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Stephen Wright, Artist

by Arts & CultureTeam Members

Steve is the creative force behind the vibrant murals that bring Youth Unity’s projects to life. A skilled and passionate artist, they turn walls into powerful visual stories that reflect the voices, dreams, and resilience of the communities they serve.

With a signature style that blends bold colour, intricate detail, and layered symbolism, Steve’s murals do more than beautify spaces, they spark connection, dialogue, and creativity. A regular Youth Unity collaborator, they gravitate toward projects that empower young people and strengthen community pride.

Beyond murals, Steve is an accomplished tattoo artist, crafting intricate designs that honour personal stories and cultural identity, showcasing both versatility and a deep commitment to meaningful expression.

Equally dedicated to mentoring, Steve enjoys working alongside young creatives, sharing skills and confidence. Whether painting a wall or co-creating with youth, their work channels the unity, hope, and cultural diversity at the heart of Youth Unity’s mission.

When not painting or tattooing, Steve explores new techniques, connects with local communities, and draws inspiration from the energy and spirit of the young people they work with.

blurred group of young students going to class in fast movement, Generative AI

Transition to secondary school – preparing for the change​

by Workshops & Training

The ‘Primary – Need to Know’ resilience training for Transition Stage pupils (Years 6), aged 10 – 11 years is delivered to children by skilled experts with over 20 years’ experience within Statutory (Policing and Local Authority) and Non Statutory Setting. 

The work shops are an interactive classroom-based session.  It helps to build children’s resilience to saying “no” to gangs, violence and associated vulnerability.  The interactive session develops their thinking skills to better understand the risks they may well experience and to guide and support them towards making the right positive choices. 

Primary school is the starting point for most educational journeys. It can be for some the place where many social skills are formed and values and beliefs outside of the home are created.

For many parents, it will also be the first time that they have experienced a level of independence in their child, with the responsibility of handling home work and similar school based projects. For many it is also a time when there are significant changes that arise in their child on a day to day basis. This could be friendship groups, behaviour or emotional intelligence. Having worked as a primary school mentor for eight years, my concern was always the transition period for most of the mentees that I had the pleasure to know. I have always maintained that transition to secondary actually starts in year five, when most of the pupils are already experiencing fear or worrying about the change in environment. Many are fearful of the increase in workload and the increased responsibility to manage their time better etc. Secondary school can also be a concern for parents, many of them are unconsciously worried about the well being of their child or children when this environment changes. Parents play a massive part in preparation for transition to secondary.

Youth Unity Transition

facilitated by:

wayne

Wayne Hill
Lead Serious Youth Violence & Gang Exit Specialist

by Team MembersWayne Hill
The Team / Wayne
Lead Serious Youth Violence & Gang Exit Specialist

Wayne.

Wayne leads our work on serious youth violence and gang exit, with more than 25 years spent alongside the young people others have given up on.

Get in touch →
Wayne, Lead Serious Youth Violence and Gang Exit Specialist at Youth Unity
25+ years

At the forefront of tackling youth violence and gang exploitation in our communities.

01

At the forefront

Wayne is a dedicated and passionate advocate in the field of serious youth violence and gang exit work. With over 25 years of experience, he has been at the forefront of efforts to address the impact of youth violence and gang-related harm within our communities.

Having witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of youth violence, Wayne has committed his career to creating positive change and providing real alternatives for young people at risk. He has designed and delivered intervention programmes that prevent young people being drawn into gangs, and that support those who want to leave that life behind.

02

The ones others give up on

At Youth Unity, Wayne leads our mentoring for young people affected by serious youth violence. He has spent more than three decades working closely with the young people who are hardest to reach and hardest to engage, and he keeps going where others step back. His approach is trauma-informed: he understands that behaviour which looks like defiance is often a response to what a young person has lived through, and he works with that reality rather than against it.

That persistence gets results. Wayne has an outstanding track record of achievements with the young people he has worked with, and his determination to guide each one towards a better future is what defines him.

A way out, and someone to walk it with.
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Trauma-informed, contextual safeguarding

Wayne’s expertise extends to contextual safeguarding: understanding the risks young people face beyond the family home, on the street, online and among their peers. He built that insight over many years working in children’s care homes, where those risks are often at their sharpest.

It means he sees the whole picture around a young person, not just the behaviour in front of him, and he can work with families, schools and services to change the environment as well as the individual.

04

Why it matters

Gang exit work is demanding, slow and often unseen. Wayne takes on those responsibilities with skill and real commitment, and the young people he supports know they have someone in their corner for as long as it takes.

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Art therapy for healing trauma from bullying and harassment Using collage techniques to express emotions Developing psychological defense mechanisms through artistic creation A safe space for people

VAWG Workshops

by Workshops & Training

Crafting workshops that address Violence Against Women and Girls necessitates a nuanced and age-appropriate approach, a task we handle with utmost sensitivity and care.

Our workshops are meticulously designed to foster understanding, empathy, and awareness in a safe and engaging environment for young people. Through tailored activities like storytelling and interactive discussions, we aim to convey the importance of respect, kindness, consent, and addressing inappropriate behavior. The content is thoughtfully curated to instill foundational values, providing a platform for young minds to comprehend the gravity of this traumatic topic and encouraging them to recognise harmful behaviors, thereby keeping each other safe.

Central to our approach is creating a safe space for young people to express their thoughts and feelings. By promoting open communication, we instill the belief that their voices matter, empowering them to speak up against any form of violence.

The content of our workshops goes beyond awareness; it’s designed to cultivate the foundations of healthy relationships. Empowering young individuals with knowledge and skills, our aim is to equip them to build positive connections with others, contributing to the creation of environments that are free from violence and coercion. Your support allows us to expand the reach of these vital workshops, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people and fostering a culture of respect and empathy.

facilitated by:

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Jason Hill
Mentor

by Team Members
The Team / Jason Hill
Ambassador • Retired Met Police Officer

Jason
Hill.

Jason spent his police career working with the young people nobody else wanted to take on. Now retired from the Met, he brings that experience, and a lifetime of building partnerships, to Youth Unity.

Jason Hill, Ambassador at Youth Unity, wearing a navy Youth Unity t-shirt
Partnership first

“We cannot simply arrest our way out of the current situation.”

01

The kids nobody else wanted

Before retiring, Jason was the Metropolitan Police’s Youth Engagement Coordinator for the North East Sector. He ran his own football-based Friday night project for at-risk young people and supported a further 14 projects across Newham and Waltham Forest, reaching more than 2,000 young people.

“Basically, I work with the kids that nobody else wants, or they find too difficult to handle,” he said at the time. Many had been through the custodial system or were on the edge of it, referred in by schools, pupil referral units and social services. Others were privately educated and wanted to be lawyers. On Friday nights, they all played football together.

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From six to hundreds

Jason’s Salisbury Hall Friday Night Project in Waltham Forest started with just six young people. It grew to around 100 every week, with nearly 800 registered and young people travelling from all over London to take part. Some went on to Crystal Palace and Peterborough United.

Alongside football, the projects he supported offered cricket, dance, bike building, theatre, gardening, mental health sessions, and rap and grime workshops. Young people moved on to apprenticeships, coaching qualifications and the Police Cadets, and anti-social behaviour fell by 6.6% in the areas where the projects ran.

You’ve got to work as a collective.
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Bringing everyone round the table

Jason has always believed that partnership is the only way. As a police officer, he could bring schools, charities, coaches, councils and former young offenders together with no political or financial agenda, once getting 27 partners around one table. He also championed a Youth Independent Advisory Group, making sure young people with lived experience had a real say.

Above all, it comes down to rapport and trust. On his projects, young people stopped batting an eyelid at a police uniform, because the officers just joined in and started chatting. Breaking down those barriers is what Jason now brings to Youth Unity as our Ambassador, helping to spread the word about our work and bring new partners and supporters on board.

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Riyad
Sessional Youth Worker

by Team Members
The Team / Riyad
Youth Worker • Qualified English Teacher

Riyad.

Riyad has been part of Youth Unity since the very start. Now a qualified English teacher working in Saudi Arabia, he jumps straight back into youth work whenever he’s home in the UK, bringing his teaching expertise with him.

Get in touch →
Riyad, Youth Worker and qualified English teacher at Youth Unity
Teacher & youth worker

He sees past the behaviour, and sees the young person.

01

Part of Youth Unity from the start

Riyad has been with Youth Unity since the very beginning, growing up alongside the organisation. From those early days he has had a real passion for youth work and for making genuine, lasting change in young people’s lives.

02

From the classroom abroad to youth work at home

Riyad is now a qualified English teacher living and working in Saudi Arabia. Teaching brings generous time off, and whenever he is back home in the UK he jumps straight back into his youth worker role.

He brings his teaching expertise into the mix, combining the structure and skills of the classroom with the trust and informality of youth work.

He sees past the behaviour, and sees the young person.
03

Seeing past the behaviour

Riyad understands that behaviour is often a young person’s way of communicating something they can’t yet put into words. Rather than writing anyone off, he looks beyond it to the person underneath, building relationships based on patience, respect and belief in what they can achieve.

04

Literature through philosophy

One of the things that makes Riyad’s sessions stand out is the way he introduces young people to elements of literature through philosophy. Using stories, poems and big questions about life, fairness and identity, he gets young people thinking, debating and sharing their views.

It is a way in that helps them build critical thinking, confidence and their own voice, often without even realising they are learning.

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The essence of embracing challenges, personal growth, and finding meaning in life by overcoming obstacles

Limitless Minds: Redefining Abilities with Nick Wilson … Podcast

by Podcasting

Nick Wilson is a Speaker, Presenter and Content Creator, aka Disabled Adventurer, an Ambassador for Purple Tuesday, and the Disability Expo, who Champions suicide survivors and abilities over disabilities, through his talks and adventures. He openly, and very frankly, shares his lived experiences with mental illness, physical disability and surviving a suicide attempt to; inform society, encourage change, and inspire and empower others, with authenticity and a message of hope.

He is also an Army Veteran with an impactful story to tell. After 14 years of service, Nick left the military, with a spinal injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD, as a result of multiple deployments across the globe such as, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Through his battle with both physical and mental disabilities, surviving attempted suicide and managing suicidal ideation, Nick continually demonstrates resilience and the ability to overcome adversity, whilst forging a new career as a successful public speaker, budding presenter, video producer and an adventurer always looking for his next challenge.

Through finding ways to better manage his health conditions and environment, Nick prevents his disabilities from dictating his life or fulfilling his purpose of selflessly helping others. This is clear to see by his commitment to supporting the local community and wider society, with the many achievements he’s obtained being recognised, locally and nationally, winning him an award at the prestigious “English Veterans Awards” and being named “Male Role Model of the Year” ‘21 and “Changemaker” of the Year ‘22.

In a bid to understand the workings of the mind, Nick studied Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mental Health First Aid and Neuro-Linguistics Programming, becoming a trainer and practitioner in all three. Armed with his lived experiences, professional skills in mental health and life lessons learned, Nick founded Talk Mental Health CIC, a social enterprise to; champion men’s mental health and advocating for the sharing of our lived experiences. From launching in May 2020, TMH has directly helped over 250 guys locally and hundreds of thousands, nationally and globally, through the videos Nick creates for social media. As someone who promotes hope through his messaging and embracing abilities over disabilities, Nick has completed countless charity fundraising work throughout his career raising over £125,000 for charities, through organising events such as; 1000-mile cycle for D-Day commemorations and the first Basra half marathon. Nick also ran successful mental health campaigns during 2018/19, creating hashtags #Realmentalk and #Timetolisten reaching over 250,000 around the world.

Through his challenges Nick has:

  1. Ascended Mount Snowden in a powered wheelchair, creating the first ever VR experience of doing so from a wheelchair user perspective
  2. Became the first disabled person to complete 96km of the Ridgeway National Trail in a wheelchair
  3. Completed a 385mile cycle on his specialised recumbent trike, from Margate to Lands End, Spent 10 days travelling Route66 with, Bike Tours for the Wounded, on a Harley Goldwing.

During these he’s had to overcome; heat exhaustion, debilitating chronic pain, mental struggles, failure, and homelessness, whilst navigating Covid and a severe lack of funding, however, regardless of this he has still found ways to
achieve them.

Nick runs countless presentations that train both the public and private sectors on the importance of mental health, disability and suicide awareness, accessibility, and inclusion, through sharing his own journey of overcoming adversity, adjusting to new challenges, recovery and beginning to learn how to best live his life once more.

He has gained experience and a respected reputation, through his previously delivering to; businesses large and small, global and regional, universities, networking events and small local community functions. The feedback he receives, always includes words such as, Authentic, Inspirational, Thought Provoking, Empowering, Life Changing and Educational/Informative; demonstrating that Nick’s talks are suitable for a wide range of demographic groups and can always be made relatable to the specific audience.

Public Speaking
From surviving suicide attempts, learning to manage with Complex PTSD, Depression, Suicidal thoughts, and physical disabilities, to his personal growth, development, and journey of recovery. Nick can adapt these lived experiences to speak on a multitude of topics, more specifically connected to Suicide, Mental Health, Change, EDI, Disability and

Post Traumatic Growth, ensuring to meet all your specific requirements.

Mental Health and Disability – Providing a general overview of mental health and disability, the impact they have on the individual, the workplace and how others can best support someone with mental ill health and/or a disability, plus the importance of us as individuals, accepting responsibility for and taking ownership of, our own wellbeing and how we manage it.

Disability in the Workplace – Helping organisations to benefit from embracing inclusion, what this looks like and how to identify the strengths and abilities of someone who has a disability. Talking specifically about how to make the necessary adjustments in your organisation, ensuring you implement any specific training correctly, to benefit from maximum effectiveness, and how to best communicate and support those with mental ill health and a disability.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention – Suicide remains to be one of the most challenging and taboo topics in the workplace and wider society, where arguably the associated stigma still results in the loss of life. Each death is one too many and can impact 135 people on average and attempted suicide numbers are estimated by the NHS to be 140,000 and so much work remains to be done. Nick has unique knowledge which any organisation would benefit from, with lived experience of attempted suicide and battling with suicidal thoughts, in addition to experience of helping others, whilst navigating the system.

Transition & Change – Following a successful 14-year career in the military, Nick faced a traumatic decade long journey of transition, within a society which had become alien to him compared to the military. Then on becoming “newly disabled”, has once again had to adapt to life being in a wheelchair and the restrictions which come with this. However,
he has become a successful and integral part of society, a well-known and respected member of his local community and entrepreneur.

My Journey – Nick has had a tumultuous life to date, from living on the streets at the age of 16, starting his first business at the age of 17 and joining the Army, to building two successful businesses on leaving the military, launching a men’s support group and forging a new career as a speaker and presenter.

Nick’s ‘cheeky chappy’ persona reflects a friendly, humble guy whose speaking style is authentic, open and powerful. His wealth of personal, practical, and professional experiences over 25 years guarantees a direct impact on those he speaks to, inspiring and empowering everyone he meets.

Nick’s ‘cheeky chappy’ persona reflects a friendly, humble guy whose speaking style is authentic, open and powerful. His wealth of personal, practical and professional experiences over 25 years guarantees a direct impact on those he speaks to, inspiring and empowering everyone he meets.

Lived Experience Library YouTube

Disabled Adventurer Instagram

Disabled Adventurer LinkedIn

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Jhiselle Feanny – Consultant & Clinical Supervisor

by Team Members
The Team / Jhiselle
Clinical Supervisor • Team Wellbeing

Jhiselle.

Jhiselle Feanny is our Clinical Supervisor, helping to ensure the mental wellbeing of the Youth Unity team. She brings over 17 years of experience in social care and management, working with children, young people and families.

Get in touch →
Jhiselle Feanny, Clinical Supervisor at Youth Unity
17+ years’ experience

A well-supported team is the foundation of good work with young people.

01

Looking after those who look after others

As Clinical Supervisor, Jhiselle helps to ensure the mental wellbeing of our team. Supporting young people can be demanding work, and she gives our staff a space to reflect, process and grow, so they can keep showing up at their best for the young people who rely on them.

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17 years in social care

Jhiselle Feanny has over 17 years of experience in social care and management, specialising in leading teams and ensuring high-quality services for children, young people and families. She focuses on fostering a solution-focused and systemic approach, embedding best practices and driving meaningful interventions.

Jhiselle excels in creating collaborative cultures and championing evidence-based practices to set benchmarks for excellence and positive change.

Supporting the team, so the team can support young people.
03

Expertise that makes a difference

Her expertise spans management, safeguarding children and families, and addressing adolescent risk. She has worked extensively to prevent reactive care entries, resolve housing and homelessness issues, promote reunification and reduce offending behaviours.

We are pleased to welcome her expertise to the Youth Unity team.

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Mobile Intervention Hub
offering a safe space for young people

by Uncategorized

Sports, Media, Filming, Gaming, Music Production

The Mobile Intervention Space is an innovative youth media bus designed to empower young minds and provide a vibrant space for creative exploration.

Our mission is to foster unity, self-expression, and meaningful connections among young individuals, a space to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of youth expression.

The Mobile Intervention Space compliments our outreach work and other services we deliver, the space is about music production, podcasting, gaming through three separate xBox’s, or simply seeking a place to come and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere with trained youth professionals.

Young People can unleash their musical talents in our onboard recording studio, free style rap, record a track and take it away with them, they even have the opportunity to learn how to mix beats and DJ.

Whether they are a budding artist, a skilled instrumentalist, or a lyrical wordsmith, our studio is equipped to help bring musical vision to life.

Our dedicated podcasting station allows young people to delve into the realm of audio storytelling. They are able to dive into thought-provoking discussions, conduct interviews, or unleash creativity through captivating narratives. We provide the tools and guidance to help young people develop their own podcasting platform.

The Mobile Intervention Space isn’t just about the activities; it’s about fostering connections and building a supportive community.

Young People are able to step on board to unwind, vibe, and engage with fellow young creators.

The cozy and inviting space is designed to cultivate a sense of belonging, where young people can share ideas, seek inspiration, and form lasting friendships.

Access to Support: Our outreach programs provide a lifeline to young people living in hard-to-reach areas, where traditional services may not be readily accessible. The provision aims to  bridge the gap between vulnerable disadvantaged  communities and the resources they need, ensuring that support is available where it is most needed.

Safe Spaces: The provision aims to create safe and welcoming spaces for young people. These spaces offer respite from potentially harmful environments and provide a sense of security, allowing young individuals to express themselves, build trusted relationships with positive role models, and engage in positive activities.

Preventative and Protective: At Youth Unity our outreach work is  preventative in nature. It helps identify and address issues early on, reducing negative outcomes such as substance abuse, ASB or mental health vulnerability. By intervening proactively our outreach programs aim to protect young people from harm.

Community Building:  Our outreach work aims to foster a sense of community and inclusion. It brings people together, encouraging social interaction and cohesion. This sense of belonging is vital for young people’s emotional well-being and personal development.

Tailored bespoke Support: At Youth Unity our team take a personalised approach. They build trusted relationships with young people to understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. This tailored method of operating is more likely to be effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Education and Skill Building: Our Youth Unity outreach programs offer opportunities for education, skill development, and personal growth. The provision of provide workshops, training, and resources that empower young people to make informed choices and build a brighter future.

Reduction of Negative Influences: By offering positive alternatives and role models, outreach work can help steer young people away from negative influences, such as gangs or criminal activities, that may be prevalent in their communities.

Community Empowerment: Outreach programs empower communities to take charge of their own well-being. They encourage active participation, advocacy, and community-led initiatives, which can lead to lasting positive changes.

Intelligent-led youth (ILYW): Our approach combines the use of intelligence and data-driven insights to inform and enhance youth work practices. Utilising information and analysis to understand the needs, challenges, and interests of young people more effectively. By collecting and analysing data on outcomes and impact, adjustments can be made to continually improve the support provided to young people in an innovative way.

 

 

Youth Unity Copyright

Yasmin Hacib

Yasmin Hacib
Sessional Youth Worker

by Team Members
The Team / Yasmin
Youth Worker • Events Helper

Yasmin.

Yasmin has been part of Youth Unity since the very beginning. Between her studies in chemistry at the University of Sussex, she comes back to plan and lead sports and arts sessions, help run our events and support the young people who make Youth Unity what it is.

Get in touch →
Yasmin, Youth Worker and Events Helper at Youth Unity
Here from day one

Whenever she’s home from university, you’ll find her back at Youth Unity.

01

Part of Youth Unity from the start

Yasmin has been with Youth Unity since it began in 2020, and has grown alongside the organisation. What started as helping out has become a real role in the team, and she returns to work with us during her university breaks.

She plans and leads sports and arts workshops for young people aged 18 and under, working with groups of up to 50 at a time, and makes sure every session is safe, well organised and fun.

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Making events happen

Yasmin is a natural organiser. She coordinates volunteers, manages event logistics and keeps sessions running to schedule.

She is first aid trained, including paediatric basic life support, so young people and families can feel confident they are in safe hands.

Proof that local young people can go anywhere.
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From Havering to the lab

Yasmin studied at Havering Sixth Form College before going on to the University of Sussex, where she is now in the fourth year of an integrated master’s degree in Chemistry. Her research focuses on making new molecules that could one day help in the fight against cancer, and she is President of the university’s Chemistry Society.

For the young people we work with, Yasmin shows what is possible with hard work and curiosity. Outside of study and youth work, she enjoys art, cooking, music, gardening and keeping fit.

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