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The Cage

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

The Cage Summer Programme:
Youth Voice, Art, and Community Impact

This summer, Youth Unity CIC delivered a six-week programme at The Cage in Thamesmead, following strong demand from young people who asked us to return after our first community event in June. Many told us they didn’t feel safe or welcome in the space — but also that they valued the positive, inclusive environment we created.

A Creative Collaboration

Working with C-That.co.uk, the project included a youth-driven art installation. Week after week, young people helped design and paint murals on the outer walls of The Cage, transforming the area into a space they could take pride in. This creative process gave participants a real sense of ownership and visibility.

Consistent Youth Engagement

Over six weeks, we delivered a mix of activities including sports, music recording, podcasting, and gaming. These sessions provided safe, structured alternatives and encouraged young people to return week after week. Attendance was strong across all age groups and backgrounds, showing clear demand for this kind of consistent, positive provision.

What We Found

Our engagement also highlighted some important safeguarding concerns:

  • Many younger children on the estate are often left unsupervised, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and grooming.

  • A significant number of young people have become desensitised to gang culture, seeing it as “just a way of life.”

  • This underlines the urgent need for trusted role models and safe, supportive spaces.

Recognition at the Highest Level

The programme concluded with a visit from the Deputy Mayor of London, who recognised the importance of this work and the value of investing in young people locally. Their presence reinforced that the voices of Thamesmead’s youth matter at both a community and city-wide level.

Impact and Outcomes

  • Reduced community tensions during a sensitive period.

  • Engagement of young people most at risk of anti-social behaviour.

  • Strengthened collaboration with schools, residents, and statutory partners.

  • Increased awareness of key safeguarding issues including vaping, littering, and weapons.

  • Six well-attended sessions that promoted wellbeing, community pride, and ownership of The Cage.

Partnership and Support

This programme was made possible through the ongoing support of Peabody Housing, whose funding and partnership ensure that vital community projects like this can continue to make a difference.

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Community Day

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of HaveringNew Projects

The Harold Hill Community Fun Day at Central Park was an incredible event, bringing local families, young people, and partners together for a day full of fun, connection, and community spirit.

Organised and driven by the Metropolitan Police, the day showcased the power of partnership working. All our partners were present, and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces from the community we regularly engage with through our detached youth work.

From bouncy castles, face painting, and live music to meeting local emergency services, there was something for everyone. Beyond the activities, the real success of the day was the way it strengthened relationships across the community. These moments of coming together are vital for building trust, creating positive connections, and showing young people and families that support is always here when needed.

At Youth Unity CIC, we are proud to support events like these. They give us the opportunity to meet residents in a positive environment, listen to their voices, and continue to work hand in hand with the police, schools, and local partners to make a lasting impact.

As you can see from the photos and interviews, the day was more than just an event — it was a celebration of community. We look forward to being part of many more.

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Local Action to Improve Youth Wellbeing in Havering

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsSchool WorkshopsWorkshops & Training

Local Action to Improve Youth Wellbeing in Havering

Youth Unity CIC will be delivering the Havering Youth Wellbeing Engagement Programme for the London Borough of Havering building on insights from the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census using the #BeeWell survey

The programme include two key initiatives: 

  1. Youth engagement in schools 
  2. Kailo  (delivered in partnership with UCLPartners). 

Both initiatives will involve working closely with schools, community partners, and local families to ensure that the voices of young people in Havering are truly heard and acted upon.  We believe that meaningful change comes when generations work together. That is why this programme will not only focus on youth engagement but also bring different generations together fostering understanding, respect, and shared purpose between young people and the wider community.

What’s involved?

  • Young people will use creative tools and activities in schools to explore the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census results around mental health and wellbeing, sharing ideas on how local leaders and services can better support them.
  • Already delivered in Newham and North Devon, Kailo is a framework aimed at helping local communities, young people and public service partnerships better understand and address the root causes (and wider determinants) of young people’s mental health. Young people will take part in a series of interactive workshops and work with local leaders to identify opportunities for improvement and co-design solutions.

What’s next?

The programme begins with a preparation phase in August 2025, followed by delivery from October 2025 to April 2026. We’re committed to working in partnership with the London Borough of Havering, schools, and community organisations to create positive, lasting change for young people in Havering.

Stay tuned for updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved as we move forward.

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The Cage

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

🏀 The Cage Summer Programme – Empowering Thamesmead Youth

This summer, Youth Unity CIC is returning to The Cage, Thamesmead, for a powerful 6-week outreach programme – built on real feedback from local young people and backed by community support.

After the success of our June 2025 event, we heard loud and clear that many young people avoid The Cage because it doesn’t always feel safe or welcoming. So we’re coming back to change that – together.

🎯 What’s the Goal?

We’re here to make The Cage a place where young people feel safe, included, and proud to be. Through weekly sessions, we’re bringing:

  • 🌱 Positive engagement

  • 🗣️ Trusted role models

  • 🎨 Creative expression

  • 🏀 Fun activities shaped by youth voice

This isn’t just a drop-in programme – it’s part of a long-term commitment to build trust, reduce antisocial behaviour, and help young people reclaim their space.

📍 What’s Happening Each Week?

Every Tuesday | 3:30pm – 6:30pm | The Cage, Thamesmead
From sports and games to creative workshops and mentoring, our outreach van will be on-site with trained youth workers providing support and safe spaces.

🎨 We’re also launching a collaborative mural project with a local artist and Peabody – giving young people a chance to shape the space visually and take ownership in a powerful, visible way.

🌟 What We’re Aiming For:

  • Make The Cage a space where young people feel welcome

  • Offer consistent, trusted presence through experienced youth workers

  • Provide positive alternatives and mentoring

  • Improve wellbeing, connection, and pride in the local area

  • Reduce low-level anti-social behaviour through positive visibility

💬 Why It Matters

Too often, spaces like The Cage become overlooked or underused – not because they lack potential, but because they lack positive, consistent engagement.

This programme is about changing that narrative. With support from Peabody and local partners, we’re creating a platform for youth-led transformation.

🚀 What’s Next?

We’re ready to hit the ground running:

✔️ Staffing and planning underway
✔️ Art mural logistics in progress
✔️ Outreach van and kit on standby
✔️ Local promotion and school outreach launching soon

Together, we’re activating The Cage – not just for the summer, but for the future.Wolve

Commencing: 30th July 2025

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Redbridge Summer

by London Borough of HaveringLondon Borough of RedbridgeNew Projects

This summer, Youth Unity is proud to bring our Media Van and Youth Outreach Team to Manford Way Open Space, Ilford as part of the Redbridge Summer Program – and it’s completely FREE for young people!  We will also be running some street based walk abouts through the week to reach as many young people as possible.

We’re not just here for fun (though we promise there’s plenty of that). Our mission goes deeper it’s about empowering young people, offering alternatives to crime, and supporting those who need it most.

💡 What’s This All About?

Youth Unity is on a mission to reach and support children and young people (CYP) at risk of criminal exploitation. We’re out in areas with little youth provision, offering sports, gaming, music, creative arts, and most importantly – someone to talk to.

🎯 Our Key Objectives

We’re here to:

  • 💬 Engage young people who may be at risk or vulnerable to negative influences.

  • 🛤️ Guide them towards positive, fun, and life-building activities.

  • Be present in spaces where support is often lacking.

  • Gather insight into local youth trends, emerging risks, and hotspots for crime or antisocial behaviour.

  • Adapt to where young people are – we go where the need is.

  • Escalate serious concerns to the right authorities when needed.

🕒 When & Where?

We’ll be out and about at least twice a week regularly at:
Manford Way Open Space, 81 Woodman Path, Ilford IG6 3AX
🕧 Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, every Thursday and various time through the week on street based walk about on Orchard Estate.

Our times and locations may shift depending on when and where young people are gathering  we’re flexible so we can make the biggest impact. But you’ll always see familiar faces from our team out in the community.

Why It Matters

Too many young people are falling through the cracks. Some don’t have anywhere safe to go. Others are at risk of being drawn into crime or exploitation.

By being visible, relatable, and consistent, Youth Unity offers an alternative – a path to connection, creativity, and community.

👏 Supported By

We’re grateful to have the support of Redbridge Council, helping us make this intervention possible.

Together, we’re offering a safe space for young people – and building a better, safer community for all.

Commencing: 31st July 2025

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Harold Hill

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

🌞 Harold Hill Summer Program: Free Activities for Young People This Summer!

We’re excited to announce our Harold Hill Summer Program, a series of free weekly sessions for young people aged 12 to 18. These sessions are designed to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment during the school holidays—using the power of sport, gaming, music, and arts to inspire positive change.

📍 Locations & Times

  • Mondays – Central Park (Next to the basketball courts), 2:00pm – 4:30pm

  • Fridays – Hilldene Shops (Farnham Road), 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Backed by the Metropolitan Police and delivered by Youth Unity CIC, these sessions are more than just fun and games. They’re built around a proven approach to engagement, mentoring, and youth development, with trained youth workers and a mobile outreach unit on site.

What’s on offer?

  • 🏀 Sports & fitness activities

  • 🎮 Gaming and competitions

  • 🎨 Creative arts and music

  • 🎤 Informal mentoring and conversations

  • 🚐 Access to our fully equipped Mobile Youth Hub

We’ve designed this program with inclusion in mind—whether you’re into sports, creative arts, or just need a safe space to hang out, there’s something for everyone.

Why Harold Hill?
Harold Hill continues to be a key area of focus in our community work, and thanks to our strong local partnerships and support from the Havering Metropolitan Police, we’ve been able to expand our reach with this exciting summer provision. We’re proud to be a trusted grassroots organisation working directly with young people, families, and local services to build a safer and more positive environment as part of the “Our Harold Hill” Clear Hold Build initiative.

Let’s make this summer one to remember 🌟

Commencing: 28th July 2025

The Nest

Cygnet Square – Summer Sessions

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

Youth Unity are excited to announce that we are back at The Nest again this summer, offering young people in Thamesmead a safe, welcoming space right in the heart of Cygnet Square.

Every Tuesday from 22nd July to 26th August, our friendly outreach team will be on the square from 1pm to 3:30pm, creating a trusted drop-in space where young people can relax, connect and get involved in positive activities.

Thanks to our strong footprint in the area, we’ve already built great relationships with the local young people and we’re looking forward to strengthening those connections even more this summer.

Young people will be able to enjoy free activities including Xbox & PS5 gaming, basketball hoops, table tennis, arts and crafts — plus plenty of snacks to keep everyone going!

Our goal is simple: to provide a safe space where young people feel heard, supported and inspired to spend their time positively during the summer break.

This is all possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with Peabody and the brilliant community support we’ve had from local residents and families.

When & Where:
📅 Tuesdays, 22nd July – 26th August
🕐 1pm – 3:30pm
📍 Cygnet Square, London SE2 9FA

Together, we’re building safer, stronger communities for young people one session at a time.

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Set Sail on an Adventure – Join Youth Unity and Tall Ships Youth Trust This October!

by New Projects

Set Sail on an Adventure, Join Youth Unity and Tall Ships Youth Trust This October!

We are thrilled to have partnered with Tall Ships Youth Trust and their amazing sponsors to offer a fully funded sailing programme designed to help young people build confidence, resilience and life skills all while having an unforgettable adventure at sea!

This October, we’re giving young people aged 12 to 17 the chance to join a free, life-changing 5-day sailing trip no sailing experience needed!

Setting sail from Portsmouth on 6th October, this unique opportunity will see 10 young people learn real sailing skills, navigate the open seas, and experience life on board a Challenger yacht alongside experienced crew and trusted Youth Unity mentors.

Young people will:

  • Learn to helm, set sails, and work as part of a team
  • Make new friends and build confidence
  • Cook meals together, sleep in sea bunk beds, and discover new strengths
  • Explore pathways into careers in sailing and the wider maritime industry

Travel, food, kit, life jackets and harnesses are all fully covered so there’s no cost to families.

How to apply:
It’s easy just fill in a short form and send us a 60-second video telling us why you want to be part of this adventure. Don’t forget to say your name at the start of the video! Send your video to 07447 446992.

Got questions? Email shirley@youthunity.org — we’re happy to help.

This is your chance to challenge yourself, learn something new and sail into an experience you’ll never forget. Apply today and set sail with us this October!

Those who are selected to take part will be notified by the 8th September, so make sure you have all the correct details when you sign up

Supported by Tall Ships Youth Trust & their amazing sponsors, making adventures happen for young people.

I spent a day on board with the Tall Ships crew and had an amazing experience myself, it was through this that I realised just how much our young people, especially those living in London, would benefit from an opportunity like this.
Shirley Jackson
Managing Director
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The Cage Thamesmead – SUMMER FUN TIMES

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

Following the success of our community event at The Cage in June, we’re excited to announce that Youth Unity will be back in Thamesmead this summer with a brand-new six-week outreach programme and we’ll also be joining the next community event on 4th September.

We heard loud and clear from local young people that The Cage can sometimes feel unsafe or unwelcoming. Many told us they want to see more positive activities happening in the space and we’re here to make that happen through the amazing support from Peabody Housing.

For six weeks over the summer holidays, our outreach team will be at The Cage every Tuesday afternoon. We’ll bring our trusted intervention van to create a safe, welcoming base, and our trained youth workers will be on hand to offer mentoring, support and a listening ear.

Young people will also be able to get involved in informal sports, games, and creative activities shaped by what they want helping build confidence, connection and community pride. One highlight will be a brand-new mural, co-designed with a local artist and young people themselves, to transform the walls of The Cage into something they can own and be proud of.

This is about more than just summer fun it’s about giving young people a reason to return, feel safe and welcome, and have a say in what their community looks like.

Together, we’re turning The Cage into a place where young people feel they belong. We can’t wait to see you there.

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Safer Neighbourhood Havering Summer

by Essex CountyLondon Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsOutreach

We’re excited to announce that Youth Unity has been awarded funding to deliver a 14-week Detached Outreach Programme in Romford, launching on 4th July.

This project marks a return to the heart of the borough, where we’ll be delivering targeted mobile youth work through our Mobile Intervention Outreach Service, designed to engage young people directly within their communities.

Working in partnership with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council, our outreach will take place in key areas identified as priorities, offering trusted, street-based support that is both responsive and proactive.

What We’re Delivering:

Our sessions will feature a mix of positive activities, including:

  • Table Tennis

  • Music

  • Gaming 

  • Street Chess

These activities are more than just recreation they’re powerful tools for engagement, relationship-building, and early intervention, proven to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide safer spaces for young people at risk of isolation or exploitation.

This programme offers not just structured support, but a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect with positive role models.

We’re proud to return to Romford with this vital work and with the support of this funding, we’re ready to make a real, lasting impact.