New Suffolk service called Thrive to support NEET young people and adults to launch on June 11

A new bespoke service aims to provide targeted support for Suffolk young people and adults classed as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

‘Thrive: Suffolk Skills and Employment Service’ is a partnership led by Suffolk New College, with West Suffolk College, East Coast College, Inspire Suffolk, Lofty Heights, Anglia Care Trust and Access Community Trust.

It is funded by the borough and district councils in Suffolk who have combined their grant allocations from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The initiative is designed to provide targeted support and opportunities for NEET young people and adults, helping them to navigate their unique challenges and access the full spectrum of education, training, and employment opportunities available within the county.

The programme begins with a common triage and initial engagement process, ensuring that each participant receives tailored guidance from the outset.

From there, individuals can access two linked support pathways, each providing ‘robust and continuous’ assistance towards their employment and education goals.

The initial contract for the Thrive programme is set for one year, with the potential for extension to a second year pending additional Government funding.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for growth at West Suffolk Council, said: "We are thrilled to partner with the district councils to develop Thrive.

“This programme is a crucial step in empowering residents and supporting sustainable growth across Suffolk, offering the support and opportunities needed to transition individuals from unemployment to meaningful careers and educational pathways, of which I believe we have some unique opportunities in West Suffolk.

“Together, we aim to create thriving communities with lasting positive change for NEET young people and economically inactive adults across Suffolk."

Cllr Toby Hammond, cabinet member for economic development and transport at East Suffolk Council, said the programme allows them to provide ‘a bespoke journey of support for sometimes hard-to-reach people’, giving them the chance to overcome barriers, secure a pathway into employment and take control of their futures.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson said Thrive would not only create immediate opportunities but also contribute to long-term economic growth.

Cllr Teresa Davis, cabinet member for thriving towns and rural communities at Mid Suffolk District Council, said everyone’s journey was unique, so by providing a system tailored to those who need it, they hope to enable people to carve out their own paths.

Cllr Derek Davis, cabinet member for economic growth at Babergh District Council, added: “Thrive will give people the chance they deserve to develop themselves professionally and I would encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit from the service to get involved.”

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, said: “We are incredibly excited to be leading the Thrive project and are looking forward to working with a brilliant set of partners who share our passion for ensuring everyone in Suffolk gets the chance to achieve their potential.

“We are passionate about supporting people of all ages to achieve positive outcomes so this project is very close to our hearts.”

Thrive for Young People offers a triage and personal development service led by Inspire Suffolk, with additional activity packages from Lofty Heights.

The Thrive for Adults triage and personal development service is led by Access Community Trust in East Suffolk and West Suffolk, and by Anglia Care Trust in Ipswich and Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

Suffolk New College, East Coast College and West Suffolk College offer follow-on progression coach services for those who are ready to explore employment and training opportunities.

More information and referral forms can be found here.

Thrive: Suffolk Skills and Employment Service will launch on June 11.