Suffolk Positive Futures is a local project that attempts to make Suffolk a safer place by providing community activities that diverts young people from anti-social behaviours and gang-related activity. By offering diversionary sports-based community activities, and access to positive adult role models, the project provides valuable health and fitness related opportunities for young people.

Activities are free within local estates and neighbourhoods, providing meaningful, safe and supportive places for young people to attend.

Cllr Mark Jepson, ward member for Eastern Felixstowe recently assisted the local project with the launch of their Felixstowe Football initiative. In a joint effort with Cllr Rosie Smithson, £2735 was given to the new project from their East Suffolk Enabling Communities Budgets.

ECBs (Enabling Communities Budgets) support activities delivered by community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations. The budget comes from New Homes Bonus (funding generated through new houses built in the district) for 2024/2025. Each of the 55 elected members of East Suffolk Council a £7,500 ECB to spend on community projects or to develop new projects in their ward to tackle local need.

The funding provided will allow Suffolk Positive Futures to deliver a free weekly football project to young people (aged 11 to 16) in Felixstowe. Sessions will run on weekday evenings when young people are often looking for something positive to occupy their time. As with all sessions, young people wishing to take part won’t need to book; they can simply turn up and join in.

Pictured: Cllr Mark Jepson with Paul Knight, Project Manager of Suffolk Positive Futures.