£340,000 boost for Suffolk’s young people
Hundreds of young people are being given a helping hand to overcome challenges with mental health, education, housing and employment thanks to a new fund celebrating the 20th anniversary of Suffolk Community Foundation.
The Foundation marked its milestone anniversary in 2025 by creating the Suffolk Futures Fund, to support organisations working with 16 to 25 year olds. The fund was launched with an ambitious aim of raising £200,000 which could be match funded by 50% from a legacy gift. However, thanks to the generosity of donors such as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Suffolk County Council and the Festival of Suffolk, along with many individuals, a fund of £340,000 was created, far surpassing the initial target.
Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “I am pleased to be one of the main contributors to this Suffolk Futures Fund. The initial grant from my office of £80,000 has been match-funded which, along with the generous philanthropic donations, has grown the fund to over £300,000. This is great news for young people in Suffolk, and excellent value for the taxpayer.
“The Suffolk Futures Fund will make a significant difference to many young people across the county, many of whom have had a lousy deal in life. This project has the potential to be life-changing to those benefitting from it and I am delighted that we have been able to play our part.”
The money has now been distributed to 11 projects across the county, ranging from training programmes and work experience to support groups and one-to-one mentoring.
Among those to benefit is The Nest Farms, which helps young people in east Suffolk who are unable to access full-time education or work due to mental health challenges to develop resilience, cultivate emotional strength and build skills.
Hannah Tuckwell, CEO and founder, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Suffolk Futures Fund. Support like this is truly life-changing for our young people and will fund a total of 15 placements at The Nest over the next three years. The Nest will give vital mental health support in a safe and nurturing environment, meaning a brighter future for young lives across Suffolk.”
Future Female Society, which is based in Ipswich, was also awarded a grant to provide workshops for young women and additional support during challenging times.
Kim Trotter, CEO and founder, said: “Receiving the Suffolk Futures grant has been incredible for us. It means we will not only be able to continue supporting young girls with their creative activism, but provide some additional support and workshops that will offer guidance around key transition moments. We are very thankful for this funding and excited for the young people that will benefit from it.”
Hannah Bloom, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “This age group is facing some new and very specific challenges which the generations before them were lucky enough to avoid. This includes increasing difficulties with mental health, as well as barriers to reaching their potential in relation to housing, employment, skills and training.
“We are delighted that we were able to celebrate our 20th anniversary by raising money to support this group. The young people of today will have a significant impact on the future of our county, so investing in them now will leave a lasting and positive legacy for Suffolk.”
Organisations benefitting from the fund are:
- Abbeycroft Leisure, West Suffolk – a leisure, recreation and business training programme for 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training to support their transition into work.
- EPIC Dad, West Suffolk – a young fathers’ project.
- For Children and Young People, Ipswich – an initiative supporting positive wellbeing for children and young people.
- Future Female Society, Ipswich – a three-year programme offering weekly sessions and seasonal workshops to support young women aged between 16 and 25-years-old.
- Haverhill Community Trust’s Boost on Track programme – which equips young people with the tools, confidence and opportunities to thrive in education, employment and life.
- Inspire Suffolk, Ipswich, Lowestoft and Hadleigh – which provides group work, mentoring and inclusive, safe spaces for young people.
- Level Two Youth Project, Felixstowe and surrounding villages – which offers young adults sessions, LGBTQ+ peer support and one to one mentoring for young people aged 16 and over.
- Lofty Heights, Ipswich – which is providing a ‘Foundations for the Future’ construction course.
- Murrayside Community Development, Ipswich – which offers education and skills development for young people who are disengaged from mainstream education.
- Suffolk Refugee Support, Suffolk-wide – which offers structured work experience placements for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and care leavers.
- The Nest Farms, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Leiston and Felixstowe – which supports vulnerable young people in Suffolk to build resilience, emotional wellbeing and practical skills through structured, therapeutic farm-based learning.
PHOTO: Tim Passmore is picture above at a recent visit to Lofty Heights