Level Two Youth Project “promotes the welfare of children and young people aged 7 to 25 years through supportive relationships and positive experiences designed to enhance their personal and social development.”  The project, now in its 22nd year, has developed from being a small youth club into a comprehensive youth service.

Research shows a close link between poverty and poor health and lack of wellbeing.  In parts of Felixstowe 1 in 4 children are living in income poverty.  Some areas are in the bottom 20% of deprivation in the country.

Shez Hopkins, Project Manager, says “I can’t emphasise enough the importance of ensuring children and young people are as well-resourced as possible to manage their own mental health challenges. However, the services we provide are much more than just mental health focused.  We recognise and respect the challenging times we have all been through and are now adding additional focuses and upskilling our children and young people socially.  Comprehensive youth services are now more important than ever; with the mental health of children and young people having taken a real hammering as a result of the pandemic and the ripples outwards on families are huge.”

Level Two Mentoring and Counselling provision offers a young person a 1-1 time with a Mentor or Counsellor, over 12 weeks, where the young person can share their worries and concerns.  In addition, the Project provides a wide range of services for all young people.

Level Two Youth Project is also the only young people’s sexual health service provider in Felixstowe. Working with Terrence Higgins Trust to provide free condoms, chlamydia screenings and information, advice and guidance on sex and relationships.

The project has developed positive working relationships with schools and has dedicated youth workers in all eight schools in Felixstowe, and three neighbouring rural schools. Level Two also has a bespoke youth bus delivering outreach and detached work in the community for young people less likely to access centre-based provision.

For further information on Level Two call 01394 272521 or visit www.leveltwo.org.  You can follow Level 2 on Facebook www.facebook.com/leveltwoyouthproject/ and Instagram level_two_youth_project

Jackamans Solicitors recognises the need for amazing initiatives like this in these particularly difficult post-Covid and economically straightened times, and is proud to support Level Two.