Why it matters: The workshops are free for young people eligible for benefit-related free school meals, providing enriching activities during the Easter holidays for families on lower incomes.
The details: The sessions will run across Chantry, Gainsborough, Great Cornard, Ipswich County Library, Stoke, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury, and Stowmarket libraries. A limited number of places are also available at £15 per workshop for young people not eligible for free school meals, which includes lunch, drinks and snacks.
What's on offer: This year's workshops include 20 workshops varying from songwriting, special effects make-up, zine making, to recording your own CD and robots 101.
What they're saying: Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Community Libraries children's librarian, said: "We're delighted to have funding for another year of Blank Page workshops. Thousands of young people have booked onto hundreds of workshops since we launched The Blank Page Project three years ago. They've been a huge success, not only in helping to build confidence and skills in young people but it's also encouraged many young people to visit libraries so they can see what we have to offer them."
Nadia Cenci, cabinet member for communities, said: "I'm very pleased this funding has been secured for another year so our libraries can again host Blank Page workshops. The workshops are a great way of supporting the creativity and wellbeing of children and young people in Suffolk."
For context: The Blank Page Project launched in March 2023 and is funded by the Department for Education's Holiday Activity Fund. This year, the project will also tie in with the National Year of Reading.
The bottom line: Now in its fourth year, the Blank Page Project returns on 30 March with sessions offering a creative, free Easter activity for those who need it most.
