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HRUC college

by Uxbridge UCELWorkshops & Training

Supporting Students to Build Resilience: Youth Unity Workshops with HRUC College Group and Portal Security

This week, Youth Unity CIC is proud to be working in partnership with the HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) College Group to deliver a series of targeted workshops designed to support young people to build resilience, confidence, and informed decision-making skills.

These sessions focus on some of the key challenges young people are currently facing, including the impact of social media on self-esteem and relationships, the growing influence of artificial intelligence on daily life and learning, and discussions around risk, peer pressure, and the factors that can increase vulnerability to violence and exploitation. By exploring these topics in a safe, supportive environment, students are encouraged to think critically, share experiences, and develop practical strategies for staying safe and supporting one another.

Our approach is rooted in relationship-based and trauma-informed practice. Rather than delivering one-off talks, our workshops are interactive and discussion-led, creating space for students to ask questions, reflect on real-life situations, and build trust with experienced youth practitioners. This allows us to identify where additional support may be helpful and to signpost young people to mentoring, wellbeing services, or other specialist support when needed.

We would also like to thank our colleagues at Portal Security for their ongoing support and collaboration, as well as the dedicated HRUC staff, whose commitment to student wellbeing makes this partnership possible. By working together across education, youth services, and community safety partners, we are able to provide joined-up support that addresses both personal wellbeing and wider safeguarding concerns.

Youth Unity remains committed to working with colleges, schools, and local partners to ensure young people are not only informed about risks, but also equipped with the confidence, skills, and trusted relationships they need to thrive. We look forward to continuing this work with HRUC throughout the academic year and building on the positive engagement we have already seen from students.

Please keep an eye on our website and social channels for further updates as we continue to support young people through creative, preventative, and empowering youth work across our communities.

 

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Hildene Clear Hold

by LONDON BOROUGH HAVERINGMetropolitan PoliceOutreach

Youth Unity is proud to be delivering weekly Youth Sessions in Hilldene, creating a safe, welcoming space for young people to spend time positively, build relationships, and connect with trusted adults in their community.

Taking place every Thursday at 3pm on Farnham Road, Hilldene, our mobile youth van offers a relaxed drop-in environment where young people can take part in activities including gaming consoles, table tennis, basketball, music, and shared social space — with hot drinks available and a friendly team always on hand.

But these sessions are about far more than activities.

A Safe Space with Trusted Adults

Our youth workers are experienced, approachable, and focused on building trust. This means young people have adults they can speak to openly, whether they need advice, reassurance, or simply someone to listen.

Conversations often develop around real issues affecting young people, including school, friendships, wellbeing, safety, and future aspirations. By meeting young people where they already are, we remove barriers to engagement and create opportunities for early support before challenges escalate.

Listening to Young People and Shaping Support

Being consistently present in the same location allows us to build meaningful relationships and better understand what young people in Hilldene want and need. Their voices help shape future activities, projects, and support pathways, ensuring services are relevant and genuinely youth-led.

This approach also helps identify young people who may benefit from mentoring, specialist programmes, or referrals to other services — allowing support to be timely and appropriate.

Strengthening the Wider Community

These sessions are not only for young people. We regularly speak with parents, carers, and local residents who stop by to ask questions, share concerns, or simply say hello. Building positive relationships between young people and the wider community is a key part of creating safer neighbourhoods and reducing tensions.

We welcome local involvement and believe that when young people feel valued and supported by their community, it leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Working in Partnership

These sessions are supported by the Metropolitan Police, as part of a wider commitment to prevention, engagement, and community safety. By working in partnership with statutory services and local organisations, we are able to provide visible, positive youth engagement while also linking young people into wider support when needed.

Looking Ahead

Our goal is to use these sessions as a gateway to longer-term opportunities — including mentoring, creative projects, sports, and skills development — helping young people build confidence, resilience, and positive aspirations.

If you see the big black van on Farnham Road on a Thursday afternoon, please come and say hello. We are always happy to talk, listen, and work together to support local young people.

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Elm Park Outreach

by LONDON BOROUGH HAVERINGOutreach

At Youth Unity, we believe that supporting young people means doing more than just providing activities — it means creating spaces where they feel safe, welcomed, listened to, and understood. That is exactly what our weekly Youth Sessions in Elm Park are designed to do.

Running every Friday from our mobile youth van on The Broadway, Elm Park, these sessions offer a relaxed and friendly environment where young people can drop in, socialise, and take part in positive activities including gaming, music, and informal group challenges — with hot drinks and conversation always on offer. But the real value of these sessions goes far beyond what is on board the van.

A Safe Space, Led by Trusted Adults

Our sessions are staffed by experienced youth workers and trusted adults who understand the challenges many young people face. This means young people are not only engaging in fun activities, but also have access to supportive adults who can listen, offer guidance, and signpost to further help when needed.

Conversations often naturally touch on topics that affect young people’s daily lives — from school pressures and friendships to wellbeing, safety, and future opportunities. Having trusted adults present in a non-judgemental setting allows young people to open up in ways they often cannot in more formal environments.

Listening to What Young People Actually Want and Need

A key part of our approach is listening. These sessions give us the opportunity to build real relationships and better understand what young people in the local area are experiencing, what they enjoy, and what support they feel is missing.

By spending consistent time in the community, we can shape future projects around what young people tell us they want — whether that is creative opportunities, sports, mentoring, or access to specialist support. This youth-led insight is essential to making sure services are relevant, effective, and genuinely helpful.

Building Community, Not Just Services

We also see these sessions as a way to strengthen connections across the wider community. Parents, carers, and local residents regularly stop by to talk with the team, ask questions, and learn more about the support available for young people.

We actively welcome community involvement and believe that positive relationships between young people and local residents are vital for building safer, stronger neighbourhoods. When young people are seen, supported, and included, it helps shift perceptions and encourages mutual respect and understanding.

Working in Partnership

These sessions are supported by the London Borough of Havering and form part of our wider commitment to early intervention and community-based youth work across the borough. By working in partnership with local authorities, schools, and other services, we are able to connect young people to the right support at the right time.

Looking Ahead

Our aim is not only to provide a safe place to spend time, but to use these sessions as a foundation for longer-term engagement, mentoring, and development opportunities. We want young people to feel that Youth Unity is somewhere they can turn to not just for activities, but for support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.

We hope the local community will continue to get involved, say hello, and help us build a positive, supportive environment where young people feel valued and heard.

If you see the big black van on The Broadway on a Friday afternoon, come and say hello  we would love to meet you.

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Police Christmas Choir

by News & Updates

An Evening of Reflection and Partnership at Westminster Abbey

Last night, members of the Youth Unity CIC team were honoured to attend the Metropolitan Police Annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, following a kind invitation from our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police.

Set within the incredible surroundings of the Abbey, the evening created a warm and reflective atmosphere, bringing together partners, frontline professionals and community organisations to mark the end of another demanding year of public service. The carols, readings and shared moments of quiet reflection offered a chance to pause, reconnect and recognise the collective effort that goes into keeping our communities safe and supported.

At Youth Unity, partnership working sits at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with police, councils, schools and community services allows us to reach young people earlier, provide positive opportunities, and build trusted relationships that support long-term change. Events like this are an important reminder that behind every programme and every intervention are people who care deeply about young people and their futures.

We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for the invitation and for hosting such a thoughtful and welcoming event. It was a genuinely lovely way to step into the festive season and reflect on the value of working together.

As the year comes to a close, we want to wish all of our partners, young people, families and supporters a peaceful and joyful holiday period, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.

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KAILO Session 1

by KAILO

Kailo Small Circle – Session 1: Building Trust and Starting the Journey

Our first Kailo Small Circle session marked the beginning of an exciting journey, bringing together a group of young people — many of whom had never met before — to start working together on issues that matter to them and their community. From the moment everyone arrived, the atmosphere was positive, welcoming and full of energy, and it was clear very quickly that the group was beginning to gel.

The session focused on forming the group and building trust, helping everyone feel comfortable, respected and ready to take part. Through icebreakers, group discussions and shared activities, young people were encouraged to get to know one another, find common ground and start building relationships. Despite being a brand-new group, there was a strong sense of openness and mutual respect, with young people engaging confidently and supporting each other’s contributions.

A key part of the session was introducing what Kailo is all about and why the group will be working together over the coming months. Young people learned that they will be exploring an “opportunity area” linked to feeling welcomed, valued and connected in their community, and that their experiences and ideas will shape what happens next. The facilitators explained how the Small Circle process gives young people real influence, not just to talk about issues, but to help design solutions that can lead to wider change.

The group also worked together to create their own ways of working agreement, setting out how they want to treat each other, how to keep the space safe, and how everyone can feel confident sharing their views. This was an important moment in giving young people ownership of the space and reinforcing that this is a group built on trust, respect and listening to one another.

To keep the conversation going between sessions, young people were given a creative task called “Visual Voice”, where they were asked to take photos in their local area that show both challenges and positive spaces, helping them reflect on what community and belonging really mean to them. This will feed directly into future sessions as the group begins to explore issues more deeply and map where change could happen.

Overall, Session 1 was a strong and encouraging start. Young people engaged fully, supported one another, and quickly formed connections, setting the tone for the months ahead. We are incredibly proud of how positively the group came together and are excited to continue this journey with them as they move into the next stage of discovery and co-design.

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Kings Garden Party 2025

by News & Updates

Youth Unity CIC at the King’s Garden Party — A Day We’ll Never Forget

This year, Youth Unity CIC had the incredible honour of being invited to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of the work we do with young people and communities across our local areas.

It was one of those moments where you stop, look around, and think… how did we get here? From community centres, school halls, street-based outreach and youth clubs, to standing in the gardens of the Palace — it was truly a day we will never forget.

We were lucky enough to be given two tickets, which, if we’re honest, felt both amazing and slightly cruel — because if it were up to us, we would have brought the whole Youth Unity team along. But let’s be realistic… the King may have been slightly overwhelmed if our entire staff team, mentors, coaches and youth workers had all turned up together!

One of the highlights of the day was seeing His Majesty the King up close and in person, something neither of us will ever quite get over. It was a powerful reminder that the work happening every day in local communities — often quietly, behind the scenes — really does matter and is being noticed.

For us, this invitation wasn’t just about a special day out. It was about recognition of:

  • the dedication of our frontline staff and volunteers

  • the trust placed in us by young people and families

  • the strength of our partnerships with councils, police, schools and community organisations

  • and the belief that early support, positive opportunities and strong relationships can change lives

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Youth Unity along the way — from funders and commissioners, to local partners, parents, and most importantly the young people who allow us to walk alongside them in their journeys.

So yes… we had an amazing day, we enjoyed the sunshine, we soaked up the atmosphere, and we came home feeling proud, motivated, and even more committed to continuing the work we do.

And next time, Your Majesty… we’ll try not to bring the whole team. Probably.

Aiden Hughes

Aiden

by Team Members
The Team / Aiden
Junior Youth Worker • Sixth Form Student

Aiden.

Aiden is a sixth form student from Havering and one of our Junior Youth Workers. Close in age to the young people he supports, he brings energy, understanding and proof that you can balance study, fitness and giving back.

Get in touch →
Aiden, Junior Youth Worker at Youth Unity
Local & relatable

Sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who’s been there recently.

01

Close to the young people he supports

Aiden is a sixth form student who has grown up in Havering, and he brings that local knowledge into everything he does at Youth Unity. As a Junior Youth Worker, he is only a few years older than many of the young people who come through our doors, which means he understands the pressures they face, from exams and friendships to figuring out what comes next.

That closeness in age makes a real difference. Young people often find it easier to open up to someone who gets it, and Aiden is approachable, easy-going and always happy to chat.

02

Discipline built in the gym

Outside of his studies, Aiden spends a lot of his time in the gym. Training has taught him about consistency, setting goals and sticking at something even when progress feels slow, and he shares that mindset with the young people he works with.

Whether it is chatting about fitness, healthy routines or simply finding something that helps clear your head, Aiden shows that looking after your body is also a way of looking after your mind.

Showing what’s possible, one step at a time.
03

Learning, leading and giving back

Balancing sixth form with youth work is no small thing, and Aiden does it with commitment and a positive attitude. Working alongside our experienced team, he is developing his skills in supporting young people, running activities and building trusted relationships.

For the young people at Youth Unity, Aiden is living proof that you can work hard at school, look after yourself and still make time to help others in your community.

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Tomiwa Amao
Youth Worker

by Team Members

Tomiwa is a passionate and engaging youth worker with hands-on experience leading and mentoring young people through structured programmes. As an NCS Youth Engagement Leader, he supported groups of 15–17-year-olds to build confidence, develop self-esteem, and achieve personal goals through a mix of activities, discussions, and reflective sessions .

Known for his ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds, Tomiwa creates safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered. He has experience working with young people with additional needs, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence, adaptability, and safeguarding awareness.

With a background in finance and strong organisational skills, Tomiwa brings a reliable and structured approach to youth work, balancing energy and creativity with consistency and care. He is committed to helping young people grow, make positive choices, and reach their full potential.

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Mike
Trauma Informed Youth Mentor

by Team Members
The Team / Mike
Youth Worker • Sport & Fitness Lead

Mike.

Mike uses sport and physical activity to engage and support young people, running high-energy sessions that build confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

Mike, Youth Worker and Sport and Fitness Lead at Youth Unity
On & off the pitch

Sport is more than physical activity. It’s a tool for connection.

01

Sport as the way in

Mike is a dedicated youth worker who uses sport and physical activity as a powerful way to engage and support young people. With a strong passion for fitness, he delivers high-energy sessions that encourage participation, build confidence and promote positive lifestyle choices.

02

Structured but fun

Through football, basketball and group fitness, Mike creates an inclusive environment where young people can develop teamwork, discipline and resilience. His sessions are structured but fun, giving young people the chance to stay active while building strong peer relationships and a sense of belonging.

Everyone gets a game, whatever their ability. The point is not who wins, but who turns up, joins in and comes back next week.

Supported on the pitch, and off it.
03

More than a game

Mike understands that sport is more than just physical activity. It is a tool for connection. He uses it to open up conversations around wellbeing, mindset and personal growth, helping young people feel supported both on and off the pitch.

Some of the most important conversations happen on the walk to the changing rooms, or catching a breath on the sideline. That is where Mike does some of his best work.

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Zipporah
Youth Ambassador, Podcast Queen

by Team MembersZipporah
The Team / Zipporah
Young Ambassador • Podcast Host

Zipporah
Podcast Queen.

Zipporah is our Young Ambassador and the voice of the Youth Unity podcast. She earned the crown by turning up every single week.

Zipporah, Youth Unity Young Ambassador, at the podcast microphone wearing headphones
Every week

She shows up, gets involved and makes the conversation better.

01

She kept showing up

Nobody handed Zipporah a title on day one. She came along, got involved, and then came back the next week, and the week after that. Each time she took on a little more, asked better questions and grew in confidence.

It did not take long for the team to notice that she has a real flair for communication. She listens properly, she puts people at ease, and she can say in one sentence what others take five minutes to get to.

02

Earning the crown

So we gave her the microphone, and a title to go with it: Podcast Queen. Zipporah now leads on our podcast, helping to shape the conversations and making sure they sound like young people talking, because they are.

When a young person hosts, guests open up differently and listeners hear themselves in the room. That is something no adult presenter can fake, and it is why Zipporah is at the heart of what we record.

Giving young people a voice, and the opportunities to use it.
03

Studies come first

Zipporah is a student getting ready for her A-Levels, and at Youth Unity her studies always come first. Recording fits around revision, never the other way round, and if she needs to step back at exam time, the microphone will be waiting when she returns.

We see the two as working together. The confidence, preparation and clear thinking she is building behind the mic are skills she takes back into the classroom, and on to whatever comes next.

04

Growing with us

Zipporah is young, so she does not do any of this alone. Our team supports her throughout, from planning an episode to the conversation afterwards about what went well and what she would like to try next.

As our Young Ambassador she represents exactly what Youth Unity is here for: giving young people a voice and opening up real opportunities. As she grows, we intend to grow those opportunities with her, and we are excited to see where she takes them.

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