12th May- Jack Abbott attends Young People's 'Deliver You' Hack

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the 'Deliver You' Hack in Ipswich, hosted at DanceEast by the #iwill movement and Volunteering Matters.

It was part of the campaign that looks to shape our Government’s 10-year National Youth Strategy, a vision to tackle the challenges facing this generation and ensure every young person can thrive.

Ipswich was selected as one of just six regional hosts across the country, and, as ever, we rose to the occasion.

150 primary school pupils came together to identify the issues that matter most to them and, more importantly, to build the solutions. No one looked to the adults in the room for a blueprint; they didn’t need one. The ideas came directly from our young people, shaped by what they see, know, and experience every day, and driven by a clear determination to shape their own future.

That is exactly what the National Youth Strategy must be: youth-led, locally rooted, and focused on action, not just consultation. Ipswich showed what that looks like, and why it matters.

Last year, I proudly signed the Power of Youth Charter, and Ipswich holds the distinction of being the first Town of Social Action, a recognition of the commitment our community has made to empowering young people and championing their voices. 

This 'Deliver You' Hack helped fulfil that promise.