In several of my monthly blogs I have featured what I am doing to support our young people in Suffolk. It is something of a cliché to say they are our future but what I do know is if society does not deliver a great deal more support and encouragement for those who have just entered the workforce, or are still at school, there could be big problems ahead.
When I reflect on my early years, I suppose it is fair to say matters were rather more certain, especially for youngsters like me who were brought up in the countryside. There were not the distractions of modern technology or instant communication and, life in general, seemed to be much more certain, although I appreciate I was very lucky to have benefitted from a good education, a wide circle of friends and very strong family bonds.
Maybe it is that reflection of happy times at school that has helped shape my time as Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner to do what I can to help young people. Too many boys and girls have not had the best of times at school (primary and secondary), and little family love and care.
One project I have, and am, supporting is the Divert Programme run by the Ipswich Town Football Club’s charitable foundation. Some of the individuals’ stories I have heard about really are heart-breaking, but I have been privileged to see at first-hand how lives are turned around by those involved in this initiative. That provides ample reassurance for me - based on results, to continue giving one hundred percent backing to the Divert team.
Initially the project provided a wide range of activities (largely non-academic) to improve individual self-esteem and confidence, and help attendees make the right choices in life while pointing out what the potential consequences are if things went wrong. After all, getting into serious trouble or criminality can seriously damage your lifetime prospects. When I hear that some children have been brought up in violent and abusive households, or with absent fathers serving time in jail; too many have been expelled from school (or perhaps rarely attended) because they consider education irrelevant and a waste of time. Such situations are no good for the individual and no good at all for Suffolk.
The success rate of Divert is extraordinary and nearly all those who have attended the courses have ended up with far greater confidence and employability as a result. This applies equally to those in care and when I hear comments like, ‘I have got my son back’, I know that this investment of taxpayers’ money is worth its weight in gold.
The range of activities is remarkable, although it is not just concentrated on football and other sports – important though they are. I am a keen advocate of healthy body and mind through physical exercise.
Activities such as Podcasts are offered along-side relationship advice, help with job applications and even work placements. The link with another great Suffolk charity, Combat2Coffee helps develop practical and interpersonal skills… and they learn to make great cups of coffee!
The Ipswich Town Foundation links with health organisations, even providing dentistry for children which is something far too often taken for granted by society. Improved public heath must be good news for us all. This is a great example for what can be achieved by working together and in my role reducing demand on the Constabulary is especially welcome.
As a result of the initial success, I was delighted to meet representatives of the Premier League Foundation towards the end of last season, and, consequently, can now confirm they have matched our latest Divert funding on an equal basis for the next project. This exciting new programme focuses on primary school children. In short, I think we all know prevention is far better than cure – not just because of the pound notes involved but for the individuals too. Economically it makes absolute sense considering each prison place costs nearly £60,000 per year and far too often prisoners find it extremely challenging to find gainful long-term employment when released. So why not try to stop this happening in the first place? I cannot wait to visit the Foundation again and see for myself the great work being done.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone involved and reassure them they really are helping to make Suffolk a better place to live, work, travel and invest!
Published in East Anglian Daily Times in August 2025