A Suffolk initiative to help people of all ages get back to work has helped 700 people in under six months.
The project called ‘Thrive’ is a partnership led by Suffolk New College who are working with a host of partners to provide targeted support and opportunities for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people – and economically inactive adults across Suffolk.
Suffolk New College has been joined by West Suffolk College, East Coast College, Inspire Suffolk, Lofty Heights, Anglia Care Trust and Access Community Trust.
This innovative programme has been 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 to deliver this bespoke service, coordinated by Suffolk County Council.
To celebrate the progress that is being made by Thrive, those involved all met up to reflect on some of their successes during an occasion that was hosted by Chefs’ Whites restaurant at Suffolk New College in Ipswich.
During the event, many of the partners reflected on their involvement and gave their thoughts on Thrive so far.
Claire Flowers is the education and skills manager at Lofty Heights. Claire said: “We have run a variety of programmes ranging from animal care to barista training as well as construction and customer service courses to help engage with young people and help them gain more skills and confidence to go back into education or employment. We have worked with 114 people so far who have engaged with us and over 60% have gone on to progress to their next steps.
“One young person came to us, wanted to do roofing, he got work experience at a local company and after two weeks he got paid work and he has just started an apprenticeship having been with the firm for six months. He was lost and he is now thriving – and he is just one of many.”
Rachel Bunn is the skills director at East Coast College. Rachel said: “We support the delivery in Waveney and East Suffolk – working with partners who are NEET or adults who are looking for work. We started in August 2024 and Thrive allows us to tailor make individual support for people.
“We are seeing people who have never come into college in their lives, come in and see us and then go on and start training programmes. It’s having a really positive impact.”
Colin Fordham is the lead progression coach for Thrive working for West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group. Colin said: “This is an amazing project that needs to continue as there is a massive need for it. So far, we have supported 154 people, and 74 have gone on to progress and improve their lives. We have had some marvellous success stories including a female who was struggling with mental health issues, she studied maths with us and has now got a part time job. Whatever it is that people need – Thrive can help them.”
Lauren Goulder is the operational delivery manager of employment and life opportunities at the Access Community Trust. Lauren said: “We cover the adult side of the project in conjunction with Anglia Care Trust. We work with anyone over the age of 25 and help them along the road to employment. Through Thrive, we have helped around 60 people. One individual we have supported came to us with mental health issues. Now they have got back on track and they want to go into helping other people who have mental health problems as a job – having been helped themselves via Thrive.”
In terms of a wider message to the general public. Lauren added: “I think we all need to come together as a community to help each other.”
Emma Taylor works for Suffolk New College and is the project lead for Thrive, working with her colleague Lisa Brazier. Emma said: “This is an initial one year and £1m project. At the six-month stage and at the time of going to press, we have engaged with around 700 people, 131 have gained additional life skills, 80 people have gained a qualification, 76 have gone into education and 59 people have managed to get a job. We are passionate about combining the skills and expertise from the education and voluntary sectors to help provide hope and opportunities to people of all ages living in the county – and we are very grateful to our funding partners for supporting this powerful and unique collaboration.”
Michael Gray from Suffolk County Council spoke at this event on behalf of all of the funding partners. He said: “I’d like to thank all of my colleagues at Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils for their commitment and perseverance as well as the entire delivery partnership. Hearing some of the case studies and the impact this is having on individual lives has been inspiring. What we do really well in Suffolk is work collaboratively together for the benefit of people who live here – and Thrive is a great example of this.”
Liam Covey, 20 from Suffolk is a young person who has benefited from the scheme. Liam said: “Thrive has helped with my confidence. I’m currently applying for jobs and I recently had an interview. I want to find work, learn to drive and travel in the future. I’d recommend Thrive to anyone who needs help with their confidence and needs support in finding a job.”