22ND November - Jack Writes: Ipswich is stronger, brighter and better because of its young people

Ipswich is a special town, and if you needed reminding of that, you only had to pop down to St Stephen’s Church on Wednesday to find out why.

I had the privilege of joining young people, charities, community groups, and local businesses for the #iWill Week celebration.

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing, a mix of excitement, pride, and the unmistakable energy young people bring when they are given the space to lead.

#iWill Week is a national celebration of youth social action, the volunteering, campaigning, fundraising, activism, and leadership young people take on to improve their communities.

Every year, it shines a spotlight on the young people driving change, the organisations supporting them, and the values they stand for.

This year’s theme, "What do you stand for?", encouraged young people to reflect on the principles that guide them and the future they want to shape.

I sometimes hear that young people aren’t engaged, that they’re not interested in politics or their communities, but here in Ipswich, that narrative doesn’t hold up.

Every time I speak with young people, I’m struck by how informed, curious, and committed they are.

They ask challenging questions, speak honestly about the issues affecting them, and, crucially, want to be part of the solution.

#iWill Ambassadors opened Wednesday’s event with confidence and purpose, setting the tone for an afternoon overflowing with ideas, creativity, and leadership.

Representatives from across Ipswich, charities, educators, and business leaders, came together, united by a shared belief: when young people thrive, our town thrives.

A major highlight was welcoming new organisations to the Power of Youth Charter.

This isn’t simply symbolic; it is a public commitment to give young people real influence.

Signatories pledge to support youth social action, open up decision-making, collaborate across sectors, and recognise the impact young people are already having.

In short, it’s a promise to share power with young people.

I have proudly supported the Charter for some time, becoming a signatory even before being elected as Ipswich’s MP.

I know decisions affecting young people shouldn’t be made without them.

Ipswich now has 54 signatories, the most outside of London, from arts organisations and charities to media outlets and major employers.

The event also saw the launch of the Ipswich Index, a living map of young changemakers shaping our community, and premiered the national #iWill Week film telling the story of Ipswich becoming the UK’s first Town of Youth Social Action, a journey that has inspired seven more towns and cities nationwide to join the movement.

Ipswich’s young people have also helped shape our Government’s new National Youth Strategy which will be published in the near future.

Through the Deliver You campaign, more than 14,000 young people shared their views, many from our town.

Their message was clear: they do not want adults speaking for them; they want a stake in shaping decisions that affect their lives.

In Ipswich, we have already shown what that looks like.

Earlier this year, I ran a Summer School for young people in Ipswich and Suffolk.

This was about public service, community, opportunity and ambition, and it inspired me as much as I hope it inspired them.

More than 1,250 young people have taken part in youth hacks across Ipswich this year alone, including the one I hosted over the summer, and these have tackled issues from mental health to SEND provision, and online safety to youth violence.

These aren’t box-ticking exercises; they are spaces where young people lead, innovate, and force us to think differently.

So Wednesday wasn’t just a celebration of what has been achieved.

It was a reminder of what becomes possible when young people are trusted, supported and empowered.

To all the organisations that have signed the Charter, to Volunteering Matters and the local partners driving this movement, and to the teachers, youth workers, and community champions inspiring our young people, thank you.

And to the every young person who filled that room and our town with energy, honesty, and hope, your voice and your leadership matters.

Ipswich is stronger, brighter, and better because of you.