EEG Students Represent Suffolk at National Youth Strategy “Seen & Heard” Event
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Students from OSFC, ASFC & WSC proudly represented the Eastern Education Group at the National Youth Strategy “Seen & Heard” event in Ipswich, contributing to important discussions shaping the future of opportunities for young people across Suffolk.
This invitation-only roundtable event, hosted by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, brought together a select group of young leaders, local organisations, and representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to focus on “Youth Matters” — the UK Government’s new National Youth Strategy.
A National Strategy Shaped by Young People
The National Youth Strategy has been informed by the voices of over 14,000 young people, with ambassadors from the #iWill Movement playing a key role in shaping its development.
The Ipswich event marked a critical next step, turning national insight into local action.
Our EEG students were invited in recognition of the strong culture of student voice, leadership and youth engagement across our colleges and wider group.
Young People Leading the Conversation
Throughout the event, students engaged in meaningful roundtable discussions, working alongside policymakers and local partners to explore how the strategy can be implemented across Suffolk.
They spoke openly and confidently about what matters most to them, highlighting key priorities including:
- The need for safe spaces
- Improved transport links
- Access to real industry opportunities
- More work experience and internships
- Opportunities to build skills and gain experience
- Stronger opportunities to connect with others
Student feedback reflected the positive and empowering nature of the event. One student shared:
“I loved that everyone there truly cared for youth voice and listened sincerely to us to make active change.”
Representing Suffolk with Confidence
Students demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the day, confidently networking, sharing their perspectives, and holding leaders to account.
Their contributions will not end at the event. Representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will take forward what was shared, ensuring that the voices of young people in Suffolk continue to inform government thinking and future action.
As Jack Abbott MP highlighted during the event, this is not a strategy designed to “sit on a shelf”, but one that must lead to real, meaningful change.
A Collective Commitment to Action
The event brought together a wide range of partners committed to supporting youth-led change across the region.
A huge thank you goes to the #iWill Movement and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for bringing this important conversation together, and to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company for hosting and creating such a welcoming environment.
We also recognise the work of local organisers who made the event possible, ensuring that young people had a platform to be heard.
Seen and Heard — and Now It’s Time to Act
Students left the event feeling inspired and hopeful about the future. One commented:
“I think everything was perfect.”
While another reflected on the importance of long-term impact:
“I would hope to see change beginning to show more nationwide, and further steps be taken for this to happen.”
There was also a strong sense of the need for continued opportunities, with one student sharing:
“I think just making sure we can continue to do these events and have the support we need as we grow into adults.”
This event was a powerful reminder that young people are not only willing to engage in shaping their futures — they are ready to lead it.
Our students represented the EEG, Ipswich and Suffolk with pride, demonstrating the power of youth voice, leadership and civic engagement.
Most importantly, the message from the day was clear:
Young people have been seen and heard. Now it’s time to act.
