us this while contributing to the review. 

It’s a simple sentence, but it captures something important. 

When a young person misses an opportunity, drops out of a course or seems disengaged, it’s easy to make assumptions. What we don’t always see is what’s happening beneath the surface. 

Young people told us about anxiety, confidence, mental health, money worries, transport challenges and feeling unsure about what comes next. 

Another young person said: 

“People need to understand I’m not being lazy, my anxiety just won’t let me move on.” 

These aren’t stories about a lack of ambition. 

They’re stories about barriers. 

What young people told us 

One thing came through clearly in the feedback we gathered. 

Young people haven’t given up on their future. 

They want jobs, opportunities and independence. They want to build lives they can be proud of. What many are asking for is support that helps them get there. 

One young person told us: 

“I don’t know what I’m meant to be doing. I’m being pulled in a thousand directions.” 

Another said: 

“Someone to guide me and explain things in a way I understand.” 

Many weren’t asking for special treatment. They were asking for support, guidance and a chance to move forward at a pace that worked for them. 

What makes a difference? 

The review highlights something we see every day in our work. 

Helping a young person into education, employment or training often starts long before a CV is written or an interview is attended. 

For many young people, the first step is building confidence, improving wellbeing or simply having someone in their corner who believes in them. 

When we gathered evidence for the review, young people and practitioners consistently highlighted the same things that help: 

One young person summed it up simply: 

“Doing things at a steady pace.” 

Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from having someone who listens, understands and helps a young person take the next step. 

Why our approach starts before the CV 

At Inspire, we know that supporting a young person into work often starts much earlier than people might think. 

That’s why our work spans youth work, wellbeing services, free counselling, employability programmes and one-to-one coaching. 

Different young people need different things, but the goal is always the same: helping them overcome barriers, build confidence and move forward towards the future they want. 

Last year alone: 

These outcomes reinforce something important. When we support the whole young person, not just the outcome, progress becomes possible. 

A reflection from our CEO 

Andy Crump has worked with young people for more than two decades, beginning his own journey with Inspire as an apprentice at 17. 

Reflecting on the review, he said: 

“I say I can’t and they hear ‘I won’t’ was one of the quotes that stayed with me after reading the review. 

Over the years I’ve met countless young people who wanted to move forward, but felt stuck. Not because they lacked ambition, but because life had become complicated, overwhelming or difficult to navigate. 

What I appreciated most about this review was its focus on listening to young people themselves. Too often conversations about young people happen without young people in the room. 

This report is stronger because their voices run all the way through it. 

I’m proud that young people from Suffolk helped shape that conversation and grateful to them for sharing their experiences so openly.” 

What happens next? 

Earlier this year, young people across Suffolk took the time to share their experiences, frustrations and hopes for the future. Those contributions helped inform a national conversation about young people and work. 

That’s something worth recognising. 

The challenge now is making sure those voices continue to be heard, not just in reviews and reports, but in the decisions that affect young people’s lives every day. 

At Inspire, we’ll continue to listen, support and stand alongside young people as they navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Because every young person deserves the chance to move forward with confidence and build a future they can believe in. 

Further reading 

Young People and Work: Interim Report (Department for Work and Pensions) 

The Guardian: What’s in the first part of Alan Milburn’s NEET report? 

ITV News: Milburn warns of a ‘lost generation’ trapped by welfare and job shortages 

NHS Employers: Milburn report into young people and work 

Local Government Association response to the interim report 

Taking the next step can feel difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you, or someone you know, would like support from one of our Work Coaches, find out more about our Young Adults services here: https://inspirecharityuk.org/services/young-adults/

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re taking the opportunity to say thank you to the people who have rolled up their sleeves and supported Inspire over the past year.

Recently, teams from Sizewell C spent time volunteering at our Colville House site in Lowestoft, helping with decorating and refurbishment work. Across our sites, volunteers have supported with painting, maintenance and practical improvements that help keep our spaces welcoming, safe and ready for the young people who use them every day.

At first glance, a freshly painted wall or a refurbished room might not seem like a big deal. But for the young people who walk through our doors, the environment around them matters.

Many of the young people we support are navigating challenges around education, employment, wellbeing and confidence. Having spaces that feel cared for, positive and welcoming helps create an environment where they can focus on their future, build skills and access the support they need.

For charities like Inspire, volunteer support also makes a practical difference. Every hour spent helping to improve our buildings is time and money that can be directed back into supporting young people and delivering services across Suffolk.

That’s why partnerships with organisations like Sizewell C are so valuable. Their workforce has contributed almost 800 hours of volunteering across Suffolk over the past year, supporting local charities, schools and community organisations. More than 170 members of staff have taken part, giving their time and skills to make a difference in local communities.

What stands out most isn’t just the work that’s completed. It’s the willingness of people to give their time to support causes beyond their day jobs and invest in the communities around them.

Volunteering reminds us that creating positive futures for young people is something we all have a role in. Whether it’s mentoring, sharing expertise, helping maintain a community building or picking up a paintbrush, every contribution matters.

As Volunteers’ Week continues, we’d like to thank everyone who has supported Inspire through volunteering. The impact reaches far beyond the task itself. It helps us create spaces where young people can feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their potential.

Because sometimes, creating positive futures starts with something as simple as people coming together to help.

The support we’ve received from volunteers reminds us that positive change happens when people invest their time, skills and energy into their communities. If you’d like to be part of that change, find out more about volunteering with Inspire at our volunteering page

On 2nd June, Inspire joined hundreds of organisations across the country to celebrate Power of Youth Day 2026.

This year’s theme, Common Ground, encouraged organisations, communities and young people to come together, listen to one another and explore the issues that connect us. It was a powerful reminder that despite our different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, there is often far more that unites us than divides us.

Across our services and venues, we created opportunities for young people to share their views, discuss the issues that matter most to them and contribute to conversations about the future they want to see.

For us, Power of Youth Day wasn’t simply about marking a date in the calendar. It was about reinforcing something that sits at the heart of everything we do: young people deserve to be heard, valued and involved in decisions that affect their lives.

Building on Conversations Started at the Suffolk Show

Power of Youth Day also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Youth Voice Hackathon we recently delivered at the Suffolk Show in partnership with the iWill Movement and Volunteering Matters.

The Hackathon brought together young people from across Suffolk to explore ideas, discuss challenges and identify opportunities for positive change within their communities.

The conversations were honest, thoughtful and, at times, challenging. Young people spoke openly about the issues affecting their lives, shared their hopes for the future and demonstrated just how much insight they have into the world around them. One thing became clear throughout the event: young people are not short of ideas, passion or solutions. What they need are meaningful opportunities to contribute and influence.

Power of Youth Day gave us another opportunity to continue those conversations and hear from even more young people across our services.

What We Heard

One of the biggest themes that came out of the day was the importance of having places for young people to simply be young people.

Many spoke about wanting more free, accessible spaces where they can meet friends, play sports, try new activities and feel part of their community. Having somewhere to go without worrying about cost was something that came up time and time again.

Young people also talked about the value of having trusted adults around who will listen, offer support and be there when they need someone to talk to.

It was clear that community spaces are about so much more than just a building or an activity. They are places where friendships are formed, confidence grows and young people feel a sense of belonging.

Throughout the conversations, young people told us how important it is to have spaces where they feel welcomed, valued and listened to, and how much of a difference those spaces can make in their lives.

These conversations reinforced why youth voice matters. The people closest to the challenges often have the clearest understanding of what needs to change.

Power of Youth in Action

Throughout Power of Youth Day, young people across Inspire continued these important conversations.

Across our venues, young people took part in dedicated youth voice sessions designed to explore the issues that matter most to them and identify the changes they would like to see in their communities.

We asked a simple question: What do you think decision-makers should know?

The responses were thoughtful, honest and varied. Some young people spoke about feeling safer in their communities and wanting stronger consequences for violent crime. Others suggested that public parks should stay open for longer and that additional CCTV could help people feel safer when using them.

Young people also highlighted the importance of looking after the most vulnerable members of their communities. One participant spoke about wanting food to be more affordable for people experiencing homelessness, showing the compassion and social awareness many young people bring to these conversations.

While the ideas differed, there was a common thread throughout the discussions. Young people care deeply about their communities and want to play an active role in shaping them. They are thinking about the challenges around them, considering possible solutions and looking for opportunities to have their voices heard.

One young person summed this up perfectly when they said:

“What I love about where I live is having friends and community.”

The day highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves and confident that their views will be taken seriously. It also reinforced something we see every day at Inspire: when young people are given the opportunity to contribute, they have valuable perspectives to share and ideas worth listening to.

Why Youth Voice Matters

Too often, decisions are made about young people without young people being involved in the process.

At Inspire, we believe youth voice should be more than consultation. It should be embedded into how services are designed, how decisions are made and how communities shape their future.

The iWill Movement’s vision of empowering young people to make a difference in their communities aligns closely with our own commitment to ensuring young people are active participants, not passive recipients.

The young people we work with have valuable experiences, perspectives and ideas. When we create opportunities for those voices to be heard, everyone benefits.

Finding Common Ground

This year’s theme felt particularly relevant.

Throughout both the Suffolk Show Hackathon and Power of Youth Day activities, we saw young people come together from different backgrounds, experiences and communities.

While their individual stories were unique, many of the themes they discussed were shared.

The desire to feel heard.

The need for accessible opportunities.

The importance of belonging.

The hope for a positive future.

These are not issues that affect a single group of young people. They are challenges and ambitions shared across communities.

Finding common ground starts with listening to those experiences and recognising the value of every voice in the conversation.

What Happens Next?

Power of Youth Day may be over, but the conversations continue.

We are now collating the ideas, feedback and suggestions shared by young people through our Hackathon, Power of Youth Day activities and ongoing youth voice work to identify what we, as an organisation, can do next.

At Inspire, youth voice is not a tick-box exercise. The views, experiences and suggestions shared by young people are placed at the heart of everything we do, and we are already taking steps to act on what they tell us.

We’ve seen first-hand how listening to young people can shape our services. In previous youth voice sessions, young people told us they would like to see more activities available during drop-ins, including bingo, more baking sessions and greater use of the fire pit. They also asked for more trips and opportunities to get out into the community.

As a result, we’ve introduced more baking activities, organised a bowling trip and continued to look at ways to make our sessions more engaging and responsive to the interests of the young people who attend.

These may seem like small changes, but they demonstrate something important. Youth voice at Inspire doesn’t stop when a conversation ends. When young people tell us what matters to them, we look for ways to turn those ideas into action.

We are incredibly grateful to every young person who took part, shared their experiences and contributed their ideas.

Thank you for speaking up.

Thank you for challenging us.

Thank you for helping shape what comes next.

And that’s a commitment we’ll continue to build on long after Power of Youth Day has ended.

Because youth voice is not about giving young people a platform for a day.

It’s about ensuring they have influence every day.

We are lucky enough to be joined by Oliver, one young person who has been supported by our coaches, on the Power of Youth Day 2026. In this Voice Note, Oliver has given us his insights into the importance of community spaces and finding connection for young people.

What Oliver said:

I believe youth spaces are very important for young people to feel their best and be their best. I find lots of online communities to be great where I feel comfortable talking about my interests and hobbies with likeminded people. In the past visiting my local youth club was also very beneficial for keeping up with friendships and feeling part of a community.

These spaces are important to me because without the sense of community I start to feel more down. I would have a much greater struggle with motivation and confidence if i did not have any groups to connect with.

When I was younger, and attending my local youth club, I look back fondly at the time because it was a chance for me to connect with people from school and do fun activities together without feeling too serious or judged. It helped build my confidence and give me a reason to get outside more often.

What adults should know;

young people need to feel included with their peers or it can lead to a variety of mental health conditions. Getting support and guidance from adults is just as important as navigating modern day society can be very confusing and anxiety inducing – especially with how much social media shows off people doing well in life and the feeling of not achieving enough can really bring people down

My note about INSPIRE:

INSPIRE is a great charity that I have found this year, located in the midst of Suffolk. Their services for supporting youth are very good and the staff members are friendly and understanding. Working with them to discuss my future opportunities and skills I need to be independent has been great and really improved my mental health. I would strongly recommend them to any youth person who is feeling lost or struggling by themself. The community has lots to gain from working together and being supportive no matter what, at a time that matters most. Just letting people know that there are help options out there can really make a world of a difference.

Final Thoughts from Inspire,

Oliver’s notes show us how important youth spaces are for mental health, a sense of belonging, community and finding common ground. In an increasingly online world, young people are looking for social spaces where they can been seen and heard. We’re here to provide those spaces. If you’d like to join us at one of our drop-ins or social sessions check out what we have going on here – Young adults | Inspire

The Suffolk Show is always a highlight of our year, but this year’s event felt particularly special.

Over two incredible days, we had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people, share the work we do with young people across Suffolk, strengthen existing partnerships and, most importantly, create space for young people’s voices to be heard.

From meaningful conversations in our tipi to our Youth Voice Hackathon, the Suffolk Show demonstrated what can happen when communities, businesses, charities and young people come together with a shared purpose.

Giving Young People a Voice

One of the highlights of the show was our Youth Voice Hackathon, delivered in partnership with the iWill Movement and Volunteering Matters.

The Hackathon brought together young people from across Suffolk to share their experiences, discuss the issues that matter most to them and help shape ideas for positive change. Their honesty, creativity and passion were inspiring, and the insights gathered will help inform future conversations and decision-making.

We believe that young people should be at the heart of decisions that affect their lives, and the Hackathon was a powerful reminder of just how much young people have to contribute when they are given the opportunity to speak and be heard.

It Takes a Community

Events like this don’t happen on their own, and we are incredibly grateful to the many people and organisations who helped make our Suffolk Show presence such a success.

A huge thank you to Suffolk Food Hall for generously providing lunches for the young people attending the show. Their support ensured our young people could focus on participating, contributing and making the most of the experience.

We’re also enormously grateful to Pound Gates for sponsoring our drinks reception. Their support helped create a fantastic opportunity for partners, supporters and friends of Inspire to come together, celebrate our work and discuss how we can continue supporting young people across Suffolk.

Our sincere thanks also go to trustee James Buckle, whose generosity in providing drinks and nibbles for the reception helped create such a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. James’s continued commitment to Inspire and the young people we support is deeply appreciated.

No reception would be complete without great coffee, so we’d like to extend our thanks to Paddy & Scott’s for helping keep guests refreshed throughout the evening.

We are also incredibly grateful to Events Under Canvas for providing the beautiful tipi that became the heart of our Suffolk Show presence. It offered a welcoming, relaxed and engaging space where visitors could connect, learn more about our work and take part in important conversations.

Removing Barriers to Participation

One of our priorities is ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all young people, regardless of where they live or the challenges they may face.

That’s why we are so thankful to trustee Jules Shurrock, who generously provided a minibus so that young people from Lowestoft could attend and participate in the Hackathon and wider show activities. Opportunities like these can make a lasting difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for Jules’s support.

We would also like to thank Phillip Ainsworth and the Suffolk Show team for providing free entry tickets for our young people. Their generosity helped ensure more young people could attend, engage with the event and have their voices represented.

Thank You to Our Young People

While many people helped make the event possible, the real stars of the Suffolk Show were the young people themselves.

Thank you for giving your time, sharing your experiences, asking difficult questions, generating brilliant ideas and reminding us why youth voice matters.

Your energy, enthusiasm and honesty made the Hackathon a success and inspired everyone who had the privilege of hearing your perspectives.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on an unforgettable Suffolk Show, we’re reminded that meaningful change happens when communities come together and when young people are given the platform they deserve.

To everyone who visited us, partnered with us, supported us, sponsored us or volunteered their time: thank you.

Together, we are helping to build a Suffolk where young people are heard, valued and empowered to shape the future.

#webelieveinyouth

On Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed our incredible ambassadors into our Youth Hub for the very first time. It marked the start of something really special.

This wasn’t just a meeting. It was people coming together because they believe the same thing: every young person deserves a chance to be empowered to reach their potential, supported by people who care, with places to go and things to do, and the chance to feel seen and heard.

From the moment everyone walked in, the room just felt different. Conversations started straight away. People got talking, shared why they support Inspire and learned more about what life looks like for young people in our community.

A pivotal moment in the afternoon came from Andy, who led a conversation about youth unemployment and the barriers many young people are facing right now. He shared powerful insight and statistics that helped bring the reality behind the headlines to life.

Since 1 December 2025, we’ve supported 752 young people across our services. That includes 309 young people getting support with employment and careers, 188 young people accessing wellbeing support and 300 young people taking part in youth and community work.

Taken together, these numbers aren’t just data, they represent real young people at different points in their journey. Some are just starting to think about what comes next. Some are rebuilding confidence. Others are finding their next step into work or training. It all adds up to one thing: support that meets young people where they are.

Andy also said:

“ Over many years, our Ambassadors have made a commitment to consistently show up for young people here in Suffolk, and it was important that the team and I were able to share with them firsthand the difference it is making.

Our Ambassadors have supported Inspire in lots of different ways, and we are thankful for all they do in enabling us to be there when young people need us the most.”

We were also joined by Odessa and Oscar, two young people who use our services. Their voices brought everything we do into focus for everyone in the room. They shared their experiences in their own words and reminded everyone exactly why this work matters. Having people who care, having places to belong, and being properly seen and heard.

Their voices sparked fresh thinking across the room, with ambassadors sharing ideas and a real enthusiasm for how they can support young people in practical, meaningful ways.

Throughout the afternoon, there was a simple feeling running through it all: things change when people come together. Whether that’s showing up consistently, opening doors, or helping young people feel like they belong, everyone in the room has a part to play.

This is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to building it together.

We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our ambassadors who joined us on the day, including Dan Everitt (MSC), Gary Hammond (GMA), Andy Perrin (Hemisphere Freight Services), Ellis Orchard (Fred Olsen), Carole Burman (Mad-HR), Marjorie Barnes (SZC), Stuart Boardley (Brooks and Wood), Simon Jay (Seckford Golf), Peter Dawes (Carter Dawes), and Bryan Wybrow (KLH). Their continued support plays a vital role in helping us create more opportunities for young people across Suffolk.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of UK Top 50 law firm Birketts and their continued commitment to making a difference in the communities where they live and work.

At Birketts, colleagues at every level are encouraged to take an active role in supporting local charities and voluntary organisations. Through their CSR Day programme, employees are given dedicated time each year to volunteer on community projects, with this involvement recognised as part of their wider personal and professional development.

The Ipswich office has shown outstanding support for Inspire, raising an incredible £2,371 through a variety of thoughtful and creative fundraising activities. This has included initiatives such as waiving signature witnessing fees in exchange for donations. Helping to turn everyday services into meaningful community impact.

As Sara Warburton, Head of Fundraising at Inspire, shared:
“We’re hugely grateful to the team at Birketts for raising £2,371 through such thoughtful and creative fundraising. From events to initiatives like donating signature witnessing fees, every effort helps us open more doors for young people who need it most.”

We are truly thankful for the generosity, enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Birketts team. Their support helps us continue delivering opportunities, guidance and hope to young people across our communities.

Across our recent survey, one issue came through louder than almost anything else: young people are waiting too long for the support they need and too often, whether they receive that support depends on where they live.

Both staff and young people highlighted long waiting times and inconsistent access to mental health and neurodevelopmental services as a major barrier to progression. For many, this isn’t just frustrating, it’s preventing them from moving forward into education, employment and stability.

A System Under Increasing Pressure

Demand for support has risen sharply in recent years. Services delivered through NHS England, particularly Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), are under significant strain.

Recent data shows:

At the same time, the number of young people experiencing mental health difficulties has increased significantly, with rates among 17–19-year-olds rising from 1 in 10 to 1 in 4 in just five years.

Awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has also improved, but access to diagnosis and support has not kept pace.

The Reality of the “Postcode Lottery”

Staff in our survey described what is often called a “postcode lottery”, where access to support varies depending on location, rather than need.

Research shows that waiting times and access to CAMHS differ across the country, with longer waits often seen in more deprived areas. This creates a system where two young people with similar needs can have completely different experiences.

Organisations like YoungMinds have repeatedly raised concerns about these inequalities and their long-term impact on young people’s lives.

The Human Impact of Waiting

Behind every statistic is a real experience and young people in our survey were clear about how these delays feel:

“Mental health services have such long waiting lists.”
“Have more easily accessible help.”

Waiting is not a neutral experience. Evidence shows:

In some cases, the consequences are severe. Long waiting times can turn manageable conditions into long-term challenges, impacting education, employment, and overall wellbeing.

Barriers Beyond Waiting Lists

Young people also highlighted wider systemic challenges:

Nationally, only 36% of young people receive treatment within four weeks of referral, leaving many without timely support during critical stages of their development.

How Inspire Is providing timely, effective counselling to young people.

While national systems face growing pressure, local services can play a vital role in ensuring young people are not left without support.

At Inspire, our wellbeing service is designed to provide early, accessible counselling and support. Supporting young people before challenges escalate.

A key part of this offer is the experience and quality behind the support. Our service is led by a BACP accredited clinical lead with extensive experience across education, clinical practice, and youth work.

Our counselling provision follows a the BACP ethical framework, adhering to the recommended supervision to ensure safe, high-quality provision.

What makes this approach different is its flexibility, responsiveness, bespoke counselling service working integratively:

Our counselling approach is personalised, recognising that every young person’s experience is different. Through a blended therapeutic approach, sessions focus on supporting individuals:

Crucially, this support is available before crisis, working together effectively to stabilise wellbeing and keep young people engaged in their lives, education, and future plans.

This kind of therapeutic support is essential. Evidence consistently shows that timely support can reduce the long term effects of poor mental health and improve long-term outcomes.

At Inspire, our services don’t operate in isolation, they’re designed to work together. This means young people can move seamlessly between support, depending on what they need at that moment. If a young person accessing our wellbeing service would benefit from support with education or employment, they can be referred directly to a work coach or another Inspire programme. Equally, young people engaged in our employment or skills services can quickly access wellbeing support if challenges arise. This joined-up approach ensures support is timely, relevant, and centred around the whole person, not just one aspect of their journey.

Listening and Responding to Youth Voice

At Inspire, we see first-hand how the right support at the right time can change a young person’s trajectory.

Our survey reinforces what young people have been saying for years: they don’t just need support, they need it when it matters.

They are asking for services that are:

And above all, they are asking to be heard.

References and further information

Behind every application is a young person trying to take their first step. Toby’s voice note captures the reality. The frustration, the uncertainty and the determination to keep going. From hitting barriers around experience to facing silence after applying, his perspective reflects what so many young people are navigating right now. It’s an honest insight into a system that can feel difficult to break into, but also a reminder of the resilience young people continue to show.

What Toby said:

When young people are looking for a job it seems that there are less opportunities available. Entry-level vacancies have dropped significantly with reports of over a million graduates competing for a fraction of available positions.

A lot of young people get frustrated with the term ‘experience’. When you apply for jobs they give you a list of perks about the job, what you would be doing etc. Then you scroll down to the bottom and it says ‘experience is needed’. That’s where a lot of people get upset and think what’s the point?.

You cannot gain experience if you are not given the opportunity in the first place.

When you apply for a job you sometimes get silence. This means that the employer won’t reply to you which is another reason why young people get disillusioned put off applying for jobs. They also don’t give any feedback on the reason why you weren’t successful which I feel would be useful.

A lot of the job adverts seem to overcomplicate the job role in order to reduce the amount of people applying. Most websites make even the simplest of jobs quite daunting.

Pros of the current job market

The current job market offers strong wage growth (approx, 4.6%-5.1% in the uk).

Cons of the current job market

An alternative for finding a job is doing an apprenticeship.

What is an apprenticeship? 

An apprenticeship is where you learn about the job, get paid while doing it but you will have to study which means going to college.

This still requires a lot of coursework and studying, which if you’re not particularly academic can be quite off-putting.

Pros about having an apprenticeship

Cons about having an apprenticeship

Final Thoughts from Inspire,

Right now, the job market is tough, especially for young people trying to take that first step. Competition is high, opportunities can feel limited, and the system doesn’t always feel built with young people in mind.

But there are signs of change.

The UK government has announced a major employment drive to help unlock 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for the next generation, recognising that young people need more accessible routes into work.

While it won’t fix everything overnight, it’s a step in the right direction. Because the reality is this: young people don’t lack motivation — they lack opportunity.

That’s where we come in.

At Inspire, we’re working directly with young people to build confidence, develop skills, and create real pathways into employment. Whether it’s through training, support, or hands-on opportunities, we’re here to help bridge that gap between potential and opportunity.

If you’re a young person feeling stuck, unsure where to start, or ready to take that next step, we’re here for you. YES. Youth employment service | Inspire
And if you’re an employer, partner, or supporter, now is the time to be part of the solution.

Because opening doors for young people today creates a stronger workforce tomorrow.

A proud moment and a chance to put young people at the heart of what comes next

Ipswich has officially been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, marking an exciting step forward for the town and everyone who calls it home.

For us, this moment is about more than recognition. It’s an opportunity to keep building a town where young people feel seen, heard and involved in shaping the future around them.

A town full of potential

Ipswich already has so much to offer. Creativity, culture and community are part of everyday life here, and young people are already playing a role in that, whether that’s through music, art, sport, or simply being part of their local communities.

Being longlisted gives us the chance to build on that energy and think about how those opportunities can grow.

Young people at the centre

At Inspire, we believe the best outcomes happen when young people are not just included, but actively shaping what happens next.

This next stage of the bid is a chance to keep listening to young people, to understand what matters to them, and to create spaces, opportunities and experiences that reflect their lives and ambitions.

It’s about making sure young people feel connected to their town, confident in their place within it, and able to influence what the future looks like.

Building something together

The longlisting is something to be proud of, but it also creates momentum. It brings people together and opens up conversations about what Ipswich can become.

For us, that means continuing to champion youth voice, working alongside partners who share that commitment, and making sure young people are part of shaping what comes next.

We’re proud to be backing the bid and to stand alongside young people across Ipswich as this journey continues.

It was a fantastic evening at the Powering Networks in The Hangar event, hosted by the brilliant team at Milsoms. Bringing together businesses and organisations from across Suffolk, the event created a brilliant space for connection, conversation and collaboration.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from our CEO, Andy, who spoke about the realities young people are facing in today’s job market. From confidence and workplace readiness to the barriers many young people experience before they even step into employment, Andy shared why support, opportunity and understanding from local businesses are more important than ever.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by to chat, learn more about Inspire, and show their support for the work we do with young people across the region.

A special thank you as well to everyone who took part in our raffle on the night. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £500, which will go directly towards helping more young people build confidence, skills and brighter futures.

Thank you to Milsoms for hosting such a great event, and to everyone who made the evening such a success. We’re proud to be part of such a supportive local business community.

We’re absolutely delighted to share that Inspire has been chosen as Charity of the Year by Orwell Park School! This is such an incredible honour, and we are truly grateful to the whole school community for their support.

Being named charity of the year means so much, it gives us the chance to work closely with students, staff, and families to raise awareness and vital funds for young people across Suffolk. Their generosity and enthusiasm will help us continue to deliver our programmes, empowering young people to grow, thrive, and make their voices heard.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Orwell Park School for believing in our mission. We’re excited to celebrate this partnership and can’t wait to see all the amazing things we’ll achieve together!

Voice Notes: Education, employment and training, the barriers.

Last year, we had a few questions for young people about work and training. We wanted to hear directly from them about the challenges they face and what support makes a real difference.

What Young People Told Us:

Young people overwhelmingly identified emotional and mental health challenges as the main barriers to participating in work or training. Common difficulties included:

Our youth workers see these same patterns in their day-to-day work, identifying anxiety, low confidence, and lack of workplace readiness as the most common barriers.


“People need to understand I’m not being lazy — my anxiety just won’t let me move on.”

What Research Tells Us

Our findings align with broader evidence showing that mental health and labour market transitions are tightly linked for young people:

Young people’s mental health in the workplace – A UK report from the Institute for Employment Studies found mental health conditions are common among young workers and often go undisclosed due to discomfort, while many leave or consider leaving jobs due to impacts on wellbeing.

Youth Employment UK’s Youth Voice Census notes anxiety is a top barrier to finding work and that mental health issues are closely associated with transitions into work and training.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation research highlights that young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) experience higher rates of anxiety and mental health‑related barriers than their peers in work or education.

Young People Are Being Left Behind

Young people’s challenges are also reflected in broader UK labour market trends:

Official data show that nearly 1 million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET). A figure that has been rising in recent years, highlighting structural barriers that include mental health and confidence.

These figures show the importance of not only addressing practical barriers like job skills and experience, but also emotional and mental wellbeing which young people themselves say they are deeply connected to their ability to engage with employment and training.

Misinterpreting Disengagement

Many young people shared that their struggles are often misunderstood as a lack of motivation, when in reality they are coping with pressure, anxiety, and past negative experiences.


“I say I can’t and they hear ‘I won’t.’”

By listening carefully to young people, we can better adapt support. Not just around skills and job readiness, but emotional and psychological safety, too.

Take Action

At Inspire, we work directly with young people to provide personalised support, guidance, and opportunities in education, training, and employment. If you’re a young person looking for help, or know someone who is, we’re here to listen and make a difference.

Get in touch today: info@inspirecharityuk.org or click the Refer button at the top of the page!

Voice Notes: Toby on Life Online

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had Toby join us at Inspire for work experience. As part of his time with us, we asked him to explore a topic that affects almost every young person today. Internet use, social media and life on our phones.

With Safer Internet Day prompting national conversations about smartphones, online safety and AI, it felt like the right moment to ask a simple question: what do young people actually think?

Rather than filling this space with adult opinions or statistics, we challenged Toby to write about digital life in a way young people would understand. No jargon. No lectures. Just honest reflections on what it’s really like growing up online.

This piece is part of our new blog series, Voice Notes; a space for young people to share their perspectives in their own words. Real experiences. Real opinions. Real voices.

Here’s what Toby had to say:

Social media is running the world. Recently with Facebook, snapchat and TikTok, the average screen time for for teenagers is between 7 to 9 hours a day. Most teenagers are addicted to social media which can affect their mental health.

Technology is getting more powerful by the year with new things like Grok, Chat GPT and other AI. Which can be a good thing, but does have a flip side.

Technology has some benefits like finding out things, research, speaking to friends etc. It can be very useful for lots of different things. However, the internet can also be very scary. With social media you have so many people using it for different things, and not always good things. Also what you put on the internet is there forever and what you post could affect your life in the future.

The questions is; how long should I spend on my phone/technology?

Using social media can affect people sleep, education, physical health, and relationships. Which sometimes leads to bad mental health.

Many young people are wanting breaks from social media and technology but find it hard to switch off and get off their phone. Young people often end up seeing stuff like extreme body standards, cyberbullying, online peer pressure and harmful content.

Taking a break is useful because around 17% of young people feel digital life has a negative impact on their  mental health, particularly as they get older.

Putting your phone away before going to bed can help with sleep. You should aim to get off your phone at least 1 hour before bed. Instead of going on your phone you could read a book, do some drawing or talk to the people you live with.

Phones and apps are designed to hold your attention with notifications, endless feeds and ads. Recommendations are built into platforms on purpose.

You can control this by turning off notifications, having time limits on certain apps or choosing apps that only make you feel positive.

Across the UK, the government is reviewing how phones, social media and AI affect children and young people. This may include having strict age limits on apps, platform design and online safety.

Your phone is here to serve you, you are not here to serve your phone.

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