Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils have introduced a new scheme to improve the wellbeing of young people in schools and connect them with their communities.
Launching in four schools across the district, the purpose of the project is to act as an early intervention for students, addressing vulnerabilities such as low self-esteem while helping them develop important skills and forge new relationships.
This is being achieved through the implementation of a ‘youth link worker’ in the schools and will complement existing work that already takes place.
These workers have been embedded in time for the start of the new term and will work with young people and their families to identify and access community activities that suit their interests.
They will also work to overcome any barriers that are in the way of individuals participating in the activity they are interested in. This might involve setting up new after-school clubs, securing new equipment, improving facilities and beyond.
To ensure that these actions can be taken, an enabling fund has been set up to run alongside the scheme.
In Babergh, Holbrook Academy is involved in the project and in Mid Suffolk, Thurston Community College, Stowmarket High School and Stowupland High School each have a youth link worker in place.
But it’s not just high schools that are benefitting. The youth link workers are also responsible for checking in with the primary schools in their area to consider what support is required to help their pupils stay active and make great connections, as well as hearing the schools’ view on current projects such as the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) programme and Crucial Crew.
The day-to-day work of the project is being carried out by two local youth charities that are long-term partners of the councils – 4YP in Babergh and The Mix in Mid Suffolk.
The project will run for three academic years to ensure a consistent presence in the schools and provide long-term support to those who need it.
Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said:
“The wellbeing of our young people is so important and I’m hoping this project will have a really positive impact on those that use the service.
“In Mid Suffolk, we have a well-established relationship with The Mix and it’s great that we can continue our work with this crucial charity in this way.”
Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council cabinet member for people and place, said:
“Every young person should have access to activities that interest and inspire them.
“This project at Holbrook Academy will give the students the opportunity to make some great connections and offer enriched and fulfilling experiences.”
Scarlett McMurtry, Youth Work Manager at 4YP, said:
“We are already working within 18 schools across the county and have seen, first-hand, the benefits to young people when they have access to youth work support at their schools.
“We hope to see really positive outcomes at Holbrook Academy, including improvements in student engagement in activities, health and wellbeing, which in turn lead to greater self-esteem and resilience.
“At 4YP, we believe that all young people should have access to this type of support and the benefits of having a positive school experience.”
Sam Petersen, Youth Work Director at The Mix, said:
“The Mix are delighted to have been awarded this scheme, which enables us to expand our partnerships with local schools and play an important role in connecting our communities.
“Through a network of partnerships, our aim is to empower young people to live healthier and more connected lives, with increased access to enriching opportunities, both in school and out of school.”
