National Youth Strategy in Ipswich
#DeliverYou
Small people. Big impact.
Ipswich has played host to one of six National Youth Strategy ‘Hack’ events, bringing together 150 young people from across Suffolk to have their say on the future of youth services in England. Volunteering Matters collaborated with schools from the Active Learning Trust and ASSET Trust to engage students from ages 10 – 16 to take part in the Hack.
This dynamic event, taking place on Friday 2 May at DanceEast on Ipswich’s waterfront, marked a significant step in the ‘Deliver You’ campaign – giving young people the platform to lead, collaborate, and create solutions to the issues that matter most to them. The young people created solutions to issues around wellbeing, isolation, having a voice, local activities and facilities.
The event showcased the strength of young people’s ideas and leadership, proving they are ready to shape the future on their own terms. Young participants embraced the challenge, stepping into their power and working collectively to generate solutions from the ground up. There were minimal calls for adults to step in and fix things for them — instead, the young people drove the conversations, demonstrating instinct for action, a commitment to their communities, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of change.
Creating a “third space” where young people can connect, share, and influence their place is central to the ‘Deliver You’ campaign. The ripple effects of these conversations are expected to extend far beyond the day, feeding into the development of the National Youth Strategy and sparking real, lasting change.
As one 10-year-old participant captured perfectly, “small people can do big things.”
Amanda Naylor CBE, Chief Executive of Volunteering Matters, said:
“Young people across England have been telling the Government what they need to live happy, healthy lives. Their ideas will help shape a new ten-year plan that listens to young people, understands what matters to them, and makes sure services meet their needs. This means no more ‘one-size-fits-all’ – it’s about listening to real voices, from real young people.
“The ‘Deliver You’ Hacks are a big part of this. These are events where young people come together to share their ideas and work on real solutions to the things they care about. The goal is to turn their ideas into actions that make a difference.
“Volunteering Matters is proud to support the Deliver You campaign. We believe young people know what needs to change — and we stand with them as they lead the way.”
Notes to editors
What is a ‘Hack’?
‘Hacks’ are interactive, in-person events designed to generate innovative, practical solutions to the challenges young people face. They enable young people to work collaboratively, using the key priorities identified in the National Youth Survey as a springboard for action and creativity.
Impact on the National Youth Strategy
The ‘Deliver You’ campaign—co-produced with young people—ensures their voices are at the heart of the Government’s strategy development process. Through the metaphor of ‘placing an order’ (inspired by online food delivery services), young people are sharing what matters most to them.
Insights gathered from the Hack events will be analysed by Savanta and used to shape the National Youth Strategy, ensuring it reflects the diverse and evolving needs of young people across England. These events ensure young people’s voices remain central to solution-building and policy development.
For more information about the Deliver You campaign, visit: www.iwill.org.uk/NYS-Deliver-You
About the Deliver You Campaign
The ‘Deliver You’ campaign is facilitated by an expert consortium of partners, led by market research consultancy Savanta, youth
