An event aimed at encouraging more young people to take part in local groups and activities is being held in Beccles.

Dream Big is the first event of its kind to be held at St Luke’s Church in Rigbourne Hill showcasing the positive activities and opportunities on offer to youngsters and the need for more people to volunteer to support them.

The event, on Friday, June 22, will bring a range of youth organisations together to help young people and adults find out more about what’s on offer.

It aims to encourage more young people to take part in the activities and opportunities available to them and to encourage adults to volunteer by meeting the organisations face to face.

Dream Big is being hosted by Thirst Youth Café, the Open Access Youth Club held at St Luke’s Church every Friday evening thanks to a grant received from Suffolk Community Foundation.

Project manager Jackie Ball said: “Young people take a lot of bad press and young people often say there is nothing to do.

“Beccles is in a unique position to showcase how many organisations and adults offer time to inspire the town’s amazing young people.

“We are looking to increase participation and volunteering. Without adults many organisations run the risk of closing and if numbers of young people drop the same also applies therefore it is a balancing act for all of us.”

Groups and organisations set to attend Dream Big include the Waveney Light Opera Group Rising Stars, Beccles Scouts, Beccles Guiding, 759 Beccles Air Training Corp, The Venue, Beccles Taekwando, Army Cadets (B Company Beccles Detachment), Beccles Royales Gymnastic Club, Church Youth Groups and more.

A logo for the event has been designed as part of a graffiti/street art workshop where young people could design their own logo or complete a ready created design using colour. The winning coloured design came from Jessica S, who has won a £20 voucher for the shop of her choice.

The event will also be attended by Beccles mayor Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, Beccles Youth Champions Andrea Downes and Caroline Topping along with representatives from Suffolk Community Foundation.