Stepping Out, an organisation which supports the development of social businesses in the region, is to sponsor a place on the Ipswich-based Eastern Enterprise Hub’s next Back to Your Future programme.

Back to Your Future is a free learning programme which supports young mothers living in Suffolk in getting back into employment or eduction, or in setting up their own business.

The next session is due to start in February 2016, with each student on the programme receiving support in developing confidence and employability skills, as well as hearing first-hand from local businesswomen and being paired with a mentor.

Stepping Out founder Craig Dearden-Phillips said: “When I started in business I benefitted massively from the encouragement of people who liked me and what I was doing.

“I swore that if I got anywhere I would do the same for upcoming entrepreneurs and other ambitious young people, which is why the Stepping Out Foundation is supporting the Back to Your Future Programme for young mums.”

Kim Trotter, learning manager at the Eastern Enterprise Hub, who designed the Back to Your Future Programme, said:

“We are really happy that Craig and his team have decided to support the young mums programme in this way.

“Sponsorship from local businesses is vital to us being able to provide fully funded places onto the programme to the young women. It also ensures that we’re able to deliver a high quality course that will truly make a difference to the lives and futures of the individuals who take part.”

The hub is hosting two Coffee and Croissant Mornings for young mums who would like to find out more about the programme, taking place on Friday, November 27 and Friday, December 11, both from 10am to 11.30am. To register to attend, email Lisa Mach on lisa.mach@eehub.co.uk .