Southeastern Future Tracks
Future Tracks
Trauma-informed mentoring that helped young people at risk find their route back to education, employment and a safer journey on the railway.
Sustained support, not a one-off intervention
The Youth Unity Future Tracks programme, funded through Southeastern's Customer and Community Improvement Fund in 2025, provided intensive, trauma-informed one-to-one mentoring for young people aged 11–18 who were identified as at risk of anti-social behaviour, serious youth violence, or exploitation linked to the rail network.
Moving beyond short-term interventions, the project delivered sustained, relationship-based mentoring combined with accredited employability training, wellbeing support and clear progression routes — supporting young people back into education, employment and training.
Through strong partnerships with safeguarding teams, schools and local authorities, the programme demonstrated measurable social impact: reducing vulnerability, increasing engagement, and building safer, more confident young passengers across Southeastern's network.
From at-risk to on track
Identifying young people at risk
Young people aged 11–18 flagged as at risk of anti-social behaviour, serious youth violence or exploitation connected to the railway.
Trauma-informed one-to-one support
Sustained, relationship-based mentoring that built trust over time — meeting each young person where they were.
Accreditation & wellbeing
Accredited employability training and wellbeing support that built real confidence and capability.
Routes into education, employment & training
Clear next steps so progress continued well beyond the programme itself.
Confident young passengers
Reduced vulnerability and safer, more confident young people travelling across the network.
10 Tips to Stay Safe Travelling on Public Transport
Responding to a serious train incident in Cambridgeshire, Future Tracks participants co-designed a proactive safety campaign — creating their own messaging and visual materials to encourage confident reporting, safer travel behaviours and peer-to-peer awareness across stations, schools and social media.
On Track to Opportunity
In June 2026 we joined Southeastern and the Purpose Coalition at the House of Commons for the launch of On Track to Opportunity — Southeastern's Social Mobility Impact Report 2026.
Future Tracks was featured as a case study in the report, recognised for the measurable difference it made to young people's safety, confidence and life chances.
Delivered hand-in-hand with Southeastern
Future Tracks was shaped and delivered in close partnership with Southeastern's safeguarding team, ensuring support reached the young people who needed it most and connected directly to safety across the rail network.
Worried about a young person?
While Future Tracks has now concluded, Youth Unity is still here to help. We offer guidance, support, positive opportunities and a safe place to build a better future for vulnerable young people.
You can refer a young person, or they can self-refer, in just a few minutes.
The BATTIS
THE BATTIS
A safe, vibrant youth hub built in a forgotten space beside the old ATIK — created with and for the young people of Romford.
Nowhere safe to go
After school, too many young people in Romford had nowhere safe to be — moved on from public spaces and drawn into the "lost hours" that fuel anti-social behaviour, isolation and risk. Through years of outreach, one message was consistent: they wanted somewhere to relax, be themselves, and spend time around trusted adults. The Battis is our answer.
From forgotten space to flagship hub
About 18 months ago we spotted an underused side-space beside the former ATIK nightclub — overgrown, rubbish-strewn and completely unusable. Where others saw neglect, we saw opportunity.
Secured the space
With support from local leadership and partners, a proposal was approved and access to the space secured — the turning point from idea to delivery.
Cleared by the community
Community Payback teams and volunteers cleaned and cleared the site week after week, transforming it from unusable to accessible.
Built through partnership
Pro-bono construction and development from our property partners — Legendre UK and GTS — turned the space into something usable, built sustainably with reclaimed materials to keep costs low and impact high.
Brought to life
Local artist @cizeone painted bold, vibrant murals that gave The Battis its identity, colour and pride.
Opened to young people
What was once a neglected alley is now a thriving hub — busy, welcoming and led by the needs of Romford's young people.
Positive things to do
Funded by the Metropolitan Police, the hub is packed with activities that give young people structure, support and a reason to be there during peak-risk hours.
Sport
Basketball, table tennis, boxing & fitness equipment.
Gaming
Consoles and big-screen TVs in a relaxed chill zone.
Studio
Podcasting, music production and a DJ space.
Hot food
Meals cooked on site, so no one goes without.
More than a space
Donated by Transport for London (Elizabeth line) and Havering Council, our indoor hub is a vibrant multi-use studio — a gaming area, a podcast & media studio, and a music production & DJ space — now used for youth-led projects and community development all year round.
Real impact, fast
In just eight weeks, The Battis has become a place young people actively choose — and we're especially proud of the strong and growing number of young women taking part, a group too often underserved by youth provision.
Young people through the doors in the first 8 weeks
A growing turnout of young women choosing the space
Reduced idle time in high-risk after-school hours
The Battis was shared with Neighbourhood Superintendents from across London's boroughs as best practice for tackling anti-social behaviour and fear of violence around town centres. We are very proud to be working closely with you.
It took a community
The Battis exists because partners, funders and volunteers backed a vision for Romford's young people. Our property & development partners — Legendre UK and GTS — helped secure, build and transform the space, with Havering Council and Transport for London (Elizabeth line) behind the indoor hub.
Fridays at The Battis
Thanks to the Metropolitan Police, The Battis runs a free safe space for young people every Friday, 3:30–6:30pm — funded for the next year, and always with trusted adults on hand. Registration is quick, free and required for all sessions.
Summer HAF B&D
This Summer
Free healthy activities and a hot lunch, every day, for children and young people in Barking & Dagenham.
Three activity zones, one brilliant day
Children rotate through all three zones every day, so there's something for everyone — active, creative and chilled. Small groups, friendly mentors, and a free hot lunch in the middle.
Sports & Active
Tournaments, team games and skills to get moving and have fun.
- Football
- Hockey
- Tag rugby
- Short tennis
- Penalty King
Creative & Enterprise
Make, design and create — from crafts to sustainable fashion.
- Arts & crafts
- Jewellery making
- Poster design
- Sustainable fashion
Media, Music & Chill
Record, edit, perform or unwind in the calmer creative space.
- Podcasting
- Film editing
- Karaoke & dance
- Gaming
- Board games
A healthy lunch
A free hot meal every day, plus snacks and water throughout — pork-free, with a vegetarian choice daily.
Wellbeing & life skills
Short daily sessions on teamwork, healthy choices, confidence and staying well.
Here's how a day runs
A proper hot meal, every single day
Lunch is part of every session — freshly prepared, balanced and inclusive. We run a rotating weekly menu so there's plenty of variety across the holidays.
Free places for eligible families
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education through Barking & Dagenham Council. Places at our Marks Gate sessions are free for eligible children and young people.
Please confirm exact age range and any paid-place options for your setting before publishing.
Open to local primary and secondary-aged children and young people.
These children qualify for a free place on the programme.
Check the council programme or get in touch — we're happy to help.
Four weeks of summer, Monday to Thursday
Each day runs 9:45am to 2:15pm at our indoor Marks Gate venue.
Booking is quick and easy
Visit lbbd.gov.uk/HAF
Choose Youth Unity — Marks Gate and pick your dates.
Complete the short booking form. That's it — see you this summer!
Supacell
News · Creative Arts
Youth Unity CIC Interviews the Supacell Production Team in Thamesmead
Youth Unity CIC recently had the exciting opportunity to interview Koby Adom and Akwasi Poku, members of the production team behind the hit Netflix series Supacell — much of which was filmed in and around the Thamesmead community.
The conversation explored their personal journeys into the film and television industry, discussing the realities of growing up, overcoming challenges, and navigating the trials and tribulations that have shaped their careers.
From Thamesmead to the screen
Koby Adom, who grew up in Thamesmead, spoke passionately about his connection to the area and the importance of seeing local stories and communities represented on screen. His journey — from growing up in Thamesmead to working on major film and television productions — provided a powerful source of inspiration for the young people in attendance.
From a Thamesmead community to a hit Netflix production — proof of what young, local talent can achieve.
Real advice for aspiring creatives
Both Koby and Akwasi shared valuable insights about working within the creative sector and offered practical advice for young people aspiring to build careers in film, television, and the wider creative industries.
Opportunities in the creative arts
A key focus of the interview was highlighting the opportunities available for young people to get involved in the creative arts. Koby and Akwasi spoke about the many career pathways within the industry — including the behind-the-scenes roles that are often overlooked:
- Production
- Directing
- Writing
- Technical and crew roles
- Behind-the-scenes opportunities
The session gave local young people a unique insight into the making of a major Netflix production and provided encouragement for those looking to pursue careers in the creative sector. The honesty, passion, and commitment shown by both interviewees left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Youth Unity CIC would like to thank Koby Adom and Akwasi Poku for sharing their knowledge, experiences, and inspiration with the community. Their stories demonstrated that with determination, creativity, and resilience, young people can achieve great things within the film and television industry.
This interview forms part of Youth Unity CIC’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people through media, arts, education, and community engagement.
Full episode coming soon
Look out for the full podcast episode landing on our website.
Listen on Voices: London
Rethreaded End Report
RETHREADED: When a Fashion Project Became So Much More
A sustainable fashion and creative wellbeing programme delivered by Youth Unity CIC, supported by Park Charitable Trust for Girls
When RETHREADED launched in February 2026, it was designed as a 12-week sustainable fashion project, a chance for young girls to explore creativity, confidence and self-expression through design and upcycling. Twelve weeks later, it had grown into something none of us quite expected: a safe space, a friendship circle, and a genuine community.
From strangers to a friendship circle
We began with a cohort of 14 girls, many of whom had never met before. What happened over the following weeks was a quiet kind of magic. The group settled into one another, built trust, and turned a weekly workshop into a place they genuinely looked forward to.
The original plan was simple: six weeks with an older group, then six weeks with a younger one. But the first cohort didn’t want to leave. Instead of stepping back, the older girls chose to stay and naturally began mentoring and encouraging the younger participants as they joined. That single decision shaped everything that followed: stronger relationships, growing confidence among the younger members, and a real sense of belonging and ownership across the whole group.
Creativity on their own terms
Working with sustainable and upcycled materials, the girls designed and made a range of unique fashion pieces. We’d originally imagined a commercial angle a TikTok Shop where the group could sell what they made. But as the sessions went on, the girls became far more interested in creating personal pieces for themselves than producing items to sell.
We followed their lead, and it was the right call. Letting the young people steer the direction of the programme guided by their own interests, confidence and creativity is exactly what youth-led work should look like. Along the way they showed real individuality, problem-solving, teamwork and a visible pride in their work. One participant even wore and modelled her own design while away on holiday, a small moment that said everything about the confidence she’d built.
A space to grow
Beyond the sewing machines and fabric, RETHREADED became a trusted, emotionally safe environment. The sessions opened up natural conversations about confidence, identity, self-image and sustainability, and gave the girls a place to express themselves without fear of judgement. The friendships and support networks formed here are, for many, the part that will last longest.
Celebrating together
We closed the programme with a private celebration and fashion showcase at The Battis Youth Hub, where the girls shared the pieces they’d created. Keeping it intimate was a deliberate choice a comfortable space for the participants to feel proud of their work among people they trust. A professional filmmaker joined us to capture the journey, creating a lasting legacy piece of everything the group achieved.
More than a fashion project
RETHREADED became a confidence-building programme, a peer support network, a creative wellbeing project and a platform for self-expression. It’s shown us just how much value there is in safe, youth-led spaces where girls can explore who they are — and it’s left us excited about what comes next.
With thanks to Park Charitable Trust for Girls for making this programme possible.
Week 11: Reflecting and Preparing to Test the Idea
Week 11: Reflecting and Preparing to Test the Idea
Where we are now
At this stage, we have moved from generating ideas to developing a clearer picture of how the idea could work in practice.
We now have:
- A more detailed understanding of the young person’s journey
- A clearer view of what is needed from schools and businesses
- A set of prioritised features that form a first version of the idea
This session focuses on stepping back and reflecting on what has been developed so far.
What we’re focusing on
The aim of this session is to:
- Reflect on the progress made so far
- Agree how we describe the idea clearly to others
- Identify which part of the idea we want to focus on for feedback
- Begin preparing to test the idea with a wider audience
Describing the idea
We will start by reviewing the idea as a whole and thinking about how to explain it simply.
This includes:
- What the idea is
- How it works
- Who it is for
- What problem it is trying to solve
Young people will work in small groups to:
- Describe the idea in their own words
- Identify the strongest part of the idea
- Consider whether the idea is developed enough to share more widely
Focusing the idea
As the idea has several elements, we will explore whether it is helpful to focus on one key part at this stage.
This helps to:
- Make testing more manageable
- Gather clearer feedback
- Strengthen one part of the idea before expanding further
Young people will consider:
- Which part of the idea feels most realistic
- Which part would have the biggest impact
- Where more feedback is needed
Planning for feedback
The session will then move into thinking about who we need to hear from.
This could include:
- Other young people
- Local businesses
- Schools or colleges
- Local authority teams
Young people will reflect on:
- Whose feedback is most important at this stage
- What we need those groups to tell us
- How their feedback could improve the idea
Developing questions
In small groups, young people will begin creating survey questions to test the idea.
These questions will focus on:
- Current experiences (what is working and what is difficult now)
- Reactions to the idea (what people like or don’t like)
- Feasibility (what could make it work or not work)
- Suggestions for improvement
This will help ensure that the feedback we gather is useful and relevant.
What we expect to take from this session
By the end of the session, we aim to have:
- A clearer and more confident way of describing the idea
- Agreement on which part of the idea to focus on
- A list of key groups to gather feedback from
- A draft set of survey questions
What we’re noticing
As the idea develops, we are beginning to see:
- The importance of keeping the idea clear and focused
- The value of testing ideas early, rather than waiting until everything feels complete
- The role of different perspectives in strengthening the design
There is also growing confidence in the idea itself, alongside an understanding that it will continue to evolve.
Next steps
Following this session, we will:
- Finalise the survey
- Share it with identified groups
- Begin gathering feedback
- Use responses to refine and improve the idea
This will move the work from development into testing and iteration.
Week 10: Developing the Idea Further
Week 10: Developing the Idea Further
Where we got to
In this session, we moved from having a strong idea to starting to understand how it would actually work in practice.
The focus was on taking what had been discussed in previous weeks and adding more detail — thinking about what needs to happen, who needs to be involved, and what young people would experience step by step.
What we focused on
We started by recapping the idea that had been developing around improving access to youth employment opportunities.
This includes:
- Better connections between schools and local businesses
- More accessible work experience and part-time opportunities
- Support with practical skills like CV writing and interview preparation
From there, the session focused on developing this idea further through a series of activities.
Mapping how the idea works
The first activity was a Service Blueprint Lite, where young people mapped out how the idea would work in the real world.
They explored:
- The journey of a young person from first hearing about the opportunity through to completing a placement
- What schools would need to do at each stage
- What would be required from businesses
- The tools and resources needed to support the process
This helped highlight where things might work well, but also where there could be gaps or challenges .
Identifying what really matters
We then moved into prioritising the different parts of the idea using a MoSCoW approach.
Young people worked through:
- What the idea must have to function
- What would be useful but not essential
- What could be added later
This helped shift the thinking from a broad idea to something more realistic and achievable, particularly when considering real-life constraints such as time, resources, and access .
Bringing the idea to life
The final part of the session focused on storyboarding.
Young people created simple visual journeys showing:
- How a young person would first come across the opportunity
- The steps they would take to get involved
- How they might feel at different stages
- What support they would need along the way
This helped move the idea from something conceptual to something more tangible, highlighting both the experience and potential barriers.
What we noticed
A few key themes came through during the session:
- The importance of making opportunities easy to find and access
- The need for clear communication between young people, schools, and businesses
- The role of support at key moments, particularly when confidence is low
- The importance of keeping things simple and realistic, especially for businesses and schools
There was also a strong focus on ensuring that the idea works for young people who may face additional barriers.
What we’re taking forward
By the end of the session, we had:
- A clearer understanding of how the idea could work in practice
- A set of prioritised features for a first version
- Initial storyboards showing the young person’s experience
This gives us a strong foundation to move into the next stage.
Next steps
The next session will focus on stepping back and reflecting on the idea as a whole.
We will:
- Review what has been developed so far
- Think about how to clearly describe the idea to others
- Identify who we want to share it with
- Develop questions to gather feedback
This will help us test the idea more widely and continue refining it based on real input
Soft Launch, The Battis
Soft Launch of The Battis Youth Space
Introduction
The Battis Youth Hub in Romford represents a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership, persistence, and a clear vision for young people.
What began as a simple idea to create a safe, welcoming space for young people has evolved into a youth hub that will work to support engagement, mentoring, and positive activities during the most critical hours after school.
The Origin Story
Youth Unity’s journey at The Battis began through our involvement in the MyEnds programme with Havering Council, where we were initially given access to the indoor hub space as part of a wider consortium approach.
However, over time, Youth Unity became the primary organisation consistently activating and developing the space, transforming it into a trusted and recognised base for young people.
Around 18 months ago, Shirley Jackson, Youth Unity Director, identified an opportunity that others had overlooked, the unused side area of the former ATIK nightclub (previously a smoking area).
At the time, the space was far from usable. It had become overrun with rubbish, with waste regularly thrown into the area, making it unpleasant and unwelcoming. The inside was heavily overgrown, neglected, and largely dismissed as unusable.
Where others saw a neglected space, she saw potential.
Recognising its possibilities, she envisioned transforming it into a safe, vibrant outdoor environment where young people could feel welcome, supported, and proud to spend time.
Securing the Space
To bring this vision to life, connections and partnerships were key.
Support from Counsellor Keith Prince enabled introductions to developers, leading to formal discussions with Urban Sketch.
Following a detailed proposal and a lengthy process navigating development requirements, we were granted:
- Access to the outdoor space for up to 4 years
- Permission to develop and activate the area for youth provision
This milestone marked the turning point from idea to delivery.
Building the Space – A Partnership Effort
The development of The Battis has been made possible through exceptional partnership support.
Infrastructure & Construction
Through conversations with Glen Addis, Youth Unity was introduced to a construction company who:
- Built the outdoor structure (youth shelter)
- Coordinated multiple contractors
- Delivered the work entirely as an in-kind donation
Importantly, materials used were reclaimed from construction sites, creating a space that is both:
- Sustainable
- Environmentally responsible
- Aligned with Youth Unity’s values
Investment in Equipment & Resources
With support from the Metropolitan Police Service, Youth Unity secured funding to equip the space with high-quality resources.
This includes:
- Basketball hoop
- Table tennis tables
- Boxing equipment (with qualified coaching support)
- TVs and gaming consoles
- Podcasting and music equipment
- Air fryers and food provision equipment
These resources are critical in addressing what we call the “lost hours” the period after school where many young people:
- Have no structured activities
- Are at higher risk of exploitation or anti-social behaviour
- Often experience hunger
Safety & Infrastructure
Due to the nature of our work, safety is paramount.
We are incredibly grateful to MS Webb for donating:
- CCTV systems to ensure the safety of both young people and staff
Additional ongoing support from:
- Transport for London
- TFL Elizabeth Line / GTSR
has enabled Youth Unity to:
- Secure long-term use of the hub space
- Develop the indoor facilities
Indoor Hub Development
The internal hub space has now been transformed into a multi-functional youth environment, including:
- Gaming area
- Podcast and media studio
- Music production and DJ space
- Creative areas for expression
This provides young people with opportunities to:
- Learn new skills
- Build confidence
- Explore creative pathways
- Engage in meaningful conversations with trusted adults
Community Contribution
The development of The Battis has also been supported by the wider community.
Community Payback Team
Every Sunday morning, regardless of weather, the Community Payback team:
- Cleared the site
- Removed waste
- Jet washed all the areas
- Helped prepare the area for development
Many individuals involved expressed that:
They were proud to contribute, recognising the importance of youth spaces and reflecting on the lack of provision available during their own upbringing.
Their contribution has been invaluable not just practically, but in demonstrating community ownership and shared responsibility.
Creative Identity & Environment
The space has been brought to life visually through artwork donated by:
- Cizeone
Whose work adds:
- Identity
- Energy
- A sense of pride
to the environment, making it a space young people feel connected to.
Impact & Outcomes
Over time, The Battis we hope will evolve into:
- A recognised safe space in Romford
- A trusted location for young people
- A hub for engagement, mentoring, and intervention
- A community space for arts and culture
Young people now:
- Actively seek out the space
- Engage positively with staff
- Build relationships with trusted adults
- Participate in structured and informal activities
A Collective Effort
This project would not exist without the support of:
- Urban Sketch
- Metropolitan Police
- Havering Council
- Transport for London & GTSR
- MS Webb
- Construction partners (in-kind support)
- Community Payback teams
- Creative contributors
- Local leadership and advocacy
Youth Unity extends sincere thanks to every partner involved.
Looking Ahead
The vision for The Battis is clear:
- To continue developing it as a flagship youth hub in Romford
- To expand opportunities for young people
- To create a space that fosters pride, safety, and belonging
Closing Statement
The Battis is more than a youth space it reflects what happens when:
- Community
- Partnership
- Vision
come together with a shared purpose.
Here’s to a brighter future for Romford’s young people.