National coastal initiative aims to create 500 opportunities across Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe

A new partnership bringing together the NHS, education providers, employers and the voluntary sector has launched with a commitment to create 500 jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, offering a significant boost for Lowestoft residents.

While the East Coast Partnership covers Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe, the initiative has a strong focus on supporting people in Lowestoft to overcome barriers to employment, improve skills and access new opportunities.

Supporting Lowestoft Residents into Work

Part of the nationally supported Coastal Navigators’ Network, the partnership is designed to help people who face challenges getting into work, including those living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, caring responsibilities or extended periods out of employment.

Lowestoft, like many coastal communities, faces higher levels of economic inactivity and poorer health outcomes. This initiative aims to tackle those challenges head-on by creating clearer pathways into jobs, training and apprenticeships.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato welcomed the announcement, highlighting its importance for the town:

“This pledge to create 500 positive opportunities is incredibly important for Lowestoft.

We face significant health inequalities and a real lack of jobs and opportunities.

I’m hopeful this partnership will bring together the public sector, voluntary organisations and employers to create opportunities for people of all ages – ensuring there are jobs for everyone.”

Local Collaboration to Drive Change

The partnership brings together organisations including Sizewell C, East Coast College, Suffolk Police, the Department for Work and Pensions, Ipswich Town Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund.

By strengthening links between employers, colleges, schools and community organisations, the initiative will help ensure Lowestoft residents can access the support, training and opportunities they need to move into sustainable employment.

Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said the town’s strengths will play a key role:

“Lowestoft has significant needs, but also significant assets.

This partnership brings those strengths together to support people back into employment.

Employment is one of the biggest health interventions you can make.”

Improving Health Through Opportunity

A key focus of the partnership is the link between good work and better health. Supporting people into employment can improve wellbeing, reduce inequalities and strengthen local communities.

This is particularly important in coastal towns like Lowestoft, where health challenges are often more pronounced.

Julia Nix OBE, District Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at the Department for Work and Pensions, and Lowestoft Place Board member, said:

“By working together, we can not only help individuals out of poverty but lift whole families.

The ambition to support 500 people into work is entirely achievable within 12 months if each partner plays their part.”

A Positive Step Forward for Lowestoft

Although the programme spans three coastal towns, the impact in Lowestoft is expected to be significant—helping local people gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to build brighter futures.

Nic Werran, Director at Breaking Barriers Innovations, highlighted the value of a joined-up approach:

“So much poor health is driven by social factors – whether someone has a home, a job, or feels connected and supported.

The East Coast Partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing both economic inactivity and health inequalities in coastal communities.”

Looking Ahead

Over the next year, partners will work together to deliver 500 opportunities across the region, with Lowestoft residents set to benefit from improved access to jobs, training and apprenticeships.

By focusing on local need and building strong partnerships, the initiative marks a positive step toward a healthier, more prosperous future for Lowestoft.