VOICES OF
WALTHAM FOREST
A targeted summer programme that listens first, then responds. We build trust through street-based youth voice, then run our Unity Hub — a branded intervention van bringing sport, gaming, chess, music, mentoring and welfare straight to where young people already are.
Prepared for the Waltham Forest Community Safety Partnership, delivered in support of the Metropolitan Police Service and local communities.
Why summer, why now
The holidays remove structure at exactly the moment risk peaks. These are the pressures we're built to meet.
Increased street presence and unsupervised time
Youth violence and territorial tensions
Criminal exploitation and county lines grooming
Antisocial behaviour complaints
Mental health pressures and isolation
Distrust of statutory agencies
A two-phase model
We don't arrive with assumptions. We gather youth voice first, then deliver exactly what young people say they need.
Youth Voice & Trust Building
- Street interviews with young people
- Community vox pops with residents & businesses
- Positive, informal conversations with police
- Discussions on safety, opportunities and local needs
Mobile Intervention Sessions
- Deployed into identified hotspot areas
- Detached, trauma-informed youth work
- Contextual safeguarding response
- Relationship-led, consistent presence
- Conflict mediation where appropriate
- Signposting to services & welfare check-ins
Inside the Unity Hub
Positive provision that meets young people where they are — free, visible and consistent.
Sport & Physical
- Football pop-up games
- Basketball shootouts & mini matches
- Table tennis tournaments
- Fitness circuits
Creative & Digital
- Gaming — powered by Xbox & PS5
- Music & discussion zones
- Chess & board games
Support & Welfare
- Signposting to services
- Conflict mediation
- Emotional wellbeing check-ins
- Refreshments & hydration
Where we'll be
Sessions run outside Tesco on Larkshall Road, Highams Park — a high-footfall retail hub and a natural youth congregation point.
The branded Unity Hub van sets up in the open pedestrian space outside Tesco every Tuesday, giving a visible, welcoming presence at peak times. Sites and timings are agreed with the CSP team and Met Police using Phase One consultation findings, so provision lands where the need is greatest.
Unity Hub summer sessions
Our Unity Hub flyer sets out the on-the-ground delivery of Voices of Waltham Forest: free weekly sessions with gaming, sports, chess and music, plus a range of support services — a safe space for young people. Share it with the CSP team.
↓ DOWNLOAD THE E-FLYER