Ipswich - "the oldest continuously inhabited English town" (arguably...)

Chaired by Todd Strehlow, freelance town planner, urban designer and member of the UDG Editorial Board, the opening session will provide a welcome to Ipswich, in particular spotlighting how the town is taking innovative steps to involve young people in placemaking.

Featuring two pioneering initiatives, Kath Cockshaw from the Thomas Wolsey 550 project and Rebekah Warnock from 4YP - joined by young people involved in the projects - will demonstrate how Ipswich, as the UK’s first Town of Youth Social Action, is leading the way with innovative, future-focused approaches that place youth voices at the center of urban design and open up new opportunities for the next generation.

Todd Strehlow Urban designer and member of the UDG Editorial Board

Todd is a freelance urban designer and town planner with 30 years of experience in urban regeneration, project management and community development. His roles have been across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Ipswich, Southwark, upstate New York and elsewhere. Currently he is a Visiting Lecturer for the BA (Hons) Architecture course at the University of Suffolk and advises charities and CICs serving the creative sector and diverse communities. Todd is also the Chair of the River Waveney Trust and a member of the Urban Design Group's Editorial Board.

Kath Cockshaw Projects Director, Ipswich Central & Wolsey 550

Kath is a director, strategist, project manager and fundraiser for not-for-profit organisations and large-scale public projects with a background in heritage; placemaking; rural estate and museums management. She secures large grants and new income streams, gets ambitious projects and campaigns off the blocks, leads on project delivery, and builds and engages audiences.

Kath is also a Senior Visiting Fellow in History at University of Suffolk.

Nikki Lee Collier Wolsey 550 Placechanger

Nikki Lee Collier, age 20, is a member of the first cohort of ‘Wolsey 550 PlaceChangers’. A former student at Suffolk One sixth form college in Ipswich, she is now a 2nd year Fine Art student at Norwich University of the Arts and a practising artist based in Suffolk.

Rebekah Warnock CEO, 4YP (For Children & Young People)

Rebekah Warnock is CEO of 4YP, with over 15 years’ experience in Suffolk’s charity sector championing children and young people. She leads innovative community initiatives, including the development of a new youth hub and collaborative programs that support youth wellbeing and empowerment.

Matthew Ford 4YP (For Children & Young People)

Matthew participated in group sessions and activities with 4YP. He is a fan of films, books, theatre shows, and loves acting. He is a hard worker and always helps out as much as he can. He loves to wear smart clothing, especially shirts!