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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

Lean: also known as “Purple Drank,” “Sizzurp,” or “Dirty Sprite” is a recreational drink made by mixing codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks and sometimes sweets or alcohol. While it may appear harmless, Lean poses serious health risks and is illegal to possess or supply without a prescription.

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects:

  • Addiction: The codeine in Lean is an opioid, which can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Mayo Clinic​

  • Respiratory Depression: High doses can slow breathing to dangerous levels, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol. PubMed​

  • Organ Damage: Regular use can harm the liver, kidneys, and bladder, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Mayo Clinic​

  • Mental Health Issues: Users may experience hallucinations, confusion, and mood disturbances. Catch22​

UK Statistics and Trends:

  • Lean use is rising among UK youth, influenced by social media and music culture. Catch22​

  • In 2022–2023, 0.8% of young people in treatment reported codeine misuse, a slight decrease from previous years. GOV.UK​

  • Due to increasing misuse, codeine linctus has been reclassified as a prescription-only medicine in the UK. GOV.UK​

Legal Implications:

Possessing or supplying codeine without a prescription is illegal in the UK. Penalties can include up to 5 years in prison for possession and up to 14 years for supply, along with unlimited fines. Catch22​

Support and Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with Lean or codeine misuse, support is available:

  • Talk to Frank: Confidential advice on drugs and substance misuse. Catch22​

  • Catch22: Resources and support for young people on substance misuse. Catch22​

  • NHS: Information on codeine and its side effects. nhs.uk​

Early intervention can prevent long-term health issues and legal consequences. Stay informed and seek help if needed.​

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.
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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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