Sky is limit symbol. Concept words The sky is the limit on wooden blocks. Businessman hand. Beautiful yellow table yellow background. Business motivational stress spice of life concept. Copy space.

Unlock Your Future with Youth Unity’s Referral Service – MyEndz Havering

by EssexLondon Borough of HaveringMentoringNew Projects
REFERRAL FORM

Youth Unity, in collaboration with the Community Safety Partnership at Havering Council and funded by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), offers a comprehensive referral service designed to support young people aged 14 to 25 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This service is available by referral through our trusted partners, enabling young people to access expert guidance and mentorship to help them take control of their futures.

Specialised Support Through Referral
Our referral-based service is tailored to young people who need extra support, whether they have special educational needs, are in care, or have recently left care. Referred individuals will receive dedicated mentoring, helping them explore educational, training, and employment opportunities. Each young person is matched with a qualified mentor who understands their unique challenges and is committed to empowering them to succeed.

Our Services Include:

  • Personalised career advice and one-on-one mentoring
  • Skills development to prepare for the job market
  • Expert help with CV writing, job searching, and interview preparation
  • Guidance on improving online professional profiles (LinkedIn and social media)
  • Connections to work experience opportunities, job matching, and apprenticeship programs
  • Access to accredited in-house training to boost qualifications
  • Partnerships with trusted organisations for additional training and employment resources
  • Regular sessions with Youth Workers on relevant topics, delivered through both group and one-on-one formats
  • Information on additional resources, such as Care Leaver Hubs

Referral Process and Location
Youth Unity services are offered exclusively through referral, ensuring that we reach those most in need of support. The service is based at the Unity Hub in Romford, where referred young people can engage in hands-on, personalised sessions with their mentor. Together, they will develop a clear plan to re-enter education, secure training, or find meaningful employment.

Cost-Free Service with Commitment
This service is provided at no cost to referred individuals. However, it is essential that participants commit to attending their booked appointments, as each mentor dedicates their time and resources to providing meaningful support.

Partnerships to Drive Success
Through our partnership with Havering Council’s Community Safety Partnership, we collaborate with trusted organisations to offer valuable apprenticeship and training opportunities. Additionally, we aim to work closely with local businesses to create pathways for young people, offering them real-world work experience and employment prospects. By fostering strong relationships with local employers, we ensure that young people not only gain the skills and qualifications they need but also have direct access to potential job opportunities. By combining hands-on experience with tailored mentoring, our service equips young people with the tools, networks, and support required to achieve long-term success.

Booking and Availability
Currently, referred individuals can access sessions on Tuesdays, with plans to expand availability in the future. Appointments are managed through a strict booking system to ensure everyone receives the dedicated support they need.

Let’s work together to help young people unlock their potential and achieve their goals!

South Street, Romford RM1 1SS England
WhatsApp Image 2024-09-01 at 14.36.23

Ricky Hayden Memorial donate vital life saving bleed bag to Youth Unity in Romford

by Knife CrimeLondon Borough of HaveringNew Projects

Suzanne Hedges, who became a dedicated anti-knife crime campaigner after witnessing the tragic death of her son, Ricky Hayden, has focused her efforts on promoting The Daniel Baird bleed bag kits. These kits are crucial for managing severe bleeding from knife wounds until professional medical help arrives.

Ricky, a former Essex doorman, was fatally attacked with a machete on September 13, 2016. At around 1:25 a.m., he, his brother Perry, and his father Paul confronted a group attempting to steal a moped who were armed with machetes.

Suzanne’s advocacy for bleed bag kits reflects her commitment to improving emergency response and saving lives in critical situations, channeling her personal tragedy into a broader fight against knife violence.

The goal is to provide immediate, practical support that can save lives in emergency situations.

The bleed bag kits typically include items such as:

  • Tourniquets: To control severe bleeding by constricting blood flow.
  • Hemostatic dressings: Specially designed bandages that help to stop bleeding more effectively than regular bandages.
  • Pressure bandages: To apply pressure and support to the wound.
  • Gloves: For hygiene and to protect the person applying first aid.
  • Instructional materials: Guidance on how to use the contents of the kit effectively.

Article from The Havering Daily

Bereaved mother and anti knife crime campaigner Sue Hedges yesterday (Wednesday 28 August) joined forces with Shirley and James from the amazing Youth Unity organisation in Romford.

Sue, who lost her son Ricky to knife crime in 2016, donated a Daniel Baird bleed bag that are proven life savers.

Youth Unity were on South Street in Romford working with our youths and do fantastic outreach work across Havering and London wide. They are a non profit organisation that are dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people and adults affected by issues such as gang violence, drug abuse and exploitation.

Sue told the Havering Daily:

“It was great to meet with Shirley and James yesterday. They do a truly amazing job across our borough and so many other parts of London. Work such as theirs is so vital to our community to help tackle knife crime.

“I’m happy to have donated a Daniel Baird bleed bag to them as we know just how important these bleed kits are in our community.”

Sue, Shirley and James were also joined in Romford by Harold Hill Community Champion Jan Sargeant who spent time chatting with Youth Unity members to learn about the amazing work they are doing on our streets.

James, Sue, Shirley and Jan in Romford.

Sue Hedges has been involved in various initiatives to promote knife crime awareness, including public speaking engagements, participating in community events, and collaborating with organizations dedicated to combating violent crime. Her personal experience has fueled her passion for making a difference and ensuring that other families do not have to endure similar tragedies. Her efforts contribute to ongoing discussions about improving safety and supporting victims and their families.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous donation of bleed bag kits. While we deeply appreciate this contribution, our hope is that we will never have to use these kits, as we are strong advocates for preventative measures against knife violence. Our focus remains on proactive strategies to ensure safer communities and to address the root causes of violence. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us work towards a future where such interventions are not needed”.

WhatsApp Image 2024-08-13 at 21.25.46 (1)

Amplifying Voices: Understanding Romford’s Youth and Community

by EssexFilm ProductionLondon Borough of HaveringNew Projects

As part of our ongoing two-year collaboration with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council, we have been working closely with local residents to better understand the community’s needs and concerns. Over the past few weeks, we have been actively filming and building a storyboard for our project, which is centered around documenting the thoughts and concerns of Romford residents, particularly young people. Our goal has been to gauge how safe they feel in the town and to explore their ideas on what improvements could be made to foster a stronger, more connected community.

By capturing the authentic voices of local people, especially those of young residents who are often misunderstood, we aim to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the area. With limited recreational options available, young people frequently gather in the town center, and this has sometimes led to disturbances. Through this project, we seek to highlight these issues and explore solutions.

Key Objectives of Our Project

1. Capture Authentic Voices:
Through our filming efforts, we have recorded genuine reactions and stories from community members. These narratives provide a rich, in-depth perspective that goes beyond what surveys alone can capture, offering a more comprehensive view of the community’s sentiments and experiences.

2. Highlight Community Impact:
We are shedding light on the serious issue of youth violence and its impact on young people in the community. Our goal is to bring awareness to these challenges and work collaboratively to find effective solutions to create a safer environment.

3. Engage Diverse Demographics:
We have ensured that our project is inclusive of all age groups, with a special focus on incorporating the voices of young people while also respecting their privacy. This inclusive approach helps us to better understand the different needs and perspectives within the community.

Havering-Logo-black
download
Multi cultural society and multiculturalism as a celebration of diverse cultures and diversity or African black pride as a multicultural social unity with people of different races united in a 3D illustration style.

Dartford Community Growth Through Mentorship, Training, and Sports

by BIG LOCALDartford CouncilNew Projects

At the Unity Hub, we are excited to announce a series of engaging activities and programs designed to support and empower our community from September 2024 to July 2025. These initiatives are crafted to foster personal growth, build capacity, and promote positive engagement across different groups within our community. Here’s a breakdown of what we have planned:

Activity 1: Targeted Mentoring and Positive Attitudes

We will run weekly sessions focused on mentoring and fostering positive attitudes among young people aged 11 to 18. These sessions will take place during term time at Acacia Hall (Unity Hub). This program is designed to provide consistent support, guidance, and motivation to help young people thrive.

Activity 2: Training and Capacity Building

To strengthen the capabilities of local voluntary and community organisations, we will conduct a series of training session. These sessions will be available both online and face-to-face, catering to the needs of staff and volunteers from these organisations. This training will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the community.

Activity 3: Community Podcast – THRIVE Support Network

We will produce a series of podcasts, providing a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences on a wide range of topics. These podcasts will be recorded at various venues and will cater to men of all ages, including those from organisations, charities, and community groups. The goal is to create a support network through open dialogue, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Activity 4: Futsal Sport Event

We are planning a 5-day Football Event during the school summer holidays in July/August 2025 at Buccaneer Bay, Dartford Central Park. Alongside the event, we will host a competition to capture and showcase the highlights in a video, promoting the spirit of teamwork and community.

 

Each of these activities is being designed to meet the unique needs of our community and to promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We look forward to welcoming participants and making a positive impact together.

Each of these activities is designed to meet the unique needs of our community and promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We look forward to welcoming participants and making a positive impact together.

Children hand-drawn happy and beautiful neighborhoods in stick figure style illustration. White background.

School Holiday Program: Unity HUB Comes to Harold Hill, supported by BETRA TMO

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsOutreach

Our Media VAN, “Unity HUB,” is scheduled to visit Winsor Park Community Centre in Barking & Dagenham during the October school holidays. This initiative, funded by L&Q, aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and keep young people safe during the school break, a time that can often be challenging for parents and carers.

  • XBox
  • Table Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Badminton
  • Music
  • Street Chess

These activities have already received positive feedback from local partners and councillors. They are proving popular, keeping young people engaged, reducing anti-social behaviour, and supporting those at risk of exploitation. Our approach is effective and impactful.

Our mobile service not only provides these exciting activities but also creates a safe, inclusive space where young people can develop social skills, teamwork, and overall well-being. It’s a place where they can feel valued and supported by trusted role models, explore their interests, and grow as individuals. We are not only working with young people but also engaging the wider community to help forge relationships between generations. Similar projects have shown significant improvements in confidence, self-esteem, and ambitions among participants.

With the support of our funding, we can ensure proper supervision and provide the guidance and support young people need to reach their full potential.

windsor park

Unity HUB Media VAN to Visit Windsor Park Community Centre This October

by EssexL&QNew ProjectsOutreach

Our Media VAN, “Unity HUB,” is scheduled to visit Winsor Park Community Centre in Barking & Dagenham during the October school holidays. This initiative, funded by L&Q, aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and keep young people safe during the school break, a time that can often be challenging for parents and carers.

  • XBox
  • Table Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Badminton
  • Music
  • Street Chess

Our mobile service not only provides these exciting activities but also creates a safe, inclusive space where young people can develop social skills, teamwork, and overall well-being. It’s a place where they can feel valued and supported by trusted role models, explore their interests, and grow as individuals. We are not only working with young people but also engaging the wider community to help forge relationships between generations. Similar projects have shown significant improvements in confidence, self-esteem, and ambitions among participants.

With the support of our funding, we can ensure proper supervision and provide the guidance and support young people need to reach their full potential.

Testimonials

Testimonial 6

by Julian PhilipsTestimonial

I am writing this as you’re speaking to to my daughter.

You are an absolute incredible inspiring person who anyone that comes into contact with you is extremely lucky. As discussed I am very worried and anxious at the moment that my daughter is going to fall massively into depression over her boyfriend when he comes out of prison over the next 2 weeks.

I am fearful she will start to self harm again and miss college due to feeling so low in self esteem (where she has been before) and once September comes she will have no interest in her chosen career path.

I sincerely and truly hope I am proved wrong and her boyfriend has changed for the better and he and my daughter can have a good life.

This is fundamentally and absolutely the reason I hope you can continue to see her.

You have made a massive impact on her life and she speaks very highly of you, as do I. And as her mum it’s so reassuring to know she has you there to talk to in her life and support her from the “outside”, with support being imminent over the next few months.

Please please continue your amazing work and help those lucky children who are fortunate enough to cross your path!

Julian Philips
Senior Mentor / Project Lead

With an extensive 23-year career in the Criminal Justice System, encompassing roles within the prison system and probation, Julian has acquired invaluable expertise. Additionally, he has held a managerial position […]

Testimonials

Testimonial 5. –

by Julian PhilipsTestimonial

Since my son started getting comfortable talking to you he is much calmer, and his suicidal thoughts are gone. Every week he seems excited to ask you questions.

I sincerely request that you continue talking to him so that his mental health can be kept in good balance.

Thank you for being there!.

Julian Philips
Senior Mentor / Project Lead

With an extensive 23-year career in the Criminal Justice System, encompassing roles within the prison system and probation, Julian has acquired invaluable expertise. Additionally, he has held a managerial position […]

Testimonials

Testimonial 3.

by Julian PhilipsTestimonial

Hi Julian, thank you for working with y son, the sessions have greatly impacted him in a positive way and I can see the changes in him with how he deals with certain situations and within his friendships, he has taken onboard the advice and mentoring you have given him and I am very grateful that he has had a positive male figure in his life to guide him in his teenage young life because as we all know it can be very challenging and boys especially are just at risk of so many things.

Youth Unity is a brilliant service and the work that is being done with young people is so very needed, the only thing I wish is that there were more activities for the 13 and up teenagers as I feel a lot of them cut them off at 11 and 12 and I don’t think that is fair or right, 13 is such a crucial age in a child’s life and that is the time they need to be stimulated and kept busy so as to keep them off the streets and out of trouble, so pls can activities for 13-16 be looked into as I think it is very important.

Other than that I would be more than happy for you to continue working with my son if possible because I feel he greatly benefits from a male mentor, he looks up to you in a positive way, looks forward to the sessions and I can tell he is taking a lot from it, thank you so much for all that you have done with my son over the past few months it is greatly appreciated.

Julian Philips
Senior Mentor / Project Lead

With an extensive 23-year career in the Criminal Justice System, encompassing roles within the prison system and probation, Julian has acquired invaluable expertise. Additionally, he has held a managerial position […]

Testimonials

Testimonial 4.

by TestimonialWayne Hill

I finally have a moment to properly express my gratitude.

What can I say? No words seem enough to thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You were there every step of the way, always listening, understanding my desperate situation, and calming me down. You weren’t just a mentor; you became a brother, a friend, a therapist, and a father figure—all in one.

Your support, motivational words, and encouragement helped both me and my son fight through each day, assuring us that things would eventually get better.

There were times I didn’t want to hear anyone’s voice, but you would always come over and show kindness, especially to a boy accused of attempted murder. You gave him the strength to continue being a good person, and you gave me, as a mother, the courage to be the mother I always wanted to be.

You helped us with everything—schools, college, housing, even ideas for my work. You taught me how to take things day by day. I admire you so much, Wayne. Honestly, if it weren’t for you, I don’t know if I would be here today to say all this. You literally pulled me out of a dark place.

It’s funny how I felt so wronged by the justice system, yet I’m so grateful at the same time because it led me to you.

You turned our world right-side up when everything was upside down. To my son, you were the father he never had and a true friend. He is the person he is today because of you and the team.

Thank you so much. Please keep being the amazing person you are, because you have a unique ability to help others, showing honesty and good intentions. For people like us, who were lost and found it hard to trust, you made a difference. You listened when we were afraid to speak, gave us confidence, and showed us what could be done without adding to our distress.

We love you, Wayne. Keep up the good work. I hope you understand my words, even though I might not always express myself perfectly.

I’m so grateful to have had the luck of having you and your team help us on this journey. No matter what the future holds, I hope we can stay in touch.

With gratitude,