Studio microphone for recording podcasts on a white background.

BSix College
Podcasting Workshops

Podcasting is not just a medium for entertainment;
it's a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and community building.

Starting April 17th 

Podcasting workshops tailored for young people 16+ offer an exciting and educational journey into the world of digital storytelling. These workshops provide a creative platform for participants to explore their voices and share their unique perspectives. Through hands-on activities, young podcasters learn the basics of storytelling, scriptwriting, and audio editing in a fun and engaging environment.

The workshops cover fundamental podcasting skills, including microphone techniques, voice modulation, and sound editing. Participants also gain insights into the art of interviewing, allowing them to conduct conversations and share compelling narratives. Emphasis is placed on digital citizenship, promoting responsible and ethical podcasting practices.

In addition to technical skills, these workshops foster critical thinking as young podcasters explore diverse topics and learn to express their thoughts and opinions effectively. Collaborative activities encourage teamwork and communication, enhancing both creativity and interpersonal skills.

Week 1: Introduction to Podcasting

  • Overview of podcasting: history, impact, and popular genres
  • Discussion on the importance of storytelling in podcasts
  • Introduction to different podcast formats (interviews, storytelling, panel discussions)
  • Assignment: Choose a podcast format and brainstorm ideas for a podcast episode

Week 2: Recording Techniques and Equipment

  • Basics of audio recording equipment (microphones, recording software)
  • Hands-on practice with microphone techniques and voice modulation
  • Introduction to background noise reduction and audio quality enhancement
  • Assignment: Record a short practice segment using provided equipment

Week 3: Editing and Post-Production

  • Introduction to audio editing software
  • Hands-on practice with cutting, splicing, and enhancing audio
  • Tips for seamless transitions and adding music/effects
  • Assignment: Edit the recorded practice segment and enhance audio quality

Week 4: Branding and Promotion

  • Importance of branding and creating a podcast identity
  • Strategies for writing compelling descriptions and creating cover art
  • Introduction to podcast promotion techniques and social media marketing
  • Assignment: Create cover art and write a podcast description for the planned episode

Week 5: Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Discussion on copyright issues, permissions, and fair use
  • Understanding privacy considerations and obtaining necessary permissions
  • Introduction to music licensing and avoiding copyright infringement
  • Assignment: Research and prepare a brief on legal and ethical considerations for podcasting

Week 6: Distribution and Launch

  • Introduction to podcast hosting platforms and RSS feeds
  • Step-by-step guide to uploading and distributing podcast episodes
  • Strategies for maximising reach through popular podcast directories
  • Finalisation of podcast episode and launch plan
  • Assignment: Upload and distribute the finalised podcast episode

Throughout the workshop series:

  • Collaborative activities and discussions on various podcasting topics
  • Encouragement of teamwork and communication skills through group projects
  • Continuous feedback and support from facilitators and peers
  • Q&A sessions to address any questions or challenges faced during the workshop

By the end of the six-week workshop series, participants should feel confident in their ability to plan, record, edit, and promote their own podcast episodes. They will have practical skills and a deeper understanding of podcasting, ready to embark on their journey as young podcasters.

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Testimonal 2

An amazing testimonial for Paul Robinson, Mentor, Tendring

“I really enjoy working alongside Paul and can see the positive impact his work has on my young people. 

Paul, and other mentors I work with, have life stories that are an inspiration.  They inspire my work but most importantly, inspire my young people who I see come out of their shells, open up and talk.  They don’t even realise – the power of sport and indirect approaches.  Kids sitting in a room and talking about their life when on the spot, doesn’t work.  Kids kicking a ball around, hearing ‘lived experiences’ and how people dug themselves out of their hole… that is real!

They see that people don’t do it on their own but by accepting help.  They see that talking about stuff can be a release and help them to make better decisions.  Paul often brings his dog to sessions – again, animals have this magic power.  They give unconditional love and ‘just get people’.  It really helps kids and adults open up.  

What Paul offers is what many of these kids miss – a relationship, a connection, someone they can relate to.  He offers unpressured opportunities, no taboos and a safe place.  Paul is ‘lived experience’ and we can all learn from what he has to offer.  As said, a true inspiration and a bit of magic for the kids”.

Steffi Thorhauer-White

Turnaround Practitioner

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Finlay Our Roving Reporter

Street interviews Dartford

I was put to a task working alongside the Youth Unity Creative Lead Paul McKenzie and Ben another Junior Reporter. The task was interviewing the people of Dartford prioritising young people and asking the community if they had any problems or concerns with their home town and what could be done to change it if they had all they money in the world.

This was my first experience within this role and meant stepping out of my comfort zone, and it made me really link in with the community, this experience improved my confidence, social awareness and communication skills, which will l hopefully lead on to further opportunities with Youth Unity

Findings

Our findings were that the people need to have a bit more excitement in the Dartford town to stop and help prevent people getting bored and then leading to getting involved in anti-social behavior illegal activity. Some of the young people said they wanted more youth provision.

Written by: Fin Hensman

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Testimonial 1

Testimony from Tendring Technology College;

Paul Robinson, Mentor

Since his time with us Paul’s input has been invaluable.  His determination to help our young people and real life examples ensure that he fosters a good rapport with our hard to reach students.

His real life grit and authenticity ensures that he is able to reason with our pupils and achieve desired outcomes and next steps in their lives and Education.

Paul provides our pupils with real life examples of his own past, as well as trying to make his stories relevant to their lives and the demographic that we serve.  Youth Unity is an asset to have in our arsenal of services that we use to help young people.

Safeguarding Officer 

Thorpe Campus

JH

James Hensman
Chief Operating Officer

James serves as our Chief Operating Officer at Youth Unity CIC with over 20 years experience and is the driving force behind strategic planning and operations, James significantly contributes to the success and growth of Youth Unity.  

James’s focus is on ensuring a Community wide focus on the core mission to deliver better outcomes for more young people and overseeing the development and delivery of the services.  This large and diverse portfolio of Early intervention and social care services is also focussed on partnership work, influencing  system change and responding to new and emergent vulnerabilities.

His dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable cohorts, coupled with his skill in fostering collaborative partnerships, enhances the organisation’s ability to effectively confront the challenges posed by criminal exploitation, county-lines, and organised crime vulnerability.

Motivated by a profound passion for facilitating quality improvement and providing support to vulnerable cohorts susceptible to gang and SYV related activities, James excels in working across diverse communities. He is adept at forging purposeful multi-agency partnerships that significantly enhance outcomes for those in need.  

Before joining Youth Unity CIC James worked for County Police forces and with Community Safety teams  delivering frontline training,  intervention services aimed at combating gangs, county-lines, and serious organised crime.  James brings a wealth of expertise in community engagement, strategic planning, integrated teams, commissioning  and collaborative partnerships with both MetropolitanCounty police forces and CSP’s. His extensive experience extends to strategic planning for addressing gang-related issues and serious organised crime and as an advisory for Safeguarding partnerships, education trusts and regional NHS trusts.

Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson
Managing Director & Founder

Shirley Jackson brings a profound passion for youth to her pivotal role as the founder and Managing Director. Serving as an invaluable asset, she oversees and manages all facets of our operations.

With a rich background in project management, Shirley not only skilfully navigates the execution of many of our initiatives but ensures a seamless transition from concept to realisation.

Beyond her operational responsibilities, Shirley plays a vital role in the overall functioning of our organisation. Accumulating a wealth of knowledge over twenty-five years in marketing and branding on a global corporate landscape, she has collaborated with esteemed artists, agencies, and non-profit organisations. Shirley’s expertise extends to event management, making her a versatile professional with a diverse skill set that significantly benefits our company and the young individuals we serve.

In the last five years, Shirley has dedicated herself to youth intervention projects, particularly those addressing serious youth violence. Her hands-on approach and strategic vision have significantly impacted the lives of those at risk, providing pathways to positive change.

Apart from her impactful work in the youth intervention space, Shirley also spearheads all marketing materials and website design at Youth Unity. Her creative touch and attention to detail shine through in every aspect of our brand representation, ensuring that our mission and message resonate effectively.

Furthermore, Shirley conceptualised and launched a successful online radio station, showcasing her passion for music and communication. This platform not only serves as a beacon of support for various charities but also provides opportunities for up-and-coming talents.

Shirley’s core focus remains on empowering young individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Leveraging her extensive experience, she provides guidance and support, sharing valuable insights to help them navigate life’s challenges. Her commitment to the well-being of young people resonates in her work and interactions.

Her dedication to fostering happiness and fulfilment in the lives of young individuals propels her significant contributions to our organisation.

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Racing to School
collaborating with Youth Unity #horseracing

Racing to School is pleased to be collaborating with Youth Unity to engage young people in hard-to-reach communities, offering our free interactive and healthy outdoor Schools’ Education Programme to those pupils and their schools that might otherwise face financial barriers to accessing outdoor learning opportunities. Using racing’s venues to provide this unique learning experience, our fully inclusive and accessible activity days support the learning of a diverse young people through access to the assets and opportunities of horseracing.

Through this collaboration we aspire to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people across Great Britain; sparking a lightbulb moment and what we hope will be a lifelong interest in the sport. 

Racing to School is an education charity that aims to inspire young minds through the provision of free, interactive, and healthy outdoor educational events for schools, staged at a variety of racing venues. They achieved another record year in 2023, delivering 410 events across the country and engaging a diverse group of over 16,200 young people.

The charity works with young people with special educational needs and over one third of their output is targeted to engage those from inner city, rural and deprived areas. The staff have a range of industry backgrounds including former jockeys who have retrained to develop their second careers, and their experience is invaluable as the charity introduces horseracing as an accessible sport to young people.

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Case Study 9


Case Study 9 was referred to Youth Unity by Family Solutions due to her prolonged absence from formal education, spanning over a year. The referral was prompted by concerns regarding Case Study 9’s diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), coupled with underlying emotional and behavioral challenges. Additionally, Case Study 9’s recent diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and past history of substance misuse underscored the complexities of her situation.

Case Study 9 and her older sister, CS9 entered the care system at ages 3 and 4, respectively, owing to parental substance misuse. Initially fostered, they later transitioned under the guardianship of family members following a legal process culminating in a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). Notably, a younger brother is also under care, albeit by a separate foster family, while two older siblings stem from their mother’s previous relationship.

Case Study 9: Initial contact was established with Case Study 9 and her family in early November. Accompanied by a colleague who facilitated the introduction, I commenced building a constructive rapport with Case Study 9. I initiated our engagement by elucidating the scope of our mentorship and youth work relationship, seeking clarity on her expectations. Case Study 9 articulated her desire for candid communication, the opportunity to discuss her concerns, and the inclusion of enjoyable activities within our interaction. Subsequently, I meticulously outlined the protocols governing safeguarding and confidentiality, ensuring her comprehensive understanding. Furthermore, I assured Case Study 9 that any necessary disclosures to the safeguarding lead would occur transparently, in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In pursuit of understanding Case Study 9’s circumstances, I prompted her to share insights into her current situation and personal background. This dialogue facilitated a nuanced comprehension of her needs, enabling tailored support strategies. Notably, Case Study 9 disclosed recent diagnoses of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which profoundly impacted her emotional state. Expressing feelings of anger, hurt, and fear, she expressed concerns regarding the perceived limitations imposed by these diagnoses.

During interactions with Case Study 9’s guardians, who graciously welcomed our engagement, I gleaned invaluable contextual information. Conversations revealed the challenging circumstances precipitating Case Study 9’s placement under their care. Notably, the guardians articulated the adverse effects of the recent diagnoses on Case Study 9’s well-being and familial dynamics. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, the guardians actively participate in meetings concerning Case Study 9, alongside other family members. Their commitment reflects a profound sense of responsibility and love, underscoring the demanding nature of their caregiving role.

Interventions

During our weekly meetings, held either at her residence, in a café, or during beach walks, Case Study 9 (CS9) expressed interest in art, prompting her attendance at local art classes. Despite missing formal education for over a year due to past bullying and attacks, CS9 aspires to return to mainstream schooling, with a particular goal of attending her school prom. Moreover, she harbors ambitions of pursuing a career in fashion design, necessitating a reintegration into mainstream education to undertake her GCSEs.

CS9’s familial background reveals a history of substance misuse, leading to her and her older sister’s placement in foster care before being granted a Special Guardianship Order under their guardians’ care. Despite familial support, CS9’s journey is marked by challenges, including her recent diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which exacerbates her impulsivity and susceptibility to substance misuse.

Furthermore, CS9 grapples with complex emotional issues, including rejection sensitivity dysphoria, a symptom of ADHD, and recent suicidal ideation, requiring constant monitoring and support from her guardians. As CS9 navigates through therapy and educational support, it’s imperative to maintain open communication, uphold safeguarding protocols, and foster a sense of hope and resilience.

Moving forward, the focus remains on providing a safe and nurturing environment for CS9’s growth, emphasising the importance of self-esteem building, managing impulsive behaviours, and fostering healthy relationships. Additionally, acknowledging the need for levity and diversion from CS9’s challenges, a person-centered approach ensures her autonomy in steering conversations while addressing underlying familial tensions and rivalries constructively.

In summary, the journey with CS9 underscores the delicate balance between addressing immediate concerns and nurturing long-term aspirations. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to holistic support, the aim is to guide CS9 towards a future marked by resilience, self-discovery, and fulfillment.

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Gratitude to the Jack Petchey Foundation: Empowering Young Lives in Limes Farm, Epping

A special acknowledgment to the Jack Petchey Foundation for their invaluable support, which has significantly enriched the experiences of young people in our Limes Farm project.

Their generous funding has played a role in enhancing our capabilities, allowing us to acquire essential equipment that amplifies the impact of our sessions.

The Jack Petchey Foundation’s commitment to empowering youth aligns seamlessly with our mission. With their support, we’ve been able to create an environment where young individuals not only discover their potential but are also equipped with the resources they need to thrive. The acquisition of new equipment has not only bolstered our sessions but has also provided a tangible representation of the Foundation’s dedication to investing in the future of our community.

Together, we stride towards a future where every young person in Limes Farm can realise their full potential and become leaders of positive change.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex by providing exciting projects and programmes for them to get involved in. We also recognise the outstanding achievements of today’s young people by awarding them for their hard work and positive impact in their community.

Awards to date

Recognition Award which enabled us to purchase more equipment, also help to cover the costs of food and refreshments at each session.

Leader Award, which was given to Simeon Dennis in recognition of his passion for helping the young people every week.

Our Young Person Award which was given to Tilly Austin, who decided to use the money to have a Halloween party and also to purchase more games.

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Stories Like Ours
films that can reach young people

These films act as more than just stories; they are powerful tools that speak directly to the hearts of young individuals, providing a visual backdrop to the empowering words shared

We are thrilled to announce that we now have access to three compelling intervention short films, aptly titled “Stories Like Ours.” These stories where given to us by Tom Watt, and the full endorsement goes to The ACED Project CIC.

These films serve as a powerful tool in our mission to connect with and inspire the young minds we engage with, particularly during our detached youth work sessions.

In these sessions, we focus on reaching out to hard-to-reach young individuals within our communities. “Stories Like Ours” aims to reignite a sense of connection and understanding among these youth, providing a platform for them to see reflections of their own experiences and challenges.

Moreover, these remarkable short films have been curated to play a crucial role in our efforts to educate young people about making informed life choices. The snippets you find here are just a glimpse into the impactful narratives that await.

If you’re intrigued and wish to delve deeper into the stories, we invite you to reach out. Consider this an open invitation to connect, and perhaps we can arrange a workshop to explore these films in a more immersive and engaging setting.

Let’s embark on a journey of storytelling, empathy, and positive change together. 🌟