A free activity festival is coming to Ipswich this summer to help school leavers decide what they may want to do in their future careers.

Free Fest, which is a five-week scheme being organised by YMCA Training, is aimed at youngsters aged 16 to 18-years-old who are looking at their options regarding further education and employment opportunities, but also allows them to make new friends and enjoy the summer with a series of free local activities.

It will be held in on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 3 to August 2 between 10am and 3pm at 517 London Road, Ipswich.

Karen Ogden, head of education at YMCA Training, said: “Free Fest is a fantastic initiative to support young adults after they leave school and for those who are unsure of how they would like to carve out their future career path.

“Free Fest will provide an opportunity for 16-18 year olds to have a hands on taster training experience to find their desired vocational progression routes. However, this only plays part of Free Fest as there will also be a range of fun activities to get involved with such as road trips, bake-off style competitions and sports days, to celebrate the summer together.”

Rosie, from Ipswich, has previously attended the YMCA summer activity programme and said she “really enjoyed” her experience.

She said: “I really enjoyed the summer programme last year – we did everything from ringos at the ski slope, rowing and doing a group dog walk around the local park.

“I was originally going to travel out to a college to study childcare, but after a summer spent with the YMCA group I transferred my course to YMCA Ipswich because the college was smaller and I would get the help I needed.”

FreeFest sessions will also be held in Lowestoft, on the same dates and at the same times, at 209 Whapload Road.

Activities throughout the programme include cooking and baking, games and workshops with local businesses.

YMCA Training is a national charity that works to transform the lives of young people and adults through work-related apprenticeship training and employment support.

For more information about how you can get involved, visit www.ymcatraining.org.uk/freefest/