Inspire’s Porch Project team are based in Hadleigh, providing safe spaces for young people aged 11-18 outside of school hours, as well as supporting all aspects of their wellbeing – be it mental, physical, emotional, or social.
Our youth centre on Hadleigh High Street offers spaces where young people can relax, meet up with friends, play games and develop skills, all in a safe environment. Our youth workers also work within local schools, providing support to young people through our listening and mentoring service.
The Inspire Porch Project team are all about helping young people to thrive. We’re here to help them grow, learn, and build the skills they need for the future.
Frequently asked questions
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Do you run activities during the school holidays?
Every school holiday, we run a full programme of activities. For some you will need book in advance, for others you can just turn up on the day.
This summer we are excited to announce we are running:
Tuesdays – Tasty Tuesday. Cook and eat a delicious meal with your friends.
Wednesdays & Thursdays – Porchmaster . Challenges, bushcraft and something new every week. You can even gain a qualification in sustainability and wellbeing. Learn bushcraft, take part in outdoor team building activities, up-cycling and gain life skills. Some sessions will take place at Hadleigh Youth Centre, others in Reydon Great Wood. Find out more details at eequ.org/youthwork.
Fridays – Hadleigh youth centre is open as usual every Friday throughout August, from 3-7pm for an open drop-in session.
To view details of activities that need pre-booking, visit eequ.org/youthwork
Book in now!
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Do you run programmes away from Hadleigh Youth Centre?
We’re not just tied to our centre – we also hit the road to bring the Porch Project magic to you! Our mobile youth centre is your go-to spot for chilling out in the community. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to find out where we’ll be parked this week – we’re all about meeting you where the fun is.
We also get out and about on foot meeting young people through detached youth work.
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What is it like inside the youth centre?
Hadleigh Youth Centre is the place to be yourself, hang out with friends, and dive into a range of activities and entertainment. Our youth centre is located right on Hadleigh High Street. Think comfy lounge spaces, gaming room, and even a music room. Our kitchen is fully equipped to enable young people to learn to cook. It’s your space to relax, play, and spend your free time.
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How old do you have to be?
Young people who are 11-18 years old
Activities run by the Porch Project and open access youth work teams are aimed at young people in school years 7 to 13.
In general activities run by the Porch Project and open access youth work teams for are open to young people once they have started year 7. However in order to support young people’s transition from Primary School to High School, we do encourage 11 year old year 6’s to engage in some activities during the summer:
This summer’s activities
Tasty Tuesday ✔ 11-year-old year 6’s welcome. Find out more and book via eequ.org/youthwork
Porchmaster ✔ 11-year-old year 6’s welcome. Find out more and book via eequ.org/youthwork
Drop-in ❌ Please wait until you are in year 7
Other restrictions?
Specific activities may have restricted age ranges, to allow the team to better target their support at specific groups of young people. Where this is the case, this will be clearly advertised.
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Do you need to book or register in advance?
Yes and No…
Open access and drop-in sessions
Sessions advertised as drop-in or outreach sessions do not require pre-booking or registration. These are open sessions, open to all young people in the community. When young people arrive for the first time, our youth workers will collect basic details in order to keep them safe during their first visit. They will then be given a letter for their parents or guardians and a link to a consent form. The consent form will then need to be completed by a parent or guardian before they return for their second visit.
Other activities
Some activities may need pre-booking, such as some of our holiday programmes. This helps us to plan and ensure we have adequate resources for these sessions. Activities which require pre-booking will be listed on eequ.org/youthwork
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Can we follow the Porch Project team on social media?
The Porch Project team have our own dedicated social media accounts
Facebook @PorchProject1
Instagram @PorchProject2009
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Can you help me make friends?
We’re all about creating opportunities for young people to create lasting friendships. Our social activities are designed to do just that! From fast-paced game tournaments to cooking workshops, there’s always something to get stuck into.
Hadleigh Youth Centre and team office
28a High St, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5AG, UK
Detached and Outreach
Hadleigh, Ipswich, UK
Outreach
Raydon Way, Great Cornard, Sudbury, UK
In school youth work
East Bergholt High School, Heath Road, East Bergholt, Colchester, UK
In school youth work
Thomas Gainsborough School, Wells Hall Road, Great Cornard, Sudbury, UK
In school youth work
Hadleigh High School, Highlands Road, Hadleigh, Ipswich, UK
Contact the Porch Project team
Find out more about our work in Hadleigh and throughout Babergh using the details below:
PorchProject@inspirecharityuk.org
