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.
We are incredibly grateful to Pound Gates for choosing Inspire as their Charity of the Year for 2026. This partnership means a great deal to us and to the young people we work with across Suffolk.
The partnership began in the best possible way with The Whopping Big Quiz of the Year 2025, held in the hangar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall. With 29 teams filling the room, the evening was full of energy, friendly competition and plenty of laughter.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part, £2,035 was raised on the night for Inspire. Pound Gates then matched this amount, bringing the total raised to an amazing £4,070. Support like this helps us continue creating safe spaces, building trusted relationships and giving young people across Suffolk the chance to feel heard, valued and believed in.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Pound Gates for their generosity and belief in Inspire, to Milsoms Kesgrave Hall for hosting such a fantastic evening, and to all the businesses, teams and individuals who donated prizes, entered teams and supported the event.
This quiz night was just the beginning of what we hope will be a brilliant year working together. We are excited to see what 2026 brings and the difference this partnership will make for young people across Suffolk.
If you would like to find out more about Inspire, follow our journey or explore how you or your organisation could get involved, you can visit Get Involved to Raise Vital Funds | Inspire or follow us on social media. Every bit of support helps us reach more young people and continue doing what we do best.
Putting young people at the heart of our town’s future.
Ipswich is a town full of creativity, culture and community spirit. From grassroots activity to established cultural organisations, there is already so much happening that brings people together and gives the town its character.
The UK City of Culture bid offers an opportunity to build on that energy and, importantly, to think about how the future of Ipswich can be shaped with young people, not just for them.
At Inspire, we believe the strongest communities are created when young people are listened to and involved. The themes behind the bid closely reflect what young people tell us matters most: feeling connected to where they live, having access to spaces that feel welcoming and safe, and knowing their ideas and experiences count.
Andy Crump, CEO of Inspire, shared his support for the bid and the wider opportunity it creates for the town:
“This is a chance to bring people together around a shared pride in Ipswich and to create a joined up vision for the town, driven by young people.”
The bid itself creates space for conversation, collaboration and imagination across the town. It gives Ipswich a platform to celebrate what already exists here and to think confidently about how culture, creativity and community can continue to grow, with young people playing a central role in shaping what comes next.
For us, that means continuing to champion youth voice, supporting young people to share their ideas and experiences, and working alongside partners who believe that culture, community and opportunity should be accessible to everyone.
We’re proud to be backing the bid and to stand alongside those who want to see young people playing a meaningful role in shaping the future of Ipswich.
After two decades of incredible leadership, Inspire’s Chief Executive Terry Baxter has retired, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in the charity’s history.
Terry has been at the heart of Inspire since its very beginning. From those early days, through periods of growth and challenge, his focus has remained constant: putting young people at the centre of everything Inspire does.
During his time as CEO, Terry guided the organisation through times of significant change. From the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis to the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, his calm, values-driven leadership ensured Inspire continued to support young people when they needed it most.
Reflecting on Terry’s impact, Terry Hunt, Chair of Inspire, said:
“Terry should be very proud of his incredible leadership of Inspire, taking the charity from a tough start to the robust, important organisation of today. Thousands of young lives have been transformed as a result.”
That legacy is reflected not only in the strength of the organisation today, but in the thousands of young people whose lives have been changed through Inspire’s work over the past 20 years.
Terry himself has spoken of the privilege it has been to lead the charity, consistently recognising the dedication and passion of Inspire’s staff, volunteers and partners in making that impact possible.
As Terry steps into retirement, his contribution to Inspire will not be forgotten. His vision, commitment and belief in young people have shaped the organisation into the thriving, trusted charity it is today.
Looking ahead, Andy Crump, CEO of Inspire, paid tribute to Terry’s leadership and lasting influence:
“Terry’s leadership has shaped Inspire through every challenge and every success. It’s a privilege to take the next chapter forward, built on his belief in people, purpose, and a commitment to lasting change for the children and young people we support.
Terry gave me an opportunity long before I deserved one. I was one of those young people lacking direction, and he believed in me before I believed in myself. That belief has shaped who I am, and it’s shaped Inspire into the organisation we are today’’.
Everyone at Inspire would like to extend their deepest thanks to Terry for his remarkable service and unwavering commitment over two decades. We wish him every happiness in his retirement and thank him for the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
We’re thrilled to be raffling a fully restored 1974 Honda CB500 with a very special story behind it.
It’s not just any bike – it’s a project that started out of friendship and loss, with every ticket sold helping young people across Suffolk.
The bike was rebuilt by Jack Taylor in memory of his friend Harley George Snowling, who sadly passed away in 2020. Jack poured his time and expertise into bringing it back to life (bikes were a passion they shared). It definitely wasn’t easy – there were engine setbacks, technical headaches, and plenty of moments that could have stopped the project altogether. But the result was worth it. The result – one-of-a-kind bike – boasts a clean vintage style, modern upgrades, and a real attention to detail that is testament to Jack’s determination to see the project through and create something Harley would love.
Every ticket for the raffle on Raffall helps us continue the work we do with young people, from counselling and youth support to career guidance. For the person who wins, it’s a chance to ride away on a classic CB500. For everyone else, it’s a way to support local young people at a time when they really need it.
The bike is on show in all its glory in the photos above. It’s a real labour of love, and a chance to do something good while enjoying a piece of motorcycling history.
The raffle runs until Sunday 31 January 2026. Get your ticket, support young people, and maybe be the lucky person to take this incredible CB500 home.
We’re still buzzing from the incredible night we shared at this year’s Inspire Charity Ball. Held at the beautiful Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall, the evening was filled with generosity, celebration and a wonderful sense of community spirit. And thanks to everyone who joined us, we raised nearly £50,000 to support young people across Suffolk. We honestly couldn’t be more grateful.
A Community Coming Together
As our CEO, Andy Crump, shared on the night:
“The Charity Ball was a truly special evening and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when our community comes together. Raising nearly £50,000 in one night is an incredible achievement and will make a real, tangible difference to the lives of young people across Suffolk. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who supported the event, from our sponsors and donors to every single person who joined us on the night.”
And it really was a room full of community, business leaders from across Suffolk, long-standing supporters, generous donors and new friends eager to get involved. Together, you made the night what it was.
Auctions, Magic & Music
Our fundraising programme was packed from start to finish, with a live auction, silent auction and gift tree. All fuelled by the generosity of local businesses and prize donors.
During dinner, guests were treated to close-up magic from the brilliant Sean Goodman, followed by dancing late into the night with The Invisible Band.
The whole evening was expertly steered by Simon Jay, who somehow managed to be MC, comedian and auctioneer all at once. Keeping the energy sky-high while doing it!
Honouring Young People at the Heart of Inspire
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when we welcomed Rosie, a young person Inspire has supported, who joined us as a VIP guest with her mum and sister. Hearing firsthand how Inspire has helped her reminded everyone in the room why this event matters so much.
Rosie shared:
“I felt a lot better, better about myself. I felt better about the way things are.”
Her mum, Steph, added:
“It’s definitely helped us all out of a dark place and a really difficult situation. We’ve got a lot to look forward to now and things are looking a lot more positive.”
We were also delighted to have Jamie with us, a young person supported through our YES (Youth Employment Service) programme. Jamie attended the Ball and generously donated a handmade dress to the silent auction. Their creativity and generosity were hugely appreciated, and their contribution showed exactly what can happen when young people feel supported, confident and proud of what they can achieve.
A Special Thanks to Our Main Sponsor
We’re incredibly grateful to StrategiQ, our principal sponsor for the evening, whose support helped make the event possible.
Their CEO, Andy Smith, shared why the partnership means so much to him personally:
“I was fortunate enough to have people who believed in me and helped me find my path. Inspire does that for young people today, providing the guidance and support that can genuinely make a difference in our local community. It feels like a real full-circle moment for me, and I’m incredibly proud that we can support them.”
Capturing the Spirit of the Night
Our Head of Fundraising & Events, Sara Warburton, summed up the atmosphere perfectly:
“The atmosphere on the night was absolutely electric. From the generosity shown in the auctions to the energy on the dance floor, the whole evening was a celebration of the incredible community that surrounds Inspire. Seeing the difference this support will make for young people like Rosie and Jamie is exactly why we do what we do, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved together.”
Thank You, truly
To everyone who donated prizes, bid in the auctions, danced with us, shared the evening with friends or simply cheered us on; thank you.
Your support means that more young people across Suffolk will receive guidance, opportunities and life-changing support when they need it most. To keep up to date with all of our events, check our page: https://inspirecharityuk.org/events/ and follow us on social media.
What a night to remember! On Thursday 4th December 2025, 12 teams joined us at Inspire for our annual Christmas Quiz, and they brought the festive spirit in style.
The evening was hosted by the ever-popular Simon Jay, who also hosted our Charity Ball a couple of weeks ago. This time, he swapped the black tie for a festive Christmas jumper, setting the perfect tone for a fun, relaxed, and slightly competitive evening.
Teams went all out with their table decorations, making the room feel extra festive. One team really stole the show by bringing a full Christmas tree to add to their table; talk about dedication to Christmas spirit! The interval games also brought plenty of laughs, with everyone getting into the competitive (but friendly) spirit of the evening.
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our participants, we raised an incredible £546 for Inspire. Every penny will go directly towards supporting young people, helping them build confidence, skills, and opportunities for the future. It’s amazing to see what a fun night out can achieve when everyone comes together for a great cause.
A huge thank you goes out to all our teams, volunteers, and supporters who made the evening so special. Your energy, creativity, and festive spirit helped make the night a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
We’re already excited about next year’s quiz. Who knows what incredible decorations (and maybe even Christmas trees!) we’ll see next time? One thing’s for sure: the festive fun, laughter, and generosity will be back in full force.
Sometimes partnerships come together in a way that just feels right, and this is one of those moments.
We’re thrilled to share that StrategiQ, a London-based marketing agency with Suffolk roots, has joined Inspire as the principal sponsor of our annual Charity Ball. Even more excitingly, they’ll also be working closely with us throughout the year to create new opportunities for the young people we support.
But what makes this partnership truly special is the story behind it.
From Holywells Pupil to Creative Industry Leader
StrategiQ’s CEO, Andy Smith, grew up in Suffolk and attended Holywells. The school building that Inspire now calls home. Returning to support the young people in the community where his own journey began has been a meaningful milestone for him.
Andy told us,
“I was fortunate enough to have people who believed in me and helped me find my path. Inspire does that for young people today – they provide the guidance and support that can genuinely make a difference. It feels like a real full-circle moment for me.”
We couldn’t agree more.
More Than Sponsorship; A Commitment to Opening Doors
This isn’t the first time we’ve collaborated with the StrategiQ team. They previously supported our Our Door Is Always Open campaign, which helped us share the message that Inspire is here for any young person who needs us.
This new partnership takes things even further.
StrategiQ will be hosting visits for Inspire participants, inviting young people to their London office to meet creative professionals, take part in workshops, and explore what a future in the industry could look like. For many, it will be their first experience inside a creative agency. A chance to imagine new possibilities.
Andy put it beautifully when he said,
“This felt like an opportunity to do more than just create campaigns, to actually open our own doors and create tangible opportunities.”
Creating Real Opportunities for Young People
At Inspire, we work with young people facing a range of challenges. Our mission is simple:
to empower every young person to realise their potential, whatever their circumstances.
Seeing organisations like StrategiQ choose to invest not just money, but time, energy, and genuine belief in young people makes all the difference.
Our CEO, Andy Crump, shared:
“StrategiQ’s support means we can continue and expand our work with young people across Suffolk. Having a partner who truly understands our mission, and wants to be part of our journey, is incredibly powerful.”
A Spark That Could Change a Life
We know that everyone’s journey looks different.
For one young person, stepping into a London agency might inspire a new career dream. For another, it may simply build confidence, or show them that their voice and ideas belong in these spaces too.
What matters is that they’re given the chance to see what’s possible.
And thanks to this partnership, many more young people will get exactly that.
Last month, the incredible team at KLH Architects took on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, climbing all three mountains in 18 hours 20 minutes. From the first summit to the final peak, their teamwork and commitment to making a difference powered them through.
The adventure began in the rain with Pen y Fan. Despite the tricky conditions, KLH’s team reached the top and it was smiles all around. If the summit shots were anything to go by, it definitely wasn’t an easy climb, but the team’s energy made all the difference.
Next up was Cader Idris. The views were breathtaking, and the team tackled the climb with the same determination we’ve seen from them time and time again throughout their Big Charity Year. With just one peak to go, they weren’t about to take it easy!
Finally, at 8:30pm, KLH Architects reached the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), ticking off all three mountains. It was so much more than just a physical challenge – it was a massive show of support for the young people we work with every day.
Lucy Godden, Associate Architect who completed the challenge along with the team commented: “Sharing the experience together was a wonderful bonding experience, and knowing every step helped an incredible cause, like Inspire, made it extra special. It was a long, tough, but unforgettable day – something to be seriously proud of!”
From youth work and counselling to coaching young people into employment, the funds KLH have raised make a real difference. Their dedication means Inspire can continue being there when it matters most.
We can’t thank Team KLH enough for going above and beyond. After mountains climbed, hours spent, and challenges faced, we hope they enjoy a well-deserved rest…. maybe with a little Oktoberfest to celebrate a job brilliantly done!
East Suffolk Council has confirmed three-year funding support for Inspire’s Youth Employment Service, including the addition of two new youth coaches. Additional funding has also been provided through East Suffolk Council’s Skills by the Nuclear Restoration Services for an Enhanced provision targeting those young people who have significant barriers to engagement.
Now in its sixth year, the service offers personalised, ongoing support to young people aged 16-25 across the whole of East Suffolk, helping them into work, education, or training with a tailored holistic approach that goes beyond simply placing candidates in jobs. Additional funding has also been provided through East Suffolk Council’s Skills by the Nuclear Restoration Services for an Enhanced provision targeting those young people who have significant barriers to engagement.
Inspire currently employs four youth coaches who work closely with each young person, providing one-to-one coaching, workshops, and signposting free counselling through the charity’s Wellbeing Service. This wide-reaching support addresses both practical and emotional barriers that often prevent young people from finding and maintaining employment or education.
The service is on course to support around 750 individuals by the end of the year due to the increased capacity.
East Suffolk Council’s funding reflects the ongoing commitment to a long-term, consistent approach to supporting young people with the tools they need for work and life in the region.
Inspire also hopes that this secure footing could help to extend the programme to more areas and partner with other local authorities and funders to reach more young people.
“We’re grateful to East Suffolk Council and the Nuclear Restoration Services for their continued belief in this work,” said Jackie Partridge, Project Manager at Inspire. “Our coaches work 1-1 with young people to help them move towards work, education or training at their pace, in their way. We meet young people where they’re at. Sometimes that means helping write a CV, other times just having a real conversation about life and how they’re feeling. There’s no judgement – it’s all about figuring it out together and breaking it down into a plan so it’s manageable.”
Councilor Tim Wilson, said, “I’m pleased to confirm our continued support for Inspire’s successful Youth Employment Service. The scheme has a proven track record of delivering effective, targeted support for young people facing barriers to employment.
“Our support will provide certainty that the good work of the service can be extended to help more people succeed on their pathway and build a positive future – something everyone deserves a chance at.”
At 18 years old, Shane was unsure of his future.
He’d had a difficult time at school, and hadn’t managed to achieve his GCSEs, though he did secure his Functional Skills qualification in Maths.
Despite this success, Shane lacked confidence, felt anxious about new experiences, and found the thought of a job interview overwhelming.
This is when Shane met Inspire’s Personal Development Coach Lisa.
Seeing he needed to improve his confidence, she referred him to Inspire’s Wellbeing service, and started to help him apply for jobs.
Through counselling sessions with Ben, Shane was able to reduce his anxiety and develop the resilience he needed to move forward.
In just seven weeks, Shane felt confident enough to complete his counselling early.
“Having support from the Wellbeing service was great as this helped me to regain my confidence again,” Shane said.
With his newfound confidence and support from Lisa, he started to apply for jobs in the catering and hospitality sector, the industry he was most passionate about. Although he received some knockbacks, with Lisa’s continued guidance, he kept applying, determined not to give up.
That persistence paid off, and before long was offered a catering assistant role with the NHS, which he will be starting as soon.
“I feel that my experience with working with Inspire has made me believe in myself and my own abilities and that not everything is about your qualifications,” Shane explained.
Lisa also noticed the transformation, saying: “When Shane came to our appointment after finishing his sessions with Ben, I told him that I could see the positive difference it had made.
“It was like a different person was sitting in front of me, he was so much more confident than when I first met him.”
Find out more about our Thrive service here.
Click here for information about the Wellbeing service.
Laya had been struggling for years. Panic attacks, constant anxiety, and sleepless nights left her unable to leave the house or find motivation for anything.
“I basically decided I’d had enough of feeling like that,” she recalls. Grief over losing a family member, a traumatic experience at the beach, and the isolation of COVID deepened her anxiety, affecting her ability to socialise or even feel safe in daily life.
After searching for help and realising most services required payment she couldn’t afford, Laya was referred to Inspire’s Wellbeing Service through her Job Centre Plus worker.
“I didn’t actually know that there were free options out there,” she says. Reaching out was daunting, but she knew she needed support.
Her sessions with counsellor Sharon were transformative.
“Sharon helped me identify where these feelings had started, begin to break down my emotions, explore my thoughts, and shine some light on why I may react in certain ways due to my past,” Laya said.
Small strategies like focusing on five objects around her to ground herself helped her manage daily stress and intrusive thoughts.
Laya share’s a moment that stood out for her, a counselling session triggered by a minor accident that reminded her of her trauma.
Sharon shared her own struggles, showing Laya she wasn’t alone. “It helped so much to know I wasn’t the only one who has these anxieties over ‘silly’ things,” she said.
Today, Laya hasn’t had a panic attack since starting therapy. “I can push myself through the hard times and still be okay coming out the other side,” she said.
She added therapy helped her reconnect with life and discover new hobbies. Laya has since started sewing, something that seemed too daunting before, and is exploring opportunities around starting her own business.
Laya hopes her story encourages others to reach out. “No matter how minor or how big your issues are, it should never stop you from asking for help.
“It’s okay to feel helpless at times, but support can help you find your way back.”
Find out more about Inspire’s Wellbeing Service here.
Also read: ‘Inspire’s Wellbeing service gave me my son back’ – Kian’s story
According to the government, the UK is currently experiencing an ‘epidemic’ in school and colleges, with the number of frequently absent pupils doubling since pre-covid times.
Since the pandemic, anxiety and mental health issues have increased, especially in young people. A recent study found the pandemic happening in many children’s formative years has suggested potential disruptions in the formation of self-identities, social skills and delayed cognitive growth. The changes in daily routines and sleep qualities, excessive use of social media and phones, and high parental stress has also caused a big change to mental health.
With increased mental health struggles, education can often struggle too. So if you believe your child’s attendance has started to suffer, here’s what you can do to help.
How to spot the signs
Frequent complaints of illness
Has your child started to complain about feeling ill a lot before they attend school or college? Somatic illnesses such as a sore tummy, or a persistent headache could be a sign of underlying anxiety or avoidance if you’re noticing them frequently.
Changes in mood
Irritability, withdrawal and frequent emotional outbursts could all be indicators of some of the stress that child is experiencing in relation to education.
Disengagement
If your child previously liked going to school or college, and now doesn’t, it could be a sign of disengagement. Also look out for them just not being interested in things that they normally are interested in, avoiding schoolwork or talking negatively about school more often.
How to help
Communication
It’s important to have open communication with a nonjudgmental dialog, ask specific questions about school friendships, how the child feels about attending, and just try and keep that line of communication open as much as possible.
Collaborate with others
Talking to teachers, counsellors, other professionals or healthcare providers can help you understand if there are deeper issues like bullying or mental health concerns, or if they are feeling a lot of pressure on academically.
Positive reinforcement
It is really important to praise efforts that they have made, and reward small improvements with attendance and attitudes towards school.
Be involved
It’s common for more parents to become less involved in their children’s school work as they get older, but it’s still important to show your child that you care about their education.
Young people also learn through role modelling, if this is important to my parent, maybe it should be important to me, so working collaboratively with them can be a big help.
Keep to a routine
Routine and structure is really important, even for us as adults. The unknown makes us feel unsafe, so if we don’t have a routine or structure, then we never really know what to expect. If we can make as much of the unexpected known, then that actually eliminates part of that threat in our in the threats of our brain, and makes things more predictable for us.
Simple ways of doing this can include establishing bedtime, helping with morning routine to make sure everyone is dressed and prepared, and making regular check ins on homework.
How Inspire can help
At Inspire, we have numerous programmes specially geared to help young people.
Thrive – For 16-24 years olds not in Education, Employment or Training, Thrive is one-on-one coaching usually taking place over 10 weeks. It focuses on finding out what they need to be able to confidently make their next move, whether that be education or work. Find out more here.
Yes Programme – For 16- 25 year olds who are not in employment, our knowledgable team help young people find the right track, and make their next steps into work, education or training. Find more information here.
With thanks to Laura Andreas-Collins
When Kian’s mental health began to decline, it was a devastating time for his family.
Once full of laughter, Kian found himself struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming.
“I never thought in a million years that my children would suffer with depression because they’re loved,” his mum explains.
“You just think that’s all a child needs. But the big wide world has such a huge part to play in it.
“When it hit Kian, he was the happiest person. It knocked me off my feet. It was horrible. We tried so many different things, nothing worked.
“Every time I went into his room, I didn’t know if I’d find him alive.”
Kian shared how difficult his day to day was at the time.
“I struggled to sleep and eating was tough – I was either undereating or overeating. Physically I felt awful. I just locked myself away and hardly spoke to anyone,” he said.
“I’d had counselling on and off for years, but I was still struggling. I’d heard good things about Inspire through college and I knew I needed to nip things in the bud.”
That decision was the turning point. From his very first session, Kian began to feel the difference. His wellbeing worker, Sharon, helped him feel safe enough to open up.
Kian’s mum explains: “In the past, people had taken a very textbook approach to Kian.
“But Sharon saw the individual and worked with him. She spent time getting to know Kian and what made him, him. She treats everyone as unique. I’m forever grateful because she’s the only person who has managed to give me my son back.”
For Kian, that personal approach was life-changing.
“I was anxious going into my first session, but Sharon soon got me talking and I started to open up, “ he said. “I’ve definitely gained more confidence since starting. I’ve come to terms with things I can’t change, and I value myself so much more now. I realise that what’s happened to me isn’t my fault.
“I’m proud of myself again – and I’ve even got my sense of humour back.”
His mum has seen the transformation too saying: “It was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders when we came to Inspire. Honestly, I would love to think that more parents had access to this for their children, because there are so many kids out there who aren’t heard. With Inspire, they are heard.”
Find out more about the Inspire Wellbeing service here.
After nearly two decades of leadership, Inspire’s Chief Executive Terry Baxter, has announced he is retiring from his role on 1 September 2025.
Terry has been at the heart of Inspire since its very beginning.
Over the years, he has led Inspire through times of great change, from the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis to the unprecedented impact of the global pandemic, always keeping young people at the centre of everything the charity does.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Terry said: “It has been an immense privilege to lead Inspire.”
Taking over is familiar face Andy Crump, Inspire’s current Deputy CEO.
Andy has been at Inspire since its early days, and has served as DCEO for the last five years.
Terry continued: “Together, we’ve changed thousands of lives for the better and that has only been possible thanks to the dedication of our people, past and present.
“Inspire is in a strong position, and it feels like the right time to hand over the reins. I know Andy will continue to take the organisation from strength to strength.”
While Terry will officially retire at the end of the year, he will continue in an advisory role from September to ensure a smooth transition.
Chair of Trustees, Terry Hunt, praised both leaders: “Terry Baxter has been an outstanding leader of our charity for almost two decades, taking it through some challenging times to become the important, thriving organisation it is today.
“Many thousands of vulnerable young people have been supported by Inspire during Terry’s tenure. It is an incredible achievement, and he should be very proud of his legacy.
“The board are delighted to appoint Andy to the CEO role. His long experience and deep understanding of Inspire and its work will set him in good stead, and I look forward to working with him.”
Inspire was proud to take part in the Lowestoft Carnival this weekend, joining the colourful parade that headed through the town for the first time in 13 years.
Staff were joined in the procession by young people who use Inspire’s services in Lowestoft.
They represented Inspire with enthusiasm, handing out lollies and stickers to the thousands of people who lined the streets. More than 4,000 people attended the event, which has been praised for bringing the community together.
For many of the young people, the day was about more than just the parade. They also found it an opportunity to connect with their community, and feel part of something, and celebrate their community.
Liam, 21, who attends the Thursday Night Social Space drop-ins said: “I’ve had the best day, I’ve really enjoyed it.
“On Sundays I’m usually just sat at home doing nothing so being out and meeting people and just being with people has been great. It’s been really fun, it’s made me realise I need to be outside more.
“I struggle with mental health but I was determined to do this today, and walked for two hours to get here. It’s been a great way to get my mind clear, getting to meet people and meet everyone today.”
Eva, 15, added: “I’ve loved every single bit of today.
“Just meeting people, interacting with the public. I’ve had such a good time.
“I met Inspire when they were out doing detached and started coming along to the Friday night youth hub drop-in. I’ve made friends there and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
One young person even designed the two flags we carried in the parade. They were to represent this year’s carnival theme of Lowestoft Past and Present.
Inspire’s involvement in the carnival reflects the charity’s wider aim: creating opportunities where young people can connect, grow in confidence, and feel part of their community.
When Josh from Lowestoft first came to Inspire, he was stuck in a rut.
“I was doing nothing,” he said. “I was spending my days watching YouTube and playing Xbox, just sitting around. I needed to do something, but it took me a long time to put anything into motion.”
Josh had studied sports at college after leaving school and had some work experience in hospitality as a chef, but struggled to find his direction. He was then referred to Inspire’s Thrive programme through the Job Centre.
That’s where he was introduced to Bill, a personal development coach who began working with him to build his confidence and employability skills.
Bill also referred Josh to the Wellbeing service, something he says made a huge difference to his mental health.
“My mental wellbeing has improved so much thanks to the wellbeing service. I feel in a much better place now,” he said.
With new skills, confidence, and support behind him, Josh moved to the Youth Employment Service, and started focusing on his employability with coach Tony.
He learned about CV and cover letter writing, interview skills and gained an insight in to the job market.
Feeling full of confidence, he started to apply for jobs independently and landed a role as a stock assistant at Argos.
The role is physically demanding at times, but Josh has shown determination.
“Some days are easier than others physically, but I’ve been able to show resilience thanks to Inspire’s help. Otherwise I’d just go ‘nah, I’m off.'”
Reflecting on his journey, Josh highlights the people he’s met and the personal growth he’s achieved.
“The highlights have been meeting Tony and Bill,” he said of his journey with Inspire.
“They are both great people who have helped me. The biggest learning has been about myself, the job market, and other things that are out there in the world. It’s my first step and my first ever job, and I’m enjoying living every day as it comes.”
He added: “I’d recommend Inspire’s services for every reason. It helps more areas than one, employability, confidence, and mental wellbeing. I can see the difference now I’ve put things into motion.”
Find out more about our Youth Employment Service here.
Read more here: Harley finds his path in construction after support from Inspire and Suffolk Highways
‘I was stuck at home – now I’m working towards a career’: How Inspire helped Peter find a future
At five years old, Kai was diagnosed with cancer. The treatment saved his life, but it meant losing one of his eyes. As he grew older, the comments from other children about his artificial eye chipped away at his confidence.
By his teens, the bullying had become unbearable, and his education had ground to a halt.
His mum Billy explained: “His school wasn’t that supportive about the bullying, they offered things but everything was a wait, but he needed the help now.
“He was going to school and threatening to lay in the road, that’s how much he didn’t want to face going in. I couldn’t face that risk.”
She took her son out of school and switched to home education. It worked well until Billy, a bilateral amputee, had to have major surgery.
“I was struggling, and Kai’s mental health was declining,” she said. “He said he needed friends, he needed to socialise and although we discussed him going back to school, he wasn’t keen.”
That’s when Billy was introduced to Darcey, a personal development coach from Inspire. During their sessions, she took them through some next steps in terms of education, and also focused on getting him back out there socially.
The change was almost immediate. “Straight away, he was coming out of his shell. I saw him happier than I’d seen him in a long time,” Billy said.
With encouragement from Darcey, Kai joined some clubs including a sewing group and one that includes doing arts and crafts and being out in nature.
“They even pick him up and drop him off,” she said. “Just that first step of getting him out of the house made such a difference. Before, he wouldn’t leave at all.”
He’s also starting at an independent training provider in September to study maths and English, with plans to move on to a regional college in Cambridge next year.
“Everything Inspire has done has helped so much,” Billy said. “I wouldn’t have known where to start. They’ve given Kai inspiration again.”
Find out more about our Personal Development Service Thrive here.
At a recent Youth Hub drop-in session in Lowestoft, Inspire welcomed officers from Suffolk Police who came to meet and chat with the young people in attendance.
The visit was arranged after a local officer heard about the work we’re doing with our new Friday night drop in, and got in touch with youth worker Vicky to ask if they could come along.
“There’s often stigma between young people and the police, and they wanted to help break down those barriers,” Vicky explained. “I checked with the young people first as it’s their space, and they were really up for it.”
The officers spent time talking to everyone at the session, asking about their interests and explaining what their role involves, especially how they work to support young people in the community.
The response from the young people was really positive. They were open and happy to talk to the officers, and even keen for a photo.
“It was great to see how relaxed and interested the young people were,” Vicky said. “It’s good for them to understand what the police actually do, and it’s important that the police know what we’re doing here too.”
“We’re always looking for ways to connect young people with their community,” Vicky added. “Visits like this make a real difference.”
Find out more about our youth work in Lowestoft here.
Inspire’s outreach work in Lowestoft is helping young people take greater pride in their local spaces.
As part of their detached youth work approach, Inspire Youth workers regularly visit places where young people spend time. One location has been the town’s skatepark.
Staff have been building relationships and learning more about the challenges young people face.
Recently, they also brought along some litter pickers, with the young people taking over and cleaning up the space.
“The young people immediately got involved,” Vicky New, Project Manager for Inspire said. “They took the litter pickers and said they’d do it themselves. It wasn’t something we pushed, they wanted to take pride in where they skate.”
“It really showed how much they care about the space and that they appreciate us being there,” she added.
Vicky added how beneficial detached youth work is, getting to signpost the services we offer to young people we don’t usually come in to contact with.
“Out on detached, you don’t set the rules, you just show up consistently and listen,” Vicky explained. “That’s when you start to see changes.”
“We’re starting to see some of the young people we meet come to our Friday youth hub drop-in, which is a big step,” Vicky added. “In one of our first outreach sessions, I was able to refer someone to our wellbeing service. These small interactions can lead to real support.”
This work is funded through East Suffolk Council – Lowestoft Safer Streets and the Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner Fund.
Daniel has shared how Thursday nights have become the highlight of his week, thanks to Social Space.
The 19-year-old struggled at college due to his autism, and decided to drop out. But the lack of routine also meant that he started to struggle with socialising.
But he’s said that he finds the friendly drop-in sessions have been the perfect way for him to meet new people.
“I’ve made friends since being here and that’s really good,” he said.
“I feel very welcomed here, it’s the only place I can be myself, rather than being somewhere where there are expectations.
“Everyone is so friendly and the staff make me feel welcomed.”
He added how much he appreciated having the Inspire team around to approach, adding he often talks to youth worker Vicky about issues he’s having.
“It helps having someone to talk to,” he said. “It’s not just about the activities, it’s the people, too.”
“This is the only thing that gets me out of the house,” he said. “It gives me something to look forward to each week.”
Social Space is a weekly drop-in for young people aged 16 to 25.
Each week there’s a number of activities running, such as archery, baking, arts and crafts or games. But it also gives everyone the chance to connect with new people and make new friends.
“It’s the only time I really get to take part in sports,” Daniel said. “If I’m at home then I’m usually playing games or watching TV.
“I enjoy playing games here and doing the sporty stuff. We’ve play dodgeball, and I really enjoyed doing archery.”
Find out more about Social Space here.
When 19-year-old Harley first came to Inspire, he was uncertain about his future. Despite completing a Level 2 qualification in Maintenance Operations (Construction) at college, he struggled to secure an apprenticeship.
This shook his confidence, and he was referred to Youth Employment and Personal Development coach Matt.
Together, they began working on setting a clearer career path and building the tools Harley needed to succeed.
“In our sessions, I talked about what I wanted to do and what I did in college. Matt also helped me get my CV sorted, as mine didn’t have a lot of information,” Harley explained.
To help Harley gain more practical experience, Matt enrolled him in a short Multi-Skills course through Lofty Heights. The four-week course gave Harley some hands-on training, and also helped him gain his CSCS card, an essential qualification for working on construction sites.
Following this, Inspire contacted Suffolk Highways to explore further opportunities. Harley was invited to an Insight day where he toured the facilities and met with staff to get a feel for the work environment and expectations.
He fully embraced the opportunity, and his positive attitude led to a two-week work experience placement with Suffolk Highways.
“The first week, I worked in the offices with all the teams. In the second week, I went out with the operators to see what they did,” Harley said. “I visited lots of different sites and got a proper understanding of what everyone does.”
Harley’s passion and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. After his placement, he was offered two roles following a successful interview.
“When I had my interview, I was able to sit down and have a real conversation about what I wanted to do. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that before, but Matt was so determined to help me get a job,” Harley shared.
Harley was offered both a full-time role and an apprenticeship. He picked the latter due to the opportunity to gain more qualifications. “To be offered two things after my interview was the best thing I could have asked for,” he said.
Harley will begin his apprenticeship with Suffolk Highways in September, ready to build a promising future in the construction industry.
Find out more about our Youth Employment Service here.
Inspire’s new Engage programme is already boosting the confidence of young people, and it’s only part-way through.
Aimed at young people aged 19–25 who are not currently in education, employment or training, the programme spans several weeks and offers a mix of personal development, teamwork, and employability training.
“We start by focusing on wellbeing and self-understanding,” explains Ian, the course leader. “We talk about emotions, communication, and stress management, helping young people understand themselves before moving on to team work and progression.”
The turning point for many comes during the residential trip. The group headed to Hallow Tree, a scout activity site in the woods. “By the time we go away, they’ve already built a strong foundation,” Ian said. “The residential is where they learn to bond as a team.”
Two Engage groups, from Bury and Ipswich, came together for the first time. They spend time bonding as a team, doing everything from putting their tents up together, to cooking and washing up.
The groups also had to complete a number of activities including Bushtrails, where they designed and followed nature-based trails using symbols made from twigs and stones, and a team challenge to build a structure capable of raising a flag.
“We’re constantly applying the learning,” Ian said. “Team work skills are transferable to anything, any work setting.”
The feedback from the young people has already showed the impact the residential had on them.
“It was an amazing experience,” Willow said. “I learned and did things I’ve never done before. It was challenging and a bit overwhelming sometimes but we did lots team building and I made some friends.”
PJ added: “I really enjoyed my experience, it was a fun but challenging experience, especially with the heat. But I thought it was good team building experience and got to make some new friends.”
“I hadn’t been camping in 18 years so I was nervous at first but I really enjoyed it,” added Jed.
The next part of the programme focuses on everyone coming together to create a community project, something that benefits their local area.
After this, they’ll move on to the employability section which includes a work experience placement, working on digital skills, CV writing and taking part in mock interviews.
“The idea is to give them the foundation and skills to get in to employment,” Ian said.
Georgia always knew she wanted to work with children.
After completing her childcare qualifications, she built a promising career in nurseries, before moving on to primary schools.
But sadly, her life took a drastic turn after a series of tragedies.
Georgia had finished a fixed-term placement at a school when her mother figure sadly passed away. She also experienced a relationship breakdown that saw her becoming homeless, sofa surfing and staying in hostels for three months.
She was struggling to live a day-to-day life, and didn’t feel she could return to work. Instead she was just coping with her grief, and attending the job centre when she needed to without taking anything in.
Realising she needed to make a change, Georgia, now 25, started therapy. This proved to her she needed to get back to herself, which is where she decided to join Inspire’s employability workshop in Lowestoft and get back to work.
The course, run by our Youth Employment Service coach Tony, gave her more than just job search skills. She thrived in having a routine and purpose, saying: “It really gave me the kick that I needed to get back on track.
“Being in an educational setting reminded me of the job that I do, and why I love it.”
During the course, Georgia updated her CV, learned how to write a cover letter, and practiced interview skills. She also connected with others and regained her social confidence.
With her newfound self-belief, she started to apply for jobs and was offered an interview for a teaching assistant at a school for children with special education needs.
She was then asked back for a second interview, and was offered the job on the spot.
“Inspire helped me,” Gerogia added. “They helped my career and my future. My confidence has rocketed since being on the course.
“Tony was so helpful, he really pushed me to my limits and knew what I’d be capable of. He really helped me on my journey to finding my job.”