Youth Social Action

Suffolk’s Youth Social Action programme empowers young people to turn their ideas into real projects that will make a difference in their communities.
It’s led by young people and delivered with support from Suffolk County Council, Volunteering Matters and local partners and organisations that support young people in Suffolk.

The programme will see a series of youth-led “Hackathon” events taking place across Suffolk, where young people can come together to explore local issues, develop project ideas and decide which ideas should be taken forward.
Selected projects from the Hackathons will receive funding and practical support from a local organisation, school or community group to help make them happen.

The programme is for any young person aged 11 to 20 years old (up to 25 for young people with SEND or additional needs).

Hackathons will be arranged with schools, colleges, youth groups or community organisations to bring young people together to discuss and share project ideas they can take forward to improve support for young people in Suffolk.

What is a ‘Hackathon’ or ‘Hack’?
‘Hacks’ are interactive, in-person events designed to generate creative, practical solutions to the challenges young people face. 

Speak to your school, college, youth group leader, if you’re a young person who would like to take part in a Hackathon.

I am a Suffolk organisation – how can I get involved?

I would like to host a Hackathon event

If you’re a school, college, youth group or community organisation are interested in hosting a Youth Social Action Hackathon event to help young people turn their ideas into action, please contact: [email protected] for more info.

I would like to help turn young people’s ideas into action

Schools, colleges and organisations interested in supporting us to turn our young people’s ideas into reality, can complete the Stage 1 Pre-Application Form to express their interest.

Completing the application form does not guarantee funding for a project. It helps the Council’s Public Health Team, to build a list of organisations who may be able to work with young people to help them achieve their project ideas.

1. A school nurse to speak to anonymously afterschool instead of lunchtime.
   
   
2. More funding for the Duke of Edinburgh Award – “It’s useful, but we can’t afford it.”
   
   
3. An App to help with my studies.

1. Sports Centres – more access to them.
   
2. Wellbeing Training – on symptoms of mental health issues, offer advice to students, parents, teachers, pupils, and social care. Add to school curriculum. Mental Health First Aiders. More posters and social media coverage for awareness of wellbeing support in Ipswich.
   
3. Youth Activity Centre run by young people – A fun, bright and colourful space to access all kinds of activities to help with overall wellbeing – like Karaoke, discos, puzzles, quizzes, and arts and craft activities.

• Build a gym for young people – Age limit 10-17 year olds, include a café to chill and relax. Have young people aged 14-17 work there. Open from 6am to 10pm. Include separate areas for girls and boys.
• Free feminine (sanitary products) – Because prices are so high for girls and it’s not our choice to have periods.
• Cheaper food and better portion size – And have a sushi or smoothie bar in school.
• Youth Clubs and Sports Clubs – To give young people more opportunities to connect with each other and help them find things to do when social media ban comes in.
• Free Swimming Pool Sessions – Individual sessions for young adults, weekends and holidays and advertise through schools.
• More time for job opportunities in Year 10 – Work experience to try 4 jobs over one month (one per week)
• Free or cheaper transport – For buses and more available buses to go around town and villages.
• After School Tutoring – Subjects Maths, Sciences, English. Make access online for young people who can’t stay after school. And Free Music lessons.