The Mix charity in Stowmarket hosts alternative prom night for young people not in mainstream education

A Stowmarket charity is celebrating after hosting an unforgettable alternative prom for young people not in mainstream education.

More than 40 young people aged between 16 -19, enjoyed the fully booked free event.

Anna Rowe, SEN Youth Worker at The Mix, in Ipswich Street, said after the prom, which was held last Thursday: “It went really well, it was lots of fun and everybody did amazingly.

“It was a proper celebration and everyone felt the vibe.”

The prom, the first hosted by the charity, ran smoothly thanks to the help of support workers, volunteers and members of staff.

“It was all about valuing each other and everyone was super-friendly,” said Anna.

There was a lot of excitement ahead of the prom with some guests wearing dresses and sparkles and others dressing in cosplay.

The charity’s base in Stowmarket town centre was transformed for the evening with a photobooth, balloon archway, chill out area, silent disco and mocktail bar among the attractions on offer.

All of the young people were sent personal invites and given detailed information about the prom and The Mix so they did not feel overwhelmed.

One teenager said it had been ‘best night of his life’ while the father of one of the teenagers became emotional as he thanked organisers for arranging ‘the most magical night’.

Anna said: “We wanted to give the young people hope and value and celebrate them as individuals – the prom was a beautiful way to do it.”

Though the majority of the guests at the night were from the Stowmarket area and had accessed The Mix previously, the organisers also welcomed teenagers from Lowestoft, Ipswich and Thetford.

“The charity works with a huge number of people that are not accessing traditional education,” said Anna, who explained that prom invites were opened up to young people who were home educated, in alternative education or under Suffolk County Council’s inclusion service.

Anna said the idea of hosting a prom took 18 months to come to fruition and was strongly backed by one mum – Tracy Goymer – who raised more than £500 to make it possible.

Tracy, who lives in the Stowmarket area, was inspired to raise funds for The Mix as she did not want her daughter to miss out on the right of passage for many high school pupils.

The Mix is always looking for volunteers for its drop ins, Thrive sessions and Empower mentor scheme.

There are also opportunities to help out in its cafés.

Currently the charity needs volunteers for its free holiday activities running in Stowmarket and Needham Market during the school break.

People can email Gert, volunteer coordinator, on volunteering@themixstowmarket.co.uk for opportunities.

You can find out more about The Mix here.