Skip to content

Charities that help young people get £340k boost

Liz NiceSuffolk
Suffolk Community Foundation Young women are celebrating the news of their funding with their arms in the air. There are six of them, one is holding a poster, another has headphones hanging out of her ears. They are in a room with a white wall covered in posters. Suffolk Community Foundation
Young people at the Future Female Society join the celebrations

Charities that support young people in Suffolk are celebrating after getting a share of a £340,000 funding pot.

The Suffolk Futures Fund (SFF), which helps organisations working with 16-25-year-olds, was launched in 2025 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Suffolk Community Foundation.

The Nest Farms, for those unable to access full-time education or work due to mental health challenges, is one of the organisations benefiting.

"Support like this is truly life-changing for our young people," said Hannah Tuckwell, its CEO and founder.

Hannah Tuckwell is standing in front of a barn. She is wearing a green coat and a light blue bobble hat. Behind her, on a bed of straw, a number of sheep and lambs are standing.
Hannah Tuckwell, founder of The Nest, based at Kettleburgh, near Framlingham

Tuckwell said the money for The Nest would fund 15 placements over the next three years.

"[The grant] will give vital mental health support in a safe and nurturing environment, meaning a brighter future for young lives across Suffolk," she said.

The SFF cash has been distributed to 11 projects that between them provide training programmes, work experience, support groups and one-to-one mentoring.

Kim Trotter is standing in a bay window. She is wearing a white jumper which has a lace detail. She is smiling. Part of a garden is visible behind her.
Kim Trotter says the Future Female Society was very thankful for the funding

The Future Female Society, based in Ipswich, was also awarded a grant.

Kim Trotter, its CEO and founder, said: "It means we will not only be able to continue supporting young girls with their creative activism, but also provide additional support and workshops that will offer guidance around key transition moments.

"We are very thankful and excited for the young people who will benefit from it."

Head-and-shoulder shot of Hannah in a blue and white blouse. She has long blonde hair and glasses. She is smiling.
CEO of the Suffolk Community Foundation, Hannah Bloom, says young people now face particular challenges

Hannah Bloom, CEO of the Suffolk Community Foundation, said the 16-25 age group faced "very specific challenges".

"This includes increasing difficulties with mental health, as well as barriers to reaching their potential in relation to housing, employment, skills and training," she added.

"We are delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary by raising [this] money.

"The young people of today will have a significant impact on the future of our county, so investing in them now will leave a lasting and positive legacy for Suffolk."

The nine other charities to benefit from the fund are: Abbeycroft Leisure, West Suffolk; EPIC Dad, West Suffolk; For Children and Young People, Ipswich; Haverhill Community Trust's Boost on Track programme; Inspire Suffolk, Ipswich, Lowestoft and Hadleigh; Level Two Youth Project, Felixstowe and surrounding villages; Lofty Heights, Ipswich; Murrayside Community Development, Ipswich and Suffolk Refugee Support.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links