Meeting Inspire Suffolk CEO
Today I met with Terry Baxter, the CEO of Inspire Suffolk, after the great news that they received £1,360,512 of new funding from the Government established Youth Investment Fund. I have visited Inspire Suffolk many times over my time as MP for Ipswich and seen the important work they do in creating a safe space for youth development. I have previously shown two Minister’s this amazing local charity, most recently Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies MP and previously Vicky Ford MP has visited who at the time was Minister for Children and Families. The new investment shows that the Government have acknowledged the great work Inspire are doing in regards to supporting the fitness and mental well-being of Suffolk.
Inspire will be using a section of their money on refurbishing their current facilities, to better support their work and to give them the tools to support young people. The investment will enable them to build a youth-focused indoor space and facilities, where young people can feel safe to play or hang out, alongside being able to employ more youth workers.
This investment will allow them to take a more holistic approach to youth development. Not just covering education and employable skills but also mental health and creating a safe space for people to socialise. Allowing people to be more rounded and not just helped at surface level. Priory Heath ward is in the 10% most deprived wards in the country, showing how important and necessary this new funding is.
It makes complete sense to not only focus on young people’s educational training and skills in achieving a career, but also giving young people the tools and support to handle mental health issues.
Suffolk University has also put £1.5 million into the sporting facilities at Inspire Suffolk, so the ward and the University will have access these sport fields.
It is great to hear that the digger will be starting on the field in two weeks and the work on Inspire Suffolk is planned to start in November. I look forward to Inspire Suffolk continuing to help our youth and giving them the necessary life skills to thrive and succeed.
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