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Youth & Community Event at The Cage, Thamesmead

by London Borough of BexleyPeabody Housing

Community in Action: Youth Unity Brings Thamesmead Together at The Cage

On a sunny afternoon during half term, Youth Unity proudly hosted a dynamic community event at The Cage, Thamesmead, drawing over 80 young people from across the local area. The event, which took place in partnership with Peabody, was a celebration of youth, community spirit, and positive engagement.

The turnout was a testament to the deep connection we continue to build with young people in the area. Throughout the day, attendees took part in a variety of engaging activities, with an atmosphere that was both safe and uplifting. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of investing in safe, structured spaces for young people — particularly during school holidays.

We were honoured to welcome Councillor Larry Ferguson and Councillor Zainab Asumramu, who both spent time talking with young attendees, local residents, and our team. Their presence demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to the community and being actively involved in youth-focused solutions.

This event forms part of Youth Unity’s wider strategy to support prevention, intervention, and empowerment offering alternatives to negative influences while building trust and resilience. With the invaluable support of Peabody, we were able to provide not just activities, but real connection and opportunity in a space often marked by challenge.

As always, we are inspired by the energy, honesty, and potential of the young people we serve. The feedback from parents, residents, and partners was overwhelmingly positive, and we are already looking ahead to future events in Thamesmead and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the day such a success. We remain committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

women leaders celebrate international women day

W.A.V.E, Women Advocating Violence Elimination

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsWAVE Project

A Powerful New Project Supporting Young Women in Havering

Youth Unity, in partnership with The Third Space Youth, is proud to launch W.A.V.E. (Women Advocating Violence Elimination) a new mentoring and empowerment initiative supporting young women across the London Borough of Havering.  Working with the MyEndz project in Havering’s Community Safety Team.

This project was developed in direct response to conversations with over 40 young women from the borough, who highlighted the urgent need for safe, inclusive spaces and better representation. W.A.V.E. FORWARD addresses those needs by providing support, skill-building opportunities, and a platform for youth voice.

What the Programme Offers

Delivered jointly by Youth Unity and The Third Space Youth, W.A.V.E. FORWARD includes one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and creative youth-led engagement to:

  • Provide a safe space to explore identity, relationships, confidence, and wellbeing

  • Build life skills and resilience through trauma-informed mentoring

  • Educate young people on issues such as violence against women, peer pressure, and online safety

  • Launch a youth-led podcast platform in collaboration with Havering Youth Council

  • Establish a team of Violence Against Women Ambassadors to lead peer advocacy and community awareness campaigns

Why This Matters

Young women in Havering continue to face challenges including harassment, exploitation, and limited access to support that reflects their lived experience. Many feel silenced or overlooked both within their communities and by the systems around them. W.A.V.E. provides not only support, but a space for growth, leadership, and long-term change.

Delivery and Impact

This project is delivered by experienced female mentors trained in trauma-informed practice, youth safety, and exploitation awareness. Mentors work with young women aged 11 to 25 through both outreach and site-based sessions at the Romford Youth Hub.

Our partnership approach ensures the support is community-led, culturally aware, and reflective of the voices we serve.

Get Involved

We invite local schools, youth services, and community partners to connect with us and explore ways to refer young people or collaborate. If you are supporting a young woman who could benefit from W.A.V.E., or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

Together with The Third Space Youth, we’re proud to move W.A.V.E.

Yes. Excited black girl making winner gesture, smiling over yellow studio background. Copy space

Havering Educational Services

by London Borough of HaveringNew Projects

Youth Unity Approved as a Supplier for Havering Educational Services

We are proud to announce that Youth Unity CIC is now an approved supplier for Havering Educational Services.

This achievement is a significant milestone for our organisation, reflecting the high standards of practice, safeguarding, and youth support that we bring to every programme we deliver. Our approval follows a thorough quality assurance process, ensuring that Youth Unity meets the strict criteria required to work with schools, colleges, and young people across Havering.

Our mentoring, intervention, and outreach services have been independently reviewed, and we have been recognised for:

  • Our commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

  • Our proven track record of positive engagement with young people.

  • The professionalism and experience of our mentors and youth workers.

  • Our ability to deliver impactful, evidence-based programmes that meet the needs of young people today.

Through this partnership, schools and education providers in Havering can now confidently access Youth Unity’s services to support students with mentoring, personal development, life skills training, early intervention programmes, and more.

We are excited about the opportunities this approval brings and remain committed to empowering young people, building resilience, and helping them unlock their full potential.

If you would like to learn more about how Youth Unity can support your school or organisation, please get in touch. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

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Your Voice
Uxbridge College

by Uxbridge UCEL

Empowering students to shape a safer, more inclusive campus

Today marked an exciting step forward as we joined a collaborative meeting at Uxbridge College to kick off our new initiative: “Your Voice” a project designed to amplify student perspectives and improve campus safety through meaningful dialogue and creative solutions.

This innovative programme, led by Youth Unity CIC, will culminate in the development of a dynamic Sound Map that captures the safety concerns and ideas of the college community. By listening closely to the diverse voices of students, we aim to highlight the themes that matter most and identify opportunities for real change.

During the session, we explored how best to collect student input and discussed strategies for testing new, forward-thinking safety solutions. It was inspiring to collaborate with Portal Security professionals and student support services, whose insights and expertise will be key in turning these ideas into action.

We are incredibly passionate about creating safer, more inclusive spaces where every student feels heard and valued. “Your Voice” is more than just a project it’s a platform for empowerment, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have at Uxbridge College.

Stay tuned as the project unfolds and most importantly, let your voice be heard.

larmes

Operation Makesafe

by StopNAsk

Operation Makesafe: Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation in Our Community

At Youth Unity, we are committed to protecting young people and educating the community about the risks they face. One of the growing concerns across the UK is child exploitation a serious issue that often goes unseen. That’s why we’re supporting Operation Makesafe, an initiative focused on helping everyone recognise the signs of exploitation and take action.

What is Operation Makesafe?

Operation Makesafe is a national campaign led by the police in partnership with local authorities and safeguarding teams. Its aim is to raise awareness of child sexual and criminal exploitation, especially in settings where children may be at risk—such as hotels, taxis, takeaways, shopping centres, and public transport.

The key message of Operation Makesafe is simple: child exploitation is everyone’s business.

Why It Matters

Exploitation doesn’t always look like what people expect. It can involve grooming, manipulation, or coercion, and it can happen to any young person, regardless of their background. Offenders often target places where young people spend time or where staff may not be trained to spot the warning signs.

By raising awareness, Operation Makesafe empowers individuals and businesses to become part of the solution identifying potential abuse early and helping to protect vulnerable young people.

What to Look Out For

There are often subtle signs that a young person may be at risk, including:

  • Being with older individuals who seem controlling
  • Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or afraid
  • Arriving at hotels or venues with little luggage or ID
  • Regularly being picked up or dropped off in private vehicles
  • Talking about money, gifts, or situations that seem inappropriate for their age

If something doesn’t feel right report it. Trust your instincts.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or member of the public, you have a role to play.

  • Learn the signs of exploitation
  • Talk openly with young people about safety and healthy relationships
  • Report any concerns to the police or safeguarding services

If you’re a business owner or frontline worker, training is available to help you identify risks and respond appropriately. Youth Unity also offers educational sessions and resources for schools, youth groups, and community spaces.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Operation Makesafe reminds us that protecting young people takes a whole-community approach. By staying informed, looking out for warning signs, and acting when something feels wrong, we can all help to prevent exploitation and keep young people safe.

If you’d like more information or to arrange awareness training through Youth Unity, please get in touch. Let’s work together to build a safer community.

Realistic 3D double cup with Lean. Codeine purple drink, standing and dripping cups collection. Vector set

Dangers of Lean (Purple Drank)

by StopNAsk
Resources / Lean: a guide for parents
Parent & carer guide • Drug awareness

Lean.

Also known as “Purple Drank”, “Sizzurp” or “Dirty Sprite”, Lean is a drink made by mixing prescription-strength cough syrup with fizzy drinks, and sometimes sweets or alcohol. It can look harmless, but it carries serious health risks and is illegal to possess or supply without a prescription. This guide explains what to look out for, how to talk to your child, and where to get help.

Find support near you ↓ Signs of overdose
Illustration of purple liquid in a white double-stacked cup, tipping over and spilling
Know the risks

Lean contains codeine, an opioid. There is no safe amount.

01

What is Lean?

Lean is usually made from cough or cold medicine containing codeine, often alongside promethazine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness. It is mixed with a fizzy drink and sometimes boiled sweets to make it taste sweet, and may be mixed with alcohol.

Codeine is an opioid, in the same family of drugs as morphine and heroin. Taken in large amounts it causes a slowed-down, “floaty” feeling, which is part of why it is used recreationally.

Lean is often glamorised in music, music videos and on social media, and because it is made from medicine some young people believe it is safe. It isn’t. Because it is home-made, no one knows how strong it is, which makes overdose a real risk.

02

Health risks and long-term effects.

Lean affects the brain and body in ways that can be life-threatening, even the first time someone tries it.

01

Addiction

Codeine is an opioid and can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, anxiety, sickness and trouble sleeping.

02

Slowed breathing

High doses can slow breathing to dangerous levels. This is the main cause of death from opioid overdose.

03

Mixing is dangerous

Combining Lean with alcohol, sleeping tablets, benzodiazepines or other drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.

04

Organ damage

Regular use can harm the liver, kidneys and bladder. Some cough and cold products also contain paracetamol, which can cause serious liver damage in large amounts.

05

Mental health

Users may experience hallucinations, confusion, low mood and mood swings, and it can make existing mental health difficulties worse.

06

Unknown strength

Because Lean is home-made, the amount of codeine in each drink is unknown. If someone else made it, they can’t be sure what is in it.

03

Signs to look out for

Many of these signs can have other explanations, especially in teenagers. On their own they are not proof, but if you notice several together, it is worth having a calm conversation.

Physical signs

  • Drowsiness, nodding off or seeming “out of it”
  • Slurred speech or poor coordination
  • Very small (pinpoint) pupils
  • Itching, constipation or feeling sick
  • Changes in sleep or appetite

Changes in behaviour

  • Losing interest in school, hobbies or friends
  • Secretive behaviour or a new friendship group
  • Mood swings, irritability or low mood
  • Asking for money or money going missing
  • Talking about or sharing Lean content online

Things you might find

  • Empty cough or cold medicine bottles
  • Medicine missing from the cupboard
  • Double-stacked polystyrene or plastic cups
  • Large bags of boiled sweets
  • Purple or pink sticky stains
If you think someone has taken too much

Signs of an overdose

999 Call an ambulance

Call 999 straight away if someone has taken Lean and shows any of these signs:

  • !Slow, shallow or difficult breathing, or snoring-like sounds
  • !Blue or grey lips or fingertips
  • !Cold, clammy skin
  • !Extreme drowsiness, confusion or dizziness
  • !Can’t be woken or won’t respond

For urgent advice when it isn’t an emergency, call NHS 111.

What to do

  1. Call 999 and tell them what you think has been taken. Be honest: paramedics are there to help, not to judge.
  2. If they are breathing but unresponsive, put them in the recovery position, on their side, so they don’t choke.
  3. Stay with them and keep checking their breathing until help arrives.
  4. If they stop breathing, the 999 call handler will talk you through CPR.
  5. Keep any bottles, cups or packaging to show the paramedics.

Don’t let them “sleep it off”, give them coffee, put them in a cold shower or try to make them sick.

04

Talking to your child

The most protective thing you can do is keep talking. Young people who feel they can be honest with a trusted adult are more likely to come to you if something goes wrong.

Choose your moment. Talking side by side, in the car, on a walk or while cooking, often feels less pressured than a face-to-face “talk”. A song, video or news story can be a natural way in.

Stay calm and listen. Ask what they’ve heard about Lean and what their friends think. Try not to lecture, shout or overreact, even if what they tell you is worrying.

Be honest about the risks. Explain that “it’s only cough medicine” is a myth, and that mixing it with alcohol or other drugs can stop someone breathing.

Make a safety plan. Make sure they know to call 999 if a friend is unwell, and that they can always call you to collect them, no questions asked in the moment.

05

The law and the UK picture.

Codeine is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Possessing or supplying it without a prescription is illegal in the UK, and sharing or selling Lean to friends counts as supply.

5 yearsMaximum prison sentence for possessing codeine without a prescription, plus an unlimited fine.
14 yearsMaximum prison sentence for supplying codeine, plus an unlimited fine.
160Children in drug and alcohol treatment in England in 2024 to 2025 had problems with codeine.
Because of rising misuse, including in Lean, codeine linctus became prescription-only in 2024.

A drugs conviction can affect a young person’s education, job prospects and ability to travel. If your child is in trouble with the law, Release offers free, confidential legal advice (see below).

06

Get support

Early support can prevent long-term health problems and legal consequences. All of these services are free and confidential. Young people’s services can be contacted by young people themselves, and most also support worried parents and carers.

National, any time

Drug advice · 24/7

FRANK

Honest, confidential information and advice about drugs for young people and parents. Call, text or use the online chat.

0300 123 6600 · text 82111Visit website →Urgent medical advice

NHS 111

For urgent advice when it isn’t an emergency. In an emergency, always call 999.

111Visit website →For young people

Childline

Free, confidential support for under-19s about anything that’s worrying them, by phone or online.

0800 1111Visit website →For worried adults

NSPCC Helpline

Advice for parents and carers who are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

0808 800 5000Visit website →For families

Addiction Family Support

Phone and email support for parents and family members affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.

0300 888 3853Visit website →Legal advice

Release

Free, confidential advice on drugs and the law for young people and their families.

020 7324 2989Visit website →

London

Havering · ages 10 to 18

Wize Up Havering (Change Grow Live)

Free drug and alcohol support for young people in Havering and their families. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with evening appointments on request.

07920 807 726Visit website →Every London borough

Find your local young people’s service

Each London borough has its own free young people’s drug and alcohol service. Enter your postcode on FRANK to find yours.

Search by postcode →For families

Families Anonymous

Support meetings for parents, family and friends worried about someone’s drug use, including groups across London and online.

020 7498 4680Visit website →

Kent

Kent · young people

We Are With You: Kent for Young People

Free, confidential support for young people in Kent worried about their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Young people can self-refer, and parents can make a referral.

01795 500881Visit website →Medway

Medway young people’s service

Medway has its own service, separate from Kent. Enter your postcode on FRANK to find it.

Search by postcode →For families

Adfam

Information for families and a directory of local family support groups across Kent and the rest of England.

Find a family group →

Essex

Essex · under 25

Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service (The Children’s Society)

Covers Essex, apart from Southend and Thurrock. Young people can self-refer, and appointments can be arranged locally.

01245 493311Visit website →Southend

Southend Young Person Drug and Alcohol Service (Open Road)

Support for young people in Southend. Parents and carers of under-18s can refer online.

01702 431889Visit website →Thurrock

Thurrock Young Person Drug and Alcohol Service (Open Road)

Support for young people under 18 in Thurrock, and young adults moving on from the service.

Visit website →
Worried and not sure where to start? Talk to us. Contact Youth Unity →

Sources

  1. Catch22: Lean, understanding the risks
  2. Mayo Clinic: Codeine (oral route)
  3. PubMed: research on codeine and respiratory depression
  4. NHS: Common questions about codeine
  5. GOV.UK: Children’s substance misuse treatment statistics 2024 to 2025
  6. GOV.UK: Codeine linctus reclassified to prescription-only
  7. NHS: Advice for the families of drug users
  8. FRANK: Honest information about drugs

This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Service details were checked in October 2026 and may change. If you are worried about a child’s immediate safety, call 999.

Youth Unity

Barking & Dagenham

by London Borough of Barking & DagenhamNew Projects

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

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

Future Tracks: Supporting Vulnerable Youth Through Mentorship on the Move

by South Eastern Railway

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.”

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

by Mentoring

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.
IMG_7904

Youth Podcasting Projects – Giving Young People a Voice

by PodcastingUncategorized

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.

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