Youth Unity

Barking & Dagenham

In response to recent critical incidents affecting the local area, Youth Unity will be delivering a dedicated 6-week programme of detached youth work, aimed at providing a visible, supportive presence within the community. These sessions have been a vital part of our early intervention strategy, offering a safe, approachable space for young people during a particularly challenging time.

Our experienced youth team has been engaging with young people directly on the streets and in community hotspots listening, supporting, and building trust. Through consistent outreach, we’ve been able to create meaningful connections, offer guidance, and signpost to services that promote positive choices and personal development.

The detached sessions are about more than just presence; they’re about offering stability, reassurance, and a non-judgmental space where young people feel heard. We’ve seen encouraging engagement, with many young people sharing their concerns, ideas, and experiences.

Youth Unity is committed to ensuring that young people feel safe, supported, and empowered, especially during times of heightened tension or uncertainty. These sessions are a testament to the power of consistent, community-focused youth work in helping young people navigate difficult environments.

https://youthunity.org/event/gale-street-bd

Railway track with switch and interchange and high rise building in Hong Kong city

Future Tracks: Supporting Vulnerable Youth Through Mentorship on the Move

At Youth Unity, we believe every young person deserves guidance, safety, and a clear path toward a brighter future. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Future Tracks a targeted, trauma-informed mentoring program supporting vulnerable young people across South East London and Dartford, particularly those connected to the railway network.

We meet young people where they are, emotionally and physically, and help guide them toward safer paths and brighter futures.

Why the Railway?

The railway is more than a transport route, it’s a real-world touchpoint for vulnerable youth. It can also be a space where risk, escape, and opportunity collide.

By working with:

  • Southeastern Railway Safeguarding

  • British Transport Police

  • Local authorities & schools

…we’re able to intervene early, build trust, and open doors.

Future Tracks is a trauma-informed mentoring program supporting vulnerable young people aged 11 to 25. The project is embedded within the Southeastern railway network to support those at risk of:

  • Going missing

  • Anti-social behaviour

  • Exploitation

  • Substance misuse

  • Being NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)

What Future Tracks Offers​

Safety Awareness

“Teaching young people to stay safe while traveling.”

 Life Skills

“From communication to money management, helping them grow in confidence.”

Emotional Support

“Providing a trusted adult and safe space for each mentee.”

Access to Resources

We connect youth with certified training and routes into education and employment.

Career Exploration

We help young people dream again, introducing job sectors, CV prep, and workplace visits.

Social Integration

Group work, workshops, and creative projects reduce isolation and build connection.

Crime Prevention

By offering consistency, support, and positive alternatives, we reduce involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour on and around the rail network.

Our Approach: Trauma-Informed & Contextual Safeguarding

We don’t just offer help, we understand the bigger picture. Our mentors are trained in:

  • Trauma-informed listening

  • Contextual safeguarding principles

  • Cultural awareness and anti-oppressive practice

Six  important life skills

Let's Keep the Tracks Moving Forward At Future Tracks, we believe in early intervention, empowerment, and real change. Together, let’s help every young person find their way.

Arrows on wooden cubes pointing from a sad expression towards a happy one. Personal growth and aspiration concept.

Ambition Life Skills Program

Empowering Young People: The Ambition Life Skills & RespectProgramme

Youth Unity is proud to introduceThe Ambition Life Skills & RespectProgramme, a powerful mentoring initiative designed to support young people and young adults in developing essential life skills, improving well-being, and guiding them toward a brighter future.

By combining expert guidance, practical tools, and digital resources, the Ambition and Respect programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can flourish. Launching May 2025, this transformative initiative aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling, positive lives.

 

Created by highly respected psychologist Roberto Forzoni, the Ambition Programme is grounded in evidence-based practice and uses solution-focused therapy to inspire young people to achieve their potential.

The programme includes 10 coach-led digital modules, designed to empower vulnerable young people by enhancing their mental health, resilience, and life skills. To support different learning styles, participants can access a paper mentoring handbook and a learning management system that tracks progress and outcomes.

Key Learning Themes

The Ambition modules focus on equipping young people with the skills to:

Develop confidence and self-esteem, becoming the best version of themselves

Understand and overcome self sabotage and negative thinking

Recognise the impact of their choices understanding consequences and building better decision-making skills

Manage impulses, learning to weigh short-term gains against long-term benefits

Build resilience, learning how to respond positively to setbacks and challenges

By engaging in these modules, young people gain the tools to avoid risk-taking behaviour, criminal activity, and unhealthy relationships, helping them to build a safer, more positive future.

Complementing Ambition, the Respect Programme features four coach-led modules focused on fostering respect in all aspects of life:

Understanding respect:

  • What respect means and how to develop it Self-respect Building a positive relationship with oneself Relationship respect
  • Encouraging healthy interactions with others World respect
  • Cultivating respect for people and communities each respect module includes a period for reflective practice, encouraging participants to consolidate their learning and apply insights in real-world situations.
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Youth Podcasting Projects – Giving Young People a Voice

At Youth Unity CIC, we run a range of youth-led podcasting projects designed to give young people a platform to express themselves, explore meaningful topics, and build confidence in their voice. These sessions not only develop valuable digital media and communication skills, but also encourage participants to engage in open conversations around mental health, identity, relationships, youth violence, and social justice.

Our podcasting workshops offer a creative and impactful space for young people to lead discussions, share personal experiences, and interview local role models, professionals, and peers. The final content is both youth-driven and professionally supported, resulting in high-quality outputs that reflect the issues young people care about most.

We are proud to offer podcasting as a creative service that contributes to personal development, digital literacy, and youth empowerment. If you’re a funder, school, or partner organisation interested in supporting or commissioning a podcasting project, we’d love to collaborate.

Upset face emoji with closed eyes, open frown, and raised eyebrows on yellow background

Decoding Emojis: Understanding Hidden Meanings in Digital Communication

Emojis serve as a complex form of communication that can convey a wide range of meanings, including those that are more sinister or problematic. Understanding these interpretations can help parents and guardians engage in meaningful conversations about online safety and communication with their children. It’s important to foster an environment of trust and open dialogue to discuss these interpretations and their implications.

Incel-Related Emojis

🔵 Blue Pill  Opposite of the Red Pill, represents ignorance or remaining in mainstream societal views rather than adopting incel ideology.

💊 Pill/Capsule Can symbolise red-pilling or black-pilling, referring to ideological awakenings, often in extremist or misogynistic circles.

Black Pill – Represents hopelessness, often used in incel communities to suggest there is no way to change one’s fate.

🤡 Clown Face – Used to mock someone perceived as naïve or deluded, sometimes directed at “normies” who don’t subscribe to incel beliefs.

🖤 Black Heart – Can symbolise nihilism, depression, or rejection of societal norms, often used in incel or extremist contexts.

🔴 Red Pill -Often associated with the “manosphere” or incel culture, symbolising awakening to a particular worldview often centered around misogyny.

💣 Dynamite – Used in incel circles to signify explosive ideas or actions, often in a violent context.

💯 100 – Represents authenticity or agreement, but can also imply a commitment to extreme beliefs, especially within incel communities.

🫘 Kidney Beans – In some contexts, this emoji can be used in incel memes to derogatorily reference women or to mock femininity.

❤️ Red Heart – Represents love; however, it can also be used manipulatively in emotional contexts.

💜 Purple Heart – Suggests sexual attraction or horniness.

💛 Yellow Heart – Indicates interest, often flirty but can also imply superficial engagement.

💗 Pink Heart – Expresses interest but suggests a desire for emotional connection without sexual implications.

🧡 Orange Heart – Offers reassurance, such as “you’re going to be fine,” but can also imply platonic affection.

Drug-Related Emojis

Commonly used to represent cannabis in various contexts 🍓 Strawberry, 🐶 Dog, 🍒 Cherries, 🍰 Cake, 🍦 Ice Cream, 🍃 Leaves

Used in various contexts to signify cocaine. 👃 Nose, 🐡 Blowfish, ⛽ Petrol Pump, ☃️ Snowman, ❄️ Snowflake

🎈 Balloon

Meaning: Represents nitrous oxide (NOS).

🐴 Horse

Meaning: Indicates ketamine.

⚫ Black Heart

Meaning: Can symbolise dark humour or alternative aesthetics but may also represent grief or loss.

👽 Plug – Refers to a drug dealer, colloquially known as a “plug.”

Sexual and Sexting Emojis

🍆 Eggplant, 🍑 Peach – Commonly used to represent male and female genitalia, respectively, especially in sexting contexts.

💦 Sweat Droplets – Often used to imply sexual arousal or excitement.

🤭 Face with Hand Over Mouth – Can signify shyness or embarrassment, often in a flirtatious or suggestive context.

🤫 Shushing Face – Indicates secrecy, possibly related to private or illicit conversations.

👀 Eyes – Used to suggest someone is watching or to indicate interest in someone else’s activities, often in a flirtatious manner.

Emojis Indicating Risky Behaviour

😈 Smiling Face with Horns – Suggests mischief or malicious intent; often used in contexts of playful or wicked behaviour.

👿 Angry Face with Horns – Represents anger or evil intentions, often used in confrontational contexts.

🤡 Clown Face – Can signify feeling foolish or being caught in a mistake, sometimes used to mock someone.

👁️ Eye – Represents being watched or surveillance, can also imply suspicion.

Coach spending time mentoring a student athlete.

Youth Unity Mentoring: Guiding Futures, Empowering Lives

At Youth Unity, our mentors are the backbone of our work, bringing together a collective wealth of over 100 years of experience in youth support, education, social care, and community engagement. Each mentor comes from a diverse professional background, including teaching, law enforcement, youth work, and mental health support, allowing us to offer a holistic and well-rounded approach to helping young people navigate life’s challenges.

What unites our team is a shared passion and commitment to putting the child at the centre of everything we do. Our mentors understand that every young person is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and aspirations. By building trust, providing guidance, and offering meaningful opportunities, they help young people develop resilience, confidence, and the skills they need to make informed life choices.

Through one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and community engagement, our mentors provide unwavering support to ensure that no child is left behind. Their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience enable them to adapt their approach to meet each young person’s specific needs, creating a safe space for growth and development.

With a combined dedication that spans decades, Youth Unity mentors are more than just professionals, they are role models, advocates, and trusted allies who truly believe in the potential of every young person they support.

Referral Pathways for Youth Unity Mentoring

Youth Unity receives referrals from a range of statutory and community-based organisations that identify young people in need of support.   These referral pathways ensure that those at risk or facing challenges receive tailored mentoring and intervention at the right time.

Local Authority & Council Referrals

Youth services and early help teams refer those facing family breakdowns, safeguarding risks, or social care involvement.

Can include children in care, at risk of exploitation, or requiring additional emotional/behavioural support.

Statutory & Third-Sector Organisations

Referrals come from social services, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and safeguarding teams.

Partnered charities and youth-focused organisations refer young people in need of mentorship, intervention, or structured activities.

Youth Offending Teams (YOTs)

Referrals come from youth justice services for young people who are involved in, or at risk of, offending behaviour.

Often linked to diversionary programs to prevent reoffending.

Policing Teams & Community Safety Units

Police and Safer Schools Officers refer young people who have been identified through anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, or gang affiliation.

Can be part of preventative interventions to steer young people away from crime and exploitation.

Schools & Alternative Provisions

Schools refer students struggling with behaviour, attendance, peer relationships, or safeguarding concerns.

Alternative provisions refer young people who are excluded or disengaged from mainstream education.

Contextual safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring young people are supported in the spaces where risks exist. Integrated across all our programs, it allows us to identify vulnerabilities, provide early intervention, and create safer environments.

Key Contacts for Parents Concerned About a Child’s Safety or Involvement in Crime

📞 Police & Emergency Support

  • Emergency (immediate danger): 999
  • Non-Emergency Police (to report concerns or seek advice): 101
  • Crimestoppers (anonymous crime reporting): 0800 555 111

👮‍♂️ Local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams

  • Contact your local Safer Schools Officer or Youth Engagement Team via your borough police station.
    • You can find contact details through: www.met.police.uk (type in your postcode for local teams)

🛡️ Local Authority & Safeguarding Services

  • Children’s Social Care / MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub):
    • For immediate concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.
    • [Insert Local Authority Name] MASH: [Insert Contact Number & Email]

👩‍⚕️ Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP)

🧒 NSPCC – National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

  • For parents or young people seeking confidential advice or wanting to report abuse.

🏘️ Youth Offending Service (YOS)

  • For support if your child is at risk of or involved in offending.
    • Contact your local borough’s Youth Offending Team via your local council website.

🧠 CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services)

  • If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, anxiety, trauma, or behaviour.
    • Referral usually through GP, school or social services.
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Impact Report 2024

Youth Unity CIC – Impact Report Summary 2024-2025

At Youth Unity CIC, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background or circumstances. Our 2024-2025 Impact Report highlights the transformative work we’ve achieved, demonstrating our commitment to preventing youth violence, preparing communities for early intervention, and protecting vulnerable young people.

🔹 Our Reach & Achievements

7,000+ young people supported across London, Essex, and Kent
450 detached youth sessions providing street-based support
1:1 mentoring for 100+ young people, transforming lives through guidance and encouragement
150+ schools engaged, delivering essential education on safeguarding, resilience, and life skills
400+ accredited training programs, equipping young people with key skills for employment and personal growth
200+ young people engaged weekly, providing safe spaces and positive role models

Through detached youth work, in-school mentoring, sports programs, and creative workshops, we empower young people to make informed choices, build confidence, and break cycles of disadvantage.

Building Stronger Communities

  • We work collaboratively with statutory agencies, educators, police, and social services to address exploitation, gang involvement, and youth violence.
  • Our mentoring and intervention programs provide long-term support, ensuring young people stay engaged in education, employment, and positive social networks.
  • We’ve expanded our “Unlocking Potential” early intervention program, ensuring young people receive support before reaching crisis points.

Looking Ahead

  • We are expanding services to be more inclusive for girls and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
  • New hubs in Essex and Kent will provide safe, welcoming spaces for young people to access mentorship and community support.
  • Innovative digital outreach through our growing social media and podcasting platforms, ensuring young voices are heard.

This year’s successes are a testament to the power of early intervention, trust, and collaboration. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating brighter futures, fostering resilience, and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people and their communities.

Views of the beachfront at Clacton on Sea in Essex in the United Kingdom

Supporting Tendring’s Young People

Supporting Clacton's Young People: Insights from Our Detached Youth Work Sessions

When we first launched our detached youth work sessions in Jaywick back in May 2024, our goal was clear—to provide a safe, supportive space for young people to engage, express themselves, and access the help they need. These sessions quickly became a lifeline for many, offering structured activities, guidance, and a sense of community.

However, as time went on, we realised that our impact could be even greater if we shifted focus. While Jaywick had its needs, we saw a huge opportunity in Clacton Town Centre—a key area where young people naturally gather, socialise, and seek support. So, in September 2024, we took that step, expanding our outreach to Clacton Town Centre and Clacton Leisure Centre to reach more young people where they are.

What We’ve Seen & Done

Jaywick: A Meaningful Start

Our Jaywick sessions introduced football, arts and crafts, and youth discussions, creating a safe environment for young people to relax and open up.

  • We engaged young people from all backgrounds, including those from disadvantaged households and foster care.
  • Some of the young people we met were struggling with education, home life, and self-care, our team stepped in with advice and guidance.
  • We supported a talented gymnast in overcoming financial and transport barriers to attend a local club.
  • Families facing eviction and social challenges found a listening ear and connections to support services.
  • As funding constraints and the colder months set in, we shifted focus to Clacton, while keeping plans in place to restart Jaywick sessions in Spring 2025.

Clacton: Reaching More Young People

Moving to Clacton Town Centre and Clacton Leisure Centre has significantly increased our impact:

  • Town Centre Engagement: We regularly meet young people after school, providing guidance, signposting support, and a trusted presence in their daily routine.
  • Helping Families in Crisis: We met a mother of five living in a hotel due to a house fire. Her daughter, struggling with self-harm and school attendance, needed urgent help.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: Conversations with local police help us identify young people in need and create better support systems.

Skate Park & Leisure Centre: A Hub of Opportunity & Challenges

  • We’ve connected with 25+ young people at the skate park, discussing music, school, and future aspirations.
  • Young people loved the idea of a mobile youth club, which we’re actively exploring.
  • We’ve noticed a growing number of NEET young people (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) spending their days at the skate park. This raises serious concerns about educational oversight and future prospects.
  • Accessibility is a major barrier; many young people can’t afford the Leisure Centre, making public spaces like the skate park even more crucial.
  • Team Kinetix’s free Parkour sessions & hot food were a great idea, but some young people felt left out, a reminder that engagement must be inclusive and youth-led.

The Real Challenges Young People Face

Throughout our work, we’ve heard tough stories and seen real struggles:
🔹 Education Barriers – Some young people haven’t been in full-time education for years due to placement issues, relocation, or bullying.
🔹 Mental Health Concerns; Many express hopelessness about their future, and some spend hours outside in the cold, feeling lost.
🔹 Community & Space Issues; Some young people feel excluded from local facilities due to cost barriers, while others feel pushed out of their spaces when organised activities take over.

However, as time went on, we realised that our impact could be even greater if we shifted focus. While Jaywick had its needs, we saw a huge opportunity in Clacton Town Centre; a key area where young people naturally gather, socialise, and seek support

What’s Next? Turning Impact into Action

We’re building on what we’ve learned and taking action to provide even stronger support, subject to us obtaining funding to continue this amazing work.

Expanding Our Presence – We’re introducing a youth engagement van with equipment to make our sessions even more accessible and dynamic.
Collaborating for Change – We’re working with TDC, Connect, and the Leisure Centre to improve accessibility, offer food support, and create aspirational opportunities.
Providing Safe Spaces – We’re pushing for warm, welcoming places where young people can connect, socialise, and get support when they need it.

Why This Work Matters

Our move from Jaywick to Clacton has reinforced one clear truth: young people need trusted adults who show up, listen, and act.

By being present, building trust, and providing real solutions to real problems, we’re helping young people feel seen, valued, and hopeful about their future.

We’re committed to keeping this momentum going—because every young person deserves to feel supported, empowered, and heard.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey so far!

Magnifier focuses on the word case study. Education concept.

Case Study 14

How Youth Unity Transformed a Family’s Struggle into Strength

We want to share how Youth Unity has been an incredible source of support for this family.

As a severely disabled widow with two neurodiverse teenage children, life has been extremely challenging. Over the past year, they have faced significant difficulties due to the behaviour of the teenage son, which was violent, destructive, and incredibly hard to manage at both home and school.

Youth Unity stepped in and provided a safe space for him to open up about his behaviour and the choices he was making. Through these conversations, he has been able to reflect and make more positive decisions, leading to a significant reduction in violence.

But their support didn’t stop there. Youth Unity also recognised the impact on the daughter, ensuring she had access to activities tailored for her, rather than feeling the need to follow in her brother’s footsteps.

For the mother, the support has been invaluable. Youth Unity has stayed in regular contact, listening without judgment, validating her as a parent, and giving her the strength to keep going—even on the hardest days. Parents facing violent or challenging behavior from their children often feel ashamed and withdraw from others, which is exactly what happened in this case. Youth Unity helped break that isolation, reminding her that she and her needs matter just as much as her children’s.

There is still a long journey ahead, made even more difficult by the long waiting times for professional services like CAMHS to provide therapy. Youth Unity has been there during this waiting period, offering the crucial support families need when they feel like there’s nowhere else to turn.

The experience with Youth Unity has been nothing but positive, and their work has made a real difference for this family.