A free programme for young people aged 11 to 19 in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. FLOW brings together 1:1 mentoring, positive activities, mental health and wellbeing support, and accredited training, so young people at risk of exclusion, exploitation or being out of education, employment or training can build a better future.
100% free. Covering Abbey Wood and Thamesmead in the London Borough of Bexley.
FLOW is a targeted programme from Youth Unity for young people in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. Each letter stands for one part of the support we wrap around a young person.
Clear pathways into education, training and employment.
Accredited modules on ambition, decision-making and employability.
Physical activity, gym, creative media and podcasting.
Trauma-informed mentoring, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Every young person on FLOW gets support shaped around their needs, from people who take the time to understand them.
Each young person is matched with a trauma-informed mentor who brings professional and, often, lived experience. Mentors meet young people regularly, one to one and in small groups, building a trusted relationship at a pace that feels right.
Together they set goals, work through what's getting in the way and celebrate progress. Mentors also link with schools, families and other professionals, so support is joined up rather than pulling in different directions.
Regular positive activity gives young people a safe place to be, people to belong with and something to look forward to. FLOW includes physical activity and gym sessions alongside creative media and podcasting.
These sessions build fitness, discipline and teamwork, and they're often where confidence grows fastest. They offer a real alternative to the pressures and risks young people can face outside school.
Emotional wellbeing runs through everything we do. We offer safe spaces to talk about difficult issues, with youth workers who recognise the impact of trauma and adversity and respond without judgement.
We help young people understand and manage their feelings, build resilience and self-esteem, and, where needs are higher, we help them reach the right specialist services.
FLOW opens doors. Young people can gain accredited qualifications through our free online training, with modules on ambition, decision-making and employability, and certificates they can add to their CV.
Mentors help young people plan their next step, whether that's returning to school, starting college, training or a first job, and stay alongside them as they make it.
FLOW is referral-led. We work with schools, alternative provision, youth justice, social care, Peabody and community safety partners. Young people, parents and professionals can all get in touch.
Make a referralAs part of FLOW, and open to everyone in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, our free online training has no entry requirements and no paperwork. Apply today and you could be learning within days.
Fill in the short application form and pick the courses you'd like to take.
We'll email your login details so you can access the learning platform.
Work through your training online, at your own pace, from any device.
Finish a course and download your accredited certificate straight away.
Complete your chosen courses, then reapply for more whenever you're ready. Every course is accredited and comes with certification.
New courses added all the time. This list is just the start. We're always adding more, including new confidence, wellbeing and anti-bullying topics.
Helping and empowering young people, boosting confidence and helping to build a positive future.
Accredited certificates you can list on your CV and applications to help you stand out.
Build the essential health, safety and compliance knowledge that employers ask for.
Courses in confidence, self-esteem and recognising your value. Support for the whole person, not just the CV.
Flexible, fully online and free, so you can fit it around your life.
Get in touch to find out more about FLOW or make a referral, or apply straight away for our free accredited courses.
Once you've finished your chosen courses, you can reapply for more, as many times as you like.
Prefer to talk? Call 0203 105 3525.
