Businesses from across Suffolk welcomed students back to a new year of study and helped highlight the importance of offering educational opportunities in rural areas.
They did so at the annual Freshers Fair held at Suffolk New College On the Coast campus situated in Halesworth.
Several organisations backed the event, handing out freebies and advice to over 100 students who attend a centre (Halesworth) that was first opened in 2020.
The businesses that came along included Active Suffolk, Break Even, Iceni Taekwon-do, Knowing Works, The Stone Foundation, Suffolk Police and the Suffolk Fire Service.
Oliver Ambrose is a Place Development Officer for Active Suffolk, and he is also a former sports student who attended Suffolk New College. He said: “Our role is to help people ‘move forward to be better’. We came to connect with the community and learn from young people in terms of what they need from us.”
On the college, he added: “It’s nice to come back and connect (with the college). I think what they are doing is excellent (in terms of supporting the local community). There are so many barriers around travel, so bringing education to young people (in rural areas) is key.”
Jo Wood is a Tenancy Success Coach for The Stone Foundation, offering support to people living in Suffolk to enable them to live independently. She said: “We are all about setting people up for success. Some students might be living away from home, so we want to help them live well.
I’ve never been here before, but I think any place that can raise standards of young people is good.”
Amanda Langley is an Engagement Community Officer at Knowing Works – an independent listening organisation where people can share their experiences of accessing health facilities in the community. She said: “My message to young people is: come and speak to us, as change happens when everyone gets involved in change.”
In terms of the College On the Coast, she said: “This is my first visit to Halesworth. It’s wonderful out here, and it’s great people can access the same level of education in rural areas as they can in the big towns.”
Lauren Vinson works for Break Even as an Assessment and Data Manager – a charity that supports those affected by gambling. She said: “Statistics suggest that one in twenty people are affected by gambling.
“My message (about gambling) is to reach out, as there is plenty of support.
In regard to Suffolk New College and their mission to support people living in rural communities, she added: “My daughter has just started at Suffolk Rural and has got 100% attendance, and that is the first time that’s happened in five years maybe. The impact that the college is having in rural areas is significant.”
Midge and Susie Bedingfield came along from Iceni Takwon-to passionately promote the sport that they love. Midge said: “We came along as we love to help people and build their confidence up. It was our first time here, and it was a chance to talk to some of the youngsters.”
Sherry Storer is the Head of Suffolk New College On The Coast in Halesworth. She said: “It’s important that students are welcomed to the campus and that they know the various agencies are out there that can support them on their journey with us. A big thanks to the community for rallying around and coming along to this event.”
Ruby Molloy, 16, from Lowestoft attended the Freshers Fair. She said: “It was really good to understand a bit more about (local things) and the support that is out there. I loved it.”