Struggling with unemployment and unstable housing, 23-year-old Vik found himself sofa surfing, or walking the streets just to kill time.
With this causing a big decline in his mental health, Vik was referred to Inspire through the job centre.
With the help of our Youth Employment Team, he found semi-supported living arrangements in Felixstowe.
With the new stability giving him the breathing space he needed, Vik also took on additional training, including a business IT course and SIA Licensing course with plans to pave the way for a potential career in the security industry.
His hard work and determination paid off, with Vik now working as an SIA officer at Ipswich Football Stadium, and settled in his new accommodation.
He hasn’t stopped there, and also continued seeking employment, gaining a second job working shifts at the Ipswich Light Festival.
“My time with Inspire has been brilliant,” he said. “I’ve learned how to prepare for interviews, how to do job search and also how to work as a team with others in a work environment.
“Inspire helped with finding a place to call home and also in assisting in requirements I needed for work.”
He continued: “For anyone who is thinking of starting with Inspire my number one advice is to be patient.
“They will stick with you during your entire journey to help you achieve what you want. I am grateful to all Inspire who have helped me get to where I’m at currently, and I promise you will be saying the same thing if you start with Inspire.”
‘Inspire’s support showed me I am capable of more than I thought‘
‘Inspire’s YES team helped me turn my passion in to a business’
‘Inspire’s Yes programme allowed me to be me again’
Taylor found herself feeling lost and without direction before she came to Inspire. The 19-year-old made the difficult decision to drop out of sixth form after struggling with anxiety and making friends.
It was then she was introduced to personal development coach Lisa. After recognising her incredible talent for art, especially her ability to capture the beauty of animals, Lisa encouraged her to turn her skills in to a career.
Initially Taylor felt unsure she had what it took to make it a full time job, so the pair headed out to talk to local artists and galleries for advice on how to help her achieve her dreams.
They visited David at Saxmundham Framing Shop who was blown away by Taylor’s talents. He gave her advice creating a website and social media, how to frame her pieces, and also put her in touch with George Farnham Gallery.
The local gallery were delighted to exhibit Taylor’s work, and she sold her first piece.
With new found confidence, and armed with a wealth of knowledge and advice from local artists and business, Taylor launch her art business fully at taylorrendallart.com.
Since then, her business has continued to grow and flourish, with Taylor also taking regular commissions to create pet portraits.
Speaking about whether she would recommend Inspire’s Thrive programme, she said: “Yes, I think it gives you more opportunities.
“It gave me the confidence to realise my full potential to be able to make a business from my passion for art.”
Earlier this year, Taylor joined us as a guest of honour at our annual Inspire ball. She donated her stunning piece ‘Hare’ to our silent auction, raising an incredible £650, and amazing our supporters with her skills.
To see more of Taylors work, visit her website.
To learn more about our Thrive programme, click here.
Also read: ‘Inspire’s YES team helped me turn my passion in to a business’
‘Inspire’s support showed me I am capable of more than I thought’
‘Inspire helped me believe I am capable of doing anything my heart desires’
Bella first came to Inspire after a horrific bullying experience left her unable to leave the house.
Struggling with her mental health, she joined one of our 12-week personal development programmes, and it turned her life around.
Years later, the impact that Inspire had on Bella is still so great that she wanted to do something to give back. So when she started training for a boxing match, Inspire was the obvious choice to fundraise for.
Last year, she decided to join a gym to help her with her mental health. After joining a body transformation course, she started boxing lessons and fell in love with the sport.
Following a 12-week intensive training course, Bella took on her first ever fight – and won.
“The adrenaline was so great that I don’t remember too much of my match,” Bella said. “I remember the cheers from all the family and friends I had come and support me, and I remember that I won.”
She raised almost £600 for her match, and explained the reason she wanted to fundraise was because of the effect Inspire has had on her life.
“Before I went to Inspire, for six months I couldn’t leave the house,” she said.
“I was petrified of everyone, I couldn’t speak to a single person, and now I have a job I love, and I had the confidence to go out in front of hundreds of people and do a boxing match. Before Inspire I never would have believed I could have done something like this.”
She continued: “Without Inspire, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t be here and be able to do a 12 week intense camp, and get out in a ring in front of hundreds of people, and talk in front of all those people.
After her time on the Team Programme, Bella got a job as a plumber, and is continuing to thrive in her role.
“I’m now a fully qualified gas engineer too,” she said. “I passed all my exams this year, it’s been a big year.”
She’s also dedicated to continue boxing, adding: “I love the fitness side of it, it’s such a disciplined sport, and there’s so much more to it than just punching a bag.
“It’s helped my mental health so much. Not just the physical side of things, and I’ve also made so many friends at the gym. It was like doing another 12 week Team Programme, but doing fitness rather than confidence building.”
Want to fundraise for Inspire? Check out our Ways to Fundraise
Inspire’s Youth Centre in Hadleigh has completed the first phrase of its renovation thanks to a grant from Babergh District Council Community Grants.
The Porch Project team worked alongside the young people that use the centre, asking them for their input in how they wanted to use the space, and letting their choices influence the redesign.
Alongside an updated quiet room, new furniture, TVs and consoles, there’s also a multigame table which includes tabletop hockey, pool table and table tennis unit all in one.
The centre has also been rebranded in new paint colours that focus on using more calming undertones, and change the psychology of the environment. When it came to painting, the team received help from some of the centre’s young people who volunteered their time, as well as volunteers from Sizewell C.
Speaking about why it’s so important to have the center’s attendees involved, youth worker Karl said: “Youth centres are their space and setting, and they should control the environment. It’s their space and they can feel they took ownership of it, it’s a safe space for them to interact in.”
He added: “It’s about investing in the youth, we’re showing we do care and we’re giving them different opportunities. It provides facilities and amenities in terms of SEN provision.
“We wanted to utilise the space we have here, we needed to optimise it in a way that works in a youth centre setting.”
Project co-ordinator Jay added: “Since we’ve taken over Porch Project, everything we’ve had has been passed down and it’s time to redo things for the young people. We’ve made a better quiet room with more things to do.
It’s going to make them feel more valued having more stuff, we do care about them, that’s why we’re doing this.”
The second stage of the renovation will take place next year, and see the downstairs of the centre being renovated, with new furniture meaning the space can be utilised better to open up new opportunities for the people that attend.
Find out more about what’s on offer at Porch Project here.
It was recently announced by the new government that the National Citizen Service is going to start winding down from March 2025.
The programme was launched by former Prime Minister Cameron in 2011 as part of government plans to create a new National Youth Strategy.
Inspire has been delivering NCS for nearly a decade. Since 2022, we have created 1059 individual experiences that help young people to learn life and employability skills, and complete social actions.
We are dedicated to continuing to deliver an exceptional programme until it ends.
Speaking about the decision to end the programme, Inspire’s Project Co-ordinator Jay Wallace-Langan said young people are going to miss out on getting the life skills they need.
“We cover things like cooking, money management, basic car maintenance, looking at taxes and payslips. They are skills that they don’t necessarily learn in school.”
Jay added the positive effect he’s witnessed from delivering the programme, including young people learning how to write CVs and do interviews that has resulted in them getting jobs, or getting in to college when they didn’t think they would.
“It gives them an opportunity to learn things that they wouldn’t in school which is essential for moving forward in life.
“If there’s nothing brought in to replace it, there will be a knock on effect. There will be a lot of young people unsure of what to do.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the plans in the House of Commons on November 12, saying: “The NCS met the needs of the moment and put active citizenship rightly at the heart of the government’s programme for young people but the world has changed and we need a youth strategy that reflects that.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, I’ve spoken to the chair and chief executive and I’m so grateful to them for their commitment to work together to protect young people and staff, to share learnings and expertise and to ensure that there is an orderly transition from the end of the NCS programme to what comes next.”
A statement from NCS stated: “NCS was founded to help build a more cohesive society through supporting young people at a crucial moment in their lives, through connecting young people across many walks of life, building their skills and confidence, and empowering them to make a difference in their communities.
“It is our heartfelt belief that there has never been a more important time for the kind of work that NCS delivers. Young people are facing an increasingly uncertain future due to the disproportionate impact of Covid on their generation.
“The combination of an enduring cost-of-living crisis and the increasing spread of disinformation is sowing discord and division.
“We hope that the government will continue to support youth initiatives with an explicit focus on building a cohesive society, and we stand ready to share our insights and learning as the Secretary of State develops her new youth strategy.”
SEVEN NIGHT NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISE WITH MSC CRUISES WITH FIRST CLASS TRAVEL FROM ELITE TRAVEL
Donated by: MSC (in the room tonight) & Elite Travel
Climb aboard the MSC Virtuosa to experience Europe like never before visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zebrugge and Le Harve which all perfectly combine the essence of their culture with the modern features of our current times. Enjoy the luxury of a Balcony Cabin with full drinks package for 2 people, along with first class return travel from Suffolk to Southampton by Elite Travel. This is a trip of a lifetime from the minute you leave your front door to your step back in and everything in between!
Extra info & T&Cs:
- Cruise and transfer for 2 people including upgraded balcony cabin and all your drinks.
- Cruise departs Southampton on Friday 18th April 2025 and returns on Friday 25th April (8 days, 7 nights)
- Further upgrades available at your own cost and subject to availability.
- Elite transfer from Suffolk to Southampton return.
RRP: £3,290
Starting Bid: £2,000
Increments of: £100
TANDEM SKYDIVE AT BECCLES AIRFIELD WITH UK PARACHUTING
Donated by: Simon Commercial & Jenna Ackerly (in the room tonight)
An incredible opportunity to do a tandem skydive at Beccles airfield with UK Parachuting with Simon Commercial a pilot at Beccles Airfield. Jump from 13,000 feet and reach freefall speeds of 120mph in this awesome experience. Price also includes some merch from UK parachuting!
T&Cs:
- Must be over 16 years old and under 99kg to take part
- Must be used in 2025
- Only available at Beccles Airfield, subject to availability
RRP: £300
Starting Bid: £100
Increments of: £50
NEWMARKET RACES VIP EXPERIENCE WITH FIRST CLASS TRAVEL
Donated by: John Dugmore (in the room tonight) Mel Pipe and Elite Travel
The final to the Cambridgeshire meeting, Juddmonte Day on 27th September 2025 is a spectacle that racing fans should not miss. Enjoy a stud tour with Newels Park Stud along with a VIP experience for 4 people at the Champions Gallery Restaurant with first class return travel provided by Elite Travel. A day not to be missed!
Rowley Mile Champions Gallery Restaurant VIP experience.
Stud tour for 4 people on the morning of races. It’s a special place and a great tour meeting their stallions. Their star is Nathaniel and although he had a stellar career, he is most famously known for almost beating the unbeatable Frankel.
T&Cs:
- VIP Experience includes – Champagne Reception, Four Course Meal, Full Afternoon Tea, Reserved Table for the day, Premier Enclosure Admission Badge, Car Parking, Race Card, Tote Courier betting service to your table.
- Stud Tour for 4 people on the morning of the races
- Drinks NOT included.
- Newmarket Racecourse Cambridgeshire meeting, Juddmonte Day on 27th September 2025 only
- Return Travel by Elite Travel must be from within Suffolk and is subject to availability.
RRP: £1,560
Starting Bid: £700
Increments of: £100
2025 VIP GUEST EXPERIENCE AT BRITISH MOTOGP IN SILVERSTONE
Donated by: Factory Team Red Bull KLH Factory Team
Live the MotoGP dream at the British MotoGP in Silverstone on 22-25th May 2025 as a VIP guest of Red Bull KLH Factory Team. Unparalleled access, exclusive hospitality, and a money can’t buy insider’s tour await the lucky winner.
T&Cs:
The passes include:
•Exclusive access for 2x people to the MotoGP paddock (you currently cannot buy this access)
•1x parking pass
•Hospitality from Friday to Sunday of the race weekend
•A tour of the Red Bull KLH garage (different team to last year!!)
•Passes are non-exchangeable
- Event – 22 – 25th May 2025
RRP: £3,200
Starting Bid: £2000
Increments of: £100
ENGLAND RUGBY & FOOTBALL EXPERIENCES BOTH WITH ELITE TRAVEL
Donated by: Tim Passmore & Suffolk FA & Elite Travel
This one is sure to get the adrenaline going! You’ll attend England Rugby’s first home game of 2025 against France on Saturday 8 February 2025 as well as England vs Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday 17th November 2024. Both experiences include executive return travel by Elite Travel.
T&Cs:
- ENGLAND V REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2024, KICK OFF 17:00, Entry Time Slot: 15:30 – 16:00, Enter via Yellow zone only, Entrance H, Block 141, Row 27, Seat 232 & 233 (2 people)
- Elite executive transfer from an address in Suffolk to Wembley Arena return.
- England Rugby at Twickenham against France on Saturday 8th February 2025 for 2 people.
- Elite executive transfer from an address in Suffolk to Twickenham Stadium return.
RRP: £1,100
Starting Bid: £500
Increments of: £100
SPECTACULAR TIPI PARTY PACKAGE FROM EVENTS UNDER CANVAS
Donated by: Events Under Canvas (in the room tonight)
Magical celebration space for up to 100 people set up in your garden or grounds in 2025. Includes incredible giant tipi, flooring, fairy lighting, furniture, toasty fire pit and bar. An event space with the complete wow-factor. So, if you have a special celebration or want an evening to wow your friends, this is one for you.
T&Cs:
- Your package will include – Giant Tipi for a party for up to 100 guests, flooring, fairy lighting, fire pit (can be used inside or outside tipi), rustic seating for 24 people, handmade wooden bar, and whiskey barrels for standing drinks tables.
- Tipi to be built in any location in Suffolk or Essex on a mutually agreed date in 2025 – leaving kit with you for up to seven days around your party as needed.
- Access to power within 20 meters and access for team to get their vehicles within 20 meters of party location.
- If you want to host a larger party, this package can be upgraded or part-exchanged for any of the Event Under Canvas’ equipment.
- 12m x 12m – Space required to build Tipi
RRP: £3,000
Starting Bid: £2000
Increments of: £100
SCENIC FJORDS OF NORWAY CRUISE WITH FRED OLSEN CRUISE LINE
Donated by: Fred Olsen Cruises
A cruise for two in an Ocean View cabin aboard Borealis’ eight-night ‘Scenic Fjords of Norway’ cruise, departing from Dover on 28th May 2025. Witness the impressive waterfalls of Langfoss and Kleivafoss whilst enjoying scenic cruising along narrow fjords.
T&Cs:
- The winner will receive a cruise for 2 aboard Borealis, 7-night S2515 ‘Scenic Fjords & Falls of Norways’ cruise, departing from Dover on 28th May 2025, staying in a D grade ocean view cabin.
- The prize is for two adults.
- The prize is on a cruise only basis (drinks not included) and does not include transport to the port.
- The winner and their guest will receive full board status, including buffet and a’ la carte breakfasts and lunches, as well as sumptuous five-course a’ la carte or buffet dinners.
- The prize does not include any additional expenses such as parking at the port.
- A gratuity of £5 per person, per day, will be added to the onboard account and must be settled at the end of the cruise. This cannot be removed.
- The prize does not include travel insurance. The winner will be responsible for sourcing their own cruise specific travel insurance, including cancellation or curtailment cover for Covid-19, plus cover for any medical, repatriation and expenses costs because of a Covid diagnosis or illness during the cruise, without which they will be unable to board.
- The winner must have a full and valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the last day of the cruise.
- This promotional competition is not for resale, is non-refundable and non-transferable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. No cash/credit refunds can be given under any circumstances and this prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer.
- If Fred. Olsen is required to cancel this cruise for any reason, a suitable alternative will be offered.
- The winner will be solely responsible for any tax liability incurred as a result of this offer.
- Upgrades and additional guests are subject to availability and will incur additional costs.
RRP: £2800
Starting Bid: £1500
Increments of: £100
GOLF 4 BALL & DINNER WITH FORMER ITFC PROFESSIONALS
Donated by Luke Chambers & Seckford Golf Club (in the room tonight 🤣 )
You and a friend can enjoy an exhilarating game of golf with former ITFC Captain Luke Chambers & another former ITFC pro, at Seckford Golf Club which was awarded England Golf Club of the Year in 2023, finished by dinner in their restaurant Nineteen. Also includes a signed ITFC shirt from the current Premier League Team.
T&Cs:
- Event subject to availability with the players and the Golf Club
- For 2 people
- Must be taken in 2025
RRP: Money can’t buy
Starting Bid: £500
Increments of: £50
Foster carer Sue has praised Inspire’s holiday clubs for how they have helped her foster son.
Eight-year-old F came into Sue’s care two years ago from a difficult background. Sue initially tried to enrol him at other clubs, without success. It was then that she decided to sign him up for Lowestoft’s holiday club, giving him the opportunity to socialise with other children.
“He’s quite unique, he didn’t learn a lot about boundaries in his early childhood,” Sue said.
“I was trying to get him into clubs for social skills and to learn how to be around other children. Some places found him too hard to deal with.”
Sue and Lowestoft Head Coach Darren had numerous conversations about the techniques Sue was using at home, and how they could be implemented in the holiday club setting.
Sue added: “I had a lot of conversations with Darren where we discussed whatever we do, we can’t reject him. If he gets rejected, it’s going to fuel that fire because all he knows in life is rejection. That was the biggest thing for us.”
“Darren was very tuned into his needs,” Sue continued. “They started doing a bit more sport with him because he’s so energetic and it got to a point where I realised they weren’t ringing me anymore to come and collect him. They could manage him in the building.
“Darren listens to him and will take him off and distract him if he needs it, take him to kick a ball around or something. Darren is fair with him and its built a lot of trust. F has a great rapport with him; he’s been a really significant person for him.”
Sue, who has been a foster carer for over 30 years, praised Inspire’s staff for their experience, and added how much the young boy has progressed.
“He’s been playing football and he loves the multi-sports. He’s even started doing the arts and crafts,” she said. “He’s been able to go and get the praise and really boosted his confidence. It’s made a huge difference to how he is at school because he’s been able to be around other children.
“His social skills have come on so much and he’s now at a point where he can open up to people about how he feels.”
As for Sue’s advice to anyone unsure about enrolling their child at an Inspire holiday club, she said: “I think that a lot of people think children with certain issues can’t go to clubs. They think they won’t cope or will be rejected.
“However, I would say this is the place to take them because you will see that with Inspire they will learn and they will enjoy it. You need right place, with the right people, and that’s what Inspire offers.”
Find out more about our holiday clubs here.
Also read: ‘Inspire’s holiday clubs really made a difference for my son’
‘Inspire’s Holiday Clubs boosted my son’s confidence’
Debbie has been bringing her son Daniel to Turn Up & Play’s football sessions for the last four weeks after he was rejected from his school’s team. Despite the short amount of time, she has already seen an improvement in his confidence.
“I brought Daniel along so he can play football and be part of a team,” she said of her 9-year-old. “If he does then join a team, he’ll already have the skills.”
She added how much he’s gained since he started attending.
“Because he has ADHD he doesn’t get picked for the teams at school,” Debbie said. “He enjoys it. He knew nothing about football before, and it’s helping him.
“He’s a really bad loser so the fact he doesn’t always win gives him that life skill that people don’t win all the time, so that’s helping him.”
“It’s kids like him that need a bit of extra help and it’s nice he can come here and play with a team that isn’t all about being in a league. It’s just given him the confidence to play football,” she continued.
The mum also praised how the coaches have handled her sons ADHD, and how the sessions give him a no-pressure environment to play sport.
“He has a lot of issues in himself, and can change his mind quite frequently. Because the sessions are free [Funded by Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Community Foundation], the pressure isn’t on. If he doesn’t want to be here, then he doesn’t have to be.
“But it gives him an hour, he gets to run around, he already knows the coaches because he comes to the holiday clubs, he is happy to be here.”
For more information about Turn Up & Play, visit here.
Also read: ‘Turn Up & Play has transformed my sons self-confidence’
Following five years of working in retail, 23-year-old Imogen found herself looking for work after being diagnosed with epilepsy.
Struggling with her confidence, she was worried about approaching employers about the impacts of her condition, and her mental health was declining.
It was then she got in touch with YES Personal Development coach Lisa. Together, they started by identifying the type of work Imogen wanted to do, along with how her condition would affect her.
“I needed to ensure that any employer that was I was going to approach was going to be able to take into consideration my needs,” Imogen said. “In the past I have had negative experiences with some employers not quite understanding the impact of my epilepsy.”
Imogen and Lisa started to identify low-hour roles in her local area, with an interview at the Co-op coming up quickly.
Despite not feeling confident following the interview, Imogen was offered the job on a 12-hour-a-week contract.
Imogen then underwent further coaching with Lisa about how to approach her new employer regarding her needs.
“I feel that they have adapted well to my needs, particularly with regards to my memory, which isn’t great due to my epilepsy, by patiently providing me with written instructions for certain jobs that I have to perform within my role, in order for me to succeed in my role,” she added.
She also praised the support that Lisa had given, saying it reminder her she is capable of more than what she thinks.
Since starting the role last year, Imogen has had some health setback, but said the co-op have been incredibly understanding, and she’s still enjoying her job.
Find out more about our YES service here
Also read: ‘Inspire helped me believe I am capable of doing anything my heart desires’
‘Inspire’s YES team helped me turn my passion in to a business’
‘Inspire’s Yes programme allowed me to be me again’
“I don’t know what I’d do without it.” Those are the words of a mother whose two children have attended Inspire’s Turn Up & Play football service for the last three years.
The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, praised the sessions for giving local children the chance to engage in sport, keep fit and develop their teambuilding skills for free.
Turn Up & Play is funded by Ipswich Borough Council and the Suffolk Community Foundation.
“There are so few things to do with kids that you don’t have to pay for,” she said. “Without it, I don’t know what else I’d do with my kids. One hour of football at other places is around £50 a month, and I have two kids. That’s a big expense.
“At Turn Up & Play, you don’t have to book it, so you can decide on the day depending on how you’re feeling.”
The mum explained how the sessions have helped her kids grow and learn independently. “My daughter is really shy, but the fact that she’s here, often as the only girl, and she’s joining in is amazing. She’s happy to talk to the staff because she feels comfortable with them.
“The kids that come weekly, they’ve all learnt to have mutual respect. At schools or at football training they are put with their own age group and boys and girls, but at Turn Up & Play, the boys have had to learn to let my daughter join in and it’s really good for them.”
Mo Alshammam, Project Co-ordinator for Holiday Clubs and Sport said: “Our Turn Up & Play football sessions are exactly what the name suggests – turn up and play. These sessions provide a relaxed environment for kids to show up and play without any expectations or pressure regarding their skill levels, which nurtures their self-esteem.
“This approach allows them to embrace their childhood while applying the skills they’ve developed through our football camps at the holiday clubs, which play a big role in boosting their confidence. Also, having familiar staff present helps children feel comfortable trying out new skills.
“Overall, Turn Up & Play encourages kids to engage in play, which is a crucial aspect of their development through learning.”
For more information about Turn Up & Play, visit here.
Also read: ‘Turn Up & Play has transformed my sons self-confidence’
Inspire has a variety of programmes created to help young people uncover their full potential.
However, for 25-year-old Leon and 26-year-old Alisha, it has also meant finding love.
The couple met while taking part in one of Inspire’s Personal Development Programmes this year, and bonded after taking a trip together to buy birthday presents for some of the other participants.
They made things official in April and since then the relationship has continued to blossom.
Leon said: “We celebrate our anniversary every month, because every month is a blessing.
“We always celebrate by watching a rubbish movie and ordering a takeaway. For our one-year anniversary next year, I’d love to cook for her, but I can’t cook so it will be an experience.”
The pair support each other with their struggles, with Leon helping Alisha with her social anxiety.
“I’m trying to help her become more comfortable going out and about,” he said. “We go to the shops together, we come to Social Space, and in the future I’d like to take her to the cinema.”
And when Leon is dealing with his own issues with gender dysphoria, Alisha has been at his side, saying to her partner: “I always say to you, I love you for you.”
Alisha added: “My favourite thing about Leon is how honest he is and how he accepts me for me. He’s never judged me; he’s always been there to help me with everything.”
“As cringe as it sounds, I’ve never felt love like this before,” Leon said. “She is the only person I see a future with.”
The programme also gave the couple the confidence to reach their potential finding employment, with Leon working as a support worker at a care home, and Alisha working as a sports coach at Inspire’s holiday clubs. They also both dedicate time to voluntary positions.
Hadleigh’s Porch Project has seen unprecedented numbers of young people aged 11 to 18 attending the Friday night drop-in session.
Thanks to increased outreach in the area, and working in local schools, in recent weeks more than 50 young people have joined per session, with participants accessing a range of activities on offer to develop personal and social skills.
With their confidence growing, those attending have been able to approach Porch Project staff to access an environment to talk, seek out mentorship and support, while improving their wellbeing.
The drop ins are a safe space, with the sessions giving them the opportunity to play indoor sports such as table tennis and pool, take part in arts and crafts such as bead-making, and socialise with others at their own pace.
One young person who regularly attends the sessions previously told staff that she can’t wait for the Friday night drop-ins, and counts down the days until she can attend again.
Porch Project also has a teaching kitchen, giving young people valuable cooking skills and the chance to learn about a healthy diet and nutrition. Those attending can also discreetly access hygiene products available in the building.
Karl Foster, youth worker at Porch Project, explained: “It’s important to provide opportunities for young people to engage with their peers, to meet like-minded people and create meaningful friendships.
“We’ve seen friendships that have been made here at Porch Project extending into everyday life, which underpins the importance of youth provisions.”
He continued: “The more young people we interact with, the more it helps us to better understand the needs of these people within our community. We want our work to be Youth led.
“Without their voice, or engagement, we wouldn’t be able to understand what the young people in Hadleigh want, and what they feel is currently missing.”
Find out more about Porch Project here.
Parent Jem has praised Inspire’s Turn Up & Play sessions for improving the self esteem in her two sons.
Lucas, 10 and George, 7 started attending the weekly sessions two years ago. They initially started with Thursday’s football session, but after deciding it wasn’t for them, started regularly attending Wednesday’s multi-sport session instead.
Jem admitted she was initially apprehensive as the boys have additional needs, and can get distracted in different environments.
“I was worried that others would think they are bad kids when they’re not. It’s not like that here, it was so supportive straight away,” she told Inspire.
Since attending the sessions regularly, she said the difference in her sons had been noticeable.
“Just everything has improved,” she said.
“For Lucas, his self-confidence and his self-belief has improved. He’s got self-esteem issues and finding out he’s quite good at things, and the pride that the coaches give them, it’s made a huge change.
“Before, if Lucas had been gotten out [in a game], he would have stormed out but now, he’s different. His self-esteem and belief has come a long way that even school have noticed it.”
She continued: “I stopped taking them for a little while when things in my personal life got hard, and they started to get riled up again.
“We decided to come back and [sports development coach] Mark just cooled George off completely.
“It took us about 5 sessions of coming again, and they had cooled right back down again to the point where every week, Mark, [project coordinator] Mo and [sports coach] Ashleigh were all saying Lucas is a completely different kid.
“The kids absolutely love them.”
While Thursdays play sessions are solely dedicated to football, the Wednesday programme is for multi-sports with the children getting to play games such as dodgeball, basketball and tag.
Mo spoke about why the weekly sessions had made such a difference to George and Lucas, saying: “It’s because their needs were met, their curiosity was met by exploring other sports.
“They wanted to play a sport that isn’t usually accessible, Wednesdays sessions deviate away from football to give the kids the opportunity to engage in a different physical activity that they wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to.
“That helps build their confidence when the staff coach them, even though their skill level doesn’t get taken into account, it’s more about taking part and having a feeling of being part of the team.”
For more information about Turn Up & Play, visit here.
Jasmine’s connection with Social Space began just over a year ago, when she and her family moved to the Suffolk area. Jasmine was keen to meet people and make new friends – and that’s exactly what has happened. In fact, some of her friendships have become so strong that her peers stay at Jasmine’s flat when the programme isn’t running, to ensure they can still interaction.
“I don’t believe that there are enough spaces for people my age to go that isn’t just a pub,” Jasmine said. “We need more spaces, more things to do. It doesn’t have to be big; it just needs to be a space.
“We love going to Social Space every Thursday. It’s the one chance to get out of the house and do something that doesn’t involve alcohol.
“We play board games, we cook, I make pancakes for everyone, we put movies on, we chat. It’s about getting out and meeting like-minded people.”
Jenni, a youth worker at Lowestoft’s Colville House, believes it’s “important to give every young person a space where they don’t have to worry about money.”
She continued: “They don’t have to worry about anything else other than being themselves and having fun in a safe environment – we can offer that.”
The pair also spoke about how Social Space has also welcomed a number of LGBTQIA+ people.
Jasmine believes, again, that it’s because of a lack of options and spaces for young LGBTQIA+ people and praised how the Social Space staff make everyone feel welcome.
As for her relationship with Jenni, Jasmine said: “She’s a safe space. She listens to you. She has that positive vibe about and never judges you for anything. Also, she is relaxed and that makes everyone else relaxed.”
Jenni said: “We listen and accept people for who they are.
“We don’t pass judgement, rather we try to understand and say, ‘well I haven’t experienced that, can you tell me a bit more about how that would make someone feel’. Every person you meet has their own unique story.”
Social Space currently runs at Colville House in Lowestoft on Thursdays from 5pm – 8pm. Find out more about Social Space here.
Before using Inspire’s Youth Employment Service, Chantelle was being held back by her anxiety.
The 24-year-old was referred to the programme by the Department of Work and Pensions.
After meeting with YES coach Tony, she explained how she was also struggling with some personal and financial issues. He referred her to Inspire’s Wellbeing service which instantly saw a marked improvement in her confidence and general outlook.
He also set about helping her with her financial problems, including arranging for her to receive a washing machine, donated by a friend, and using our services to her through some tough times.
With this giving her the breathing space she needed, Chantelle and Tony were able to work together to address her main issues, and look for work.
Their efforts quickly paid off, with Chantelle quickly attending an interview in Norwich and securing herself a full time role in telemarketing.
Tony said: “Chantelle has all of the tools needed to succeed, she just needed a little support to get where she needs to go.”
“Inspire have helped me to believe I am capable of doing anything my heart desires,” Chantelle said. “I feel very motivated to keep up the success and to keep thinking positive.”
She added: “Tony is wonderful, he is very helpful and understanding. He is also very supportive with helping you achieve your goals.
“I have got a lot further from where I was and for that I am very grateful.”
“Chantelle has been a pleasure to work with, and I am sure that she will reach her potential and crack on from here,” Tony added.
Find out about Inspire’s YES programme here.
Also read:
‘Inspire’s YES team helped me turn my passion in to a business’
‘Inspire’s Yes programme allowed me to be me again’
Inspire’s Youth Employment Service has helped 17-year-old Shannon find her passion – and turn it into her own business.
Shannon’s mum contacted YES on her behalf, and she soon started sessions with Youth Employment Coach Laura.
During their coaching sessions, they looked at various career opportunities, as well as improving Shannon’s confidence and helping her gain experience by exploring volunteer opportunities at EACH, an opportunity she really embraced.
But it was when she mentioned she was looking after a cat for her mum’s friend that her passion for animals shone through.
“I thought, hang on, I could do something with this,” Shannon said, and from there she started to develop her own business as a dog walker and pet sitter.
“Laura helped me out with business tips and helped me sort out getting insurance,” Shannon added.
Laura also connected her with a program for self-employment support to help her refine her business strategy, and added that Shannon then took the initiative to start designing pamphlets, and look in to relevant courses.
Now her business is steadily growing, and she has a loyal base of new and returning clients who often book her services weeks in advance.
Laura said: “Shannon should be incredibly proud of herself for turning her passion into a thriving business from the ground up.”
“It’s got bigger and bigger and it’s something I want to carry on growing,” Shannon said. “I really do enjoy it.”
Shannon added her thanks to Inspire and the YES service, praising how her journey was supported.
“I’d recommend their services, [the YES team] were really great at helping you figure out what you want to do, and how you go through the process of doing it.”
Find out more about the YES service here.
Also read: ‘Inspire’s support showed me I am capable of more than I thought’
‘Inspire helped me believe I am capable of doing anything my heart desires’
‘Inspire’s Yes programme allowed me to be me again’
Following the six-week Summer Holidays, one mum has praised Inspire’s holiday clubs for helping her son Rhys.
Speaking to Inspire, Karen explained that her son has come from a difficult background, and can struggle with regulating his emotions.
“We had an experience where Rhys was struggling with his feelings, and there was one camp where Rhys lost it,” she said. “He didn’t show himself in his best light, the red mist had descended and he was just really struggling to regulate.
“We got to the point where I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to come again, I got the feeling it was too much. I rang and I spoke to staff, and everybody listened. Mo [Alshammam Project Co-ordinator] took it on board and made changes, there was a space for children who were struggling with the noise, and a greater awareness of what would help.”
She continued: “It really helped Rhys, and after that horrible event we went back and he had the most amazing week. He now asks to go back.
“It just showed that if you give a child what they need, not what they want but what they need, you can really make a difference to them.”
Karen added that she first enrolled Rhys in the summer holiday clubs so he could stay active when he wasn’t at school.
“He did football camp for two weeks, and for me, sport helps so much,” she continued.
“If you’re going to be part of a team, you have to learn how to get a long with people, you’ve got to be able to accept failure from them and yourself, you’ve got to be resilient, there’s so much you need to get from it.
“Being at the holiday camp has been really, really good for him.”
“I would definitely encourage people to come to an Inspire holiday club,” Karen added.
“They have so many activities they can do, it’s engaging, the coaches are great. And if you have any worries about your child fitting it, then ring and talk.
“Rhys has a friend who has autism, he wanted to go but his mum was reluctant, but she rang up and had a chat about his autism and what he needed and he had a really good time at camp. People listen and they understand.”
To book now for holiday club in the October half term, visit here.
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.
NCS – Aimed at 15 – 17 year olds, the National Citizen Service is dedicated to getting young people trying to get the young people interested in learning again. Find out more here.
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
Want to raise some money for Inspire but have no idea where to start? We’ve rounded up some ideas to get you started.
But this is only the beginning. Anyone is welcome to come up with their own fundraising idea, just like these students who took on a Race Against The World inspired challenge, or holding a dinner dance.
Any money raised is absolutely vital to carrying on the work we do – helping young people find their true purpose.
Get Personal
Ever fancied shaving your hair off? Can’t remember what you look like without a beard? Use the opportunity to change your image, and get others involved by sponsoring you!
Hold an event
The end of summer is rapidly approaching, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to now the days are getting colder and darker. Whether you want to go big with a ball, or small with a quiz night, it’s a chance to get people together and raise money for those that need it most.
Bake Sale
It’s traditional, but it’s for a very good reason. It’s low effort, can get all the family involved, and everyone loves cake! Get in the spirit of The Great British Bake Off and see who will take the Star Baker title while raising money for a great cause.
Steps Challenge
We should all be taking more steps in our lives. While the health benefits of taking 10,000 a day are enormous, the average person in the UK is doing just 3,000 to 4,000. So why not set yourself a step challenge for a month, and for every day you reach it, donate £1 to Inspire. It’s the perfect opportunity to get fit and fundraise.
Add a swear box to your workplace
Do you work somewhere where the language is a bit blue and could do with some cleaning up? Why not add a swear box with a list of fines for all the bad words used.
Give something up
Got a terrible energy drink habit? Absolute fiend for a lunchtime chocolate bar? Try giving up a vice for a month, and donate the money you would have spent? Good for you, and good for charity!
Why Inspire?
Inspire has been working with young people for over 10 years – and our work really does save lives.
Not only do we offer free counselling to people aged between 16-25, we also host a number of safe spaces, as well as a number of different programmes that get young people in to work, training or education. For more information, check out our Youth Employment Service or Thrive – the Personal Development Service.
For more information, take a look at our Fundraising Pack.
Six teams of university students have taken on their own version of BBC show Race Across The World with Race Across Norfolk. Their epic quest from Norfolk to Suffolk was all with an aim of raising money for Inspire.
The teams of two all started at the University Of East Anglia (The UEA) at 10am on Wednesday 28 August, and had to arrive at Inspire’s Colville House office in Lowestoft by 3pm the next day.
If the 26 miles between the two points wasn’t enough, they also had to visit five checkpoints, and travel through as many villages as possible, taking photos on along the way as evidence.
The rules were they couldn’t use technology to help their journey, so they could only use a map and compass, and cashless payments were banned.
Arriving at Colville House on little sleep and many, many blisters, the students said how delighted they were to finish their challenge, and raise money for a good cause.
Prizes were given out for the team that visited the most villages, the social media post with the most likes, the most money raised on the way and the most innovative camping spot.
It was Team Three who took the crown, with Freya Standing and Jess Cunliffe being named the overall winners after going through 26 different towns.
“We had a vague plan,” the pair said. “Day one we knew we had our legs on us, our fitness and our energy so we decided to do as many as towns as possible.
“We went a different route to everyone else so I think we picked up a few extra towns that they didn’t manage to get too. It put us in quite a good position today. We wanted to use the train stations as our checkpoints and see the towns.”
But all teams put in noble efforts, including getting inside Norwich football ground for a photo, sleeping out in the open, walking through the night and throwing away their hiking boots after they destroyed their feet.
Their incredible effort raised over £1500 for Inspire, money which is crucial in continuing all our work.
The event was thought up by UEA student and social secretary Mia Everitt. Speaking of her own journey in the race alongside teammate Josh, she said: “We always planned to walk through the night, so we knew that if anything went wrong, we’d have some leeway with being able to make up the time.
“We did end up laying down for three hours, but we didn’t sleep because it was so cold. We were right by a river which aesthetically is really lovely, but in reality the draft it brings is freezing.”
She added: “I feel like if you don’t have blisters, you don’t appreciate how challenging it is.
“They are like a medal without having a medal. It shows how difficult what you’ve done is.”
To donate to their JustGiving page, visit here. You can see their whole journey here.
It’s officially the end of the summer holidays which also means the end of our school holiday club.
Over the past six weeks, over 3,500 spaces have been booked across Ipswich and Lowestoft with children joining our Football, Multi-sport and Creative camps. They’ve been playing matches, learning dances and gymnastics, and creating arts and crafts to bring home.
Speaking to Inspire about how the club has boosted her son Logan’s confidence, Mum Jade said: “He signed up for football for the whole six weeks, but he has been dipping in and out of arts and crafts and multi-sport.
“I’ve definitely noticed a difference in his confidence. He is quite happy to run straight in each morning, the staff are there for him and he’s happy to chat to them.
“He comes home and tells me all the different things he’s been doing, all the new friends he’s made, I’d definitely recommend Inspire!”
Logan added: “I like playing Outside Tag, Tails and Dodgeball. I’ve made lots of friends and I’m more confident. I like going and playing with my friends. We have fun.”
Inspire’s Head Coach Max added: “Logan was very shy, but over the six weeks he’s just gained so much confidence. He’s made a lot of friends.
“He’s really made connections with the staff and the kids, he’s a different child now.”
Jade continued that Logan was also attending our Turn Up And Play sessions, saying: “He absolutely loves going and looks forward to it every week.
“He just feels so at home there, they’ve all made him feel so welcome.”
To book a place at our holiday club for October half term, visit here.
The UK is experiencing worsening NEET rates, with the percentage of young people not in education, employment or training growing in the last three years.
The latest ONS figures show NEET rates are now at 872,000, over a quarter of a million more than three years ago.
Jackie Partridge, the Project Manager for Inspire’s Post 16 services, said: “Everyone keeps saying we shouldn’t be blaming Covid, but it is a reaction from it. All those young people who were indoors for two years are then having to start again.
“There’s been a lot of mental health issues since Covid – social interactions are different now.”
She added that the UK job market could be better to help young people get into work.
A recent study of jobseekers from StandOutCV found that for one low-skilled position, over 500 people are applying for each role. It added that 98% of large companies use automated systems to review CVs, with only 1 in 4 actually reaching a human.
“Apprenticeships are few and far between. Young people assume they can do an apprenticeship, but getting one is really, really difficult. You’re going up against a lot of young people, especially in certain industries,” Jackie added.
“There are some sectors that don’t have Apprenticeships. Young people are the future workforce and businesses could be doing to encourage people to work in their sector. There needs to be more apprenticeships.”
Inspire’s Youth Development Tutor Jenni Colvin said: “I think Covid has been brushed under the carpet.
“Young people have missed so much of their education; years have been disrupted in their education. Confidence is at rock bottom, so they need a little bit of a push and support in how to find jobs.
“In Lowestoft we are such a deprived area, jobs are so few and far between. You go for one job and are up against a thousand others. Sometimes they just need a little bit of support and understanding. I didn’t know what I needed to do when I was 18.
“They don’t realise how many opportunities are out there for them.”
At Inspire, we have a number of programmes to help NEET young people and get them into work, training or education including the Youth Employment Service (YES).
“Our model incorporates well-being, holistic working – we’re not going back to meeting in a classroom,” Jackie continued. “We’ll meet you where you feel comfortable. It’s there to support how and when they need it. The YES service has 1-to-1 support.
“They can meet someone and start afresh, there’s no real timeline as to what the pathway is so we can support you on any direction.”
We also have Thrive, the Personal Development Service, where support is offered in the form of one-to-one coaching over a 10-week period.
Thrive helps direct young people find out what they need to be able to confidently make their next move. For more information about Thrive, read here.
To find out how YES can help, read our case studies here.
According to the NHS, the average Brit walks between 3,000 and 4,000 steps a day. Yet the benefits of walking 10,000 steps every day are enormous.
Studies have found that those who walk more have lower risks of developing diabetes or having a stroke. Walking can also lower the risk of heart disease by 50%.
On top of that, regular walking also improves lung capacity, reduces knee joint pain for those with arthritis, and reduces the symptoms of depression.
Not bad for a free exercise with no equipment needed.
This September, we’re encouraging everyone to join September Steps as part of LJFitness’ 2024 Charity Event.
Set yourself a walking target that’s going to challenge you, whether that be 5,000 or 15,000 steps. For every day you complete your challenge, donate £1 to Inspire.
You can also join the Facebook Group to share how you are doing with your target, and join others to keep each other motivated. Participants will also be invited to a special event at Paddy & Scott’s in Ipswich on September 29th to meet everyone else who took part, and celebrate the end of the challenge, how many steps were taken, and how much was raised for Inspire.
Ways to walk more
If you’re trying to fit a few more steps into your daily routine, here’s a few ways to up your count.
Go on a family walk
Walking benefits everyone, especially children with better moods, improved sleep and quality family time all reasons to take the family for an after dinner walk.
Keep hydrated
Take a reusable water bottle everywhere with you. Not only will you have to go and fill it up, but you’ll probably end up walking to the bathroom more.
Walk while you binge
It’s not rocket science to say spending hours sitting watching Netflix isn’t the best thing for your health, so take your show outside. If you can only binge when you’re walking, you might be more inclined to get out.
Make it fun with an app
Remember when everyone was outside hunting Pokemon with Pokemon Go? There’s no reason to not dust it off again and go collecting in the name of your step count.
If that’s not up your street, there are numerous apps that make walking more fun. Like Run, Zombies where you follow a story to collect vital supplies, rescue survivors, and find a cure for the zombie plague. Or Walkr: Fitness Space Adventure, where the more you walk, the more power you get for your spaceship to explore planets.
Suggest a walking meeting
It won’t be long before the winters start drawing in. So why not suggest making the most of the weather by taking your meetings outdoors?
Find out more about the September Steps challenge here.
Suffolk-based Portable Space has provided Inspire with external changing facilities as part of their promise to invest in more opportunities for young people.
The loan will ensure that all football spaces at Inspire’s Lindbergh Road site can be used for activities and programmes.
Portable Space managing director Mark Dolman shared why he felt it was important to support the charity.
“We’re a company that invests heavily in youth development and trying to bring young people through,” he said. “I think it’s an important way for a business to progress.
“Inspire works with young people who often get forgotten about and don’t get the help and support they need, but there is a huge amount of potential in that pool of people.
“We have to try to get them in the working environment and help them be successful.”
He continued: “I think there’s a really important step between the ages of 16 and 21, where young people get to develop and are given opportunities.”
Mark also spoke about his own career journey. After leaving school with no qualifications, he worked numerous jobs, joining Portable Spaces 11 years ago as a hire controller and working his way up.
“I love people that have passion, drive and energy, but maybe not the qualifications or support network to help harness them,” he continued. “I think what I recognise is the amount of talent there is in people.”
Inspire CEO Terry Baxter added: “We are so grateful to Portable Space, a great Suffolk-based business, for their support in providing outdoor changing and toilet facilities at our Lindbergh Road site in Ipswich.
“Following the development of our grass and all-weather pitches, these portable units provide a brilliant space for teams to change and use other facilities. Thank you, Portable Spaces!”