Arts & Culture Archives

Youth Outreach work in the community.

Youth Unity outreach service functions as a secure haven catering to the needs of young individuals and is conveniently situated on Percy King Estate, Langham Drive, Clacton-on-Sea.

Every Tuesday 3pm to 6.30pm – FREE to attend all ages are welcome, both boys and girls.

Its central focus centres on involving young people all aimed at fostering a robust sense of community among the youth. We encourage sports, we found a game of football is always appreciated, but we cater for all, and tend to let the young people decide on the activity of the week.

In close partnership with Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services.

Our primary objective is to establish a secure and welcoming space within the community, providing an opportunity for the community to unite and gain a deeper understanding of the youth and their requirements. Often, young people find themselves without guidance or suitable destinations, and Youth Unity is dedicated to offering prospects and directing them to other engaging activities.

Our goal is to provide valuable direction and advice by pointing towards various activities within the local vicinity. Additionally, we extend assistance and guidance on topics that hold significance for both young individuals and parents.

Sustainable Community Engagement, Toy People Planting Tree in Garden for Food Production and Habitat Restoration. Generative Ai

Chigwell Parish Council

August 14, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Epping Forest District Council Sports & Fitness

Friday Night Sessions at Limes Farm Community Centre

Thank you to Chigwell Parish Council for funding our Limes Farm Friday Night Project. The funding will help us to continue to develop these sessions.

Unity Hub, Offering a Safe Space for Young People; Music | Podcasting | Gaming | ++++

July 13, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Community Development

The UNITY HUB, our mobile intervention van, is an innovative youth media bus designed to empower young minds and provide a vibrant space for creative exploration. Our mission is to foster unity, self-expression, and meaningful connections among young individuals, a space to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of youth expression.

The UNITY HUB compliments our outreach work and other services we deliver, the hub is about music production, podcasting, film appreciation, or simply seeking a place to come and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere with trained youth professionals.

Young People can unleash their musical talents in our onboard recording studio, free style rap, record a track and take it away with them. Whether they are a budding artist, a skilled instrumentalist, or a lyrical wordsmith, our studio is equipped to help bring musical vision to life.

Our dedicated podcasting station allows young people to delve into the realm of audio storytelling. They are able to dive into thought-provoking discussions, conduct interviews, or unleash creativity through captivating narratives. We provide the tools and guidance to help young people develop their own podcasting platform.

The UNITY HUB isn’t just about the activities; it’s about fostering connections and building a supportive community. Young People are able to step on board to unwind, vibe, and engage with fellow young creators. The cozy and inviting space is designed to cultivate a sense of belonging, where young people can share ideas, seek inspiration, and form lasting friendships.

Its also not just a media space, on the outside of the van we run sports activities and games of chess, ensuring everyone is involved.

The Detached work:

Young people are sought in the locations on the street where they usually spend their time. It aims to create contact, council, and provide assistance.

Working with groups:

A variety of groups that are accessible through schools, through single young people and “cliques”.

Community based work:

A cross-sectoral network of all those working in a particular neighbourhood with children and young people, such as youth centres, schools, police, various clubs and other entities that may in some way involve young people.

Podcast Workshops

Podcasting has had a profound impact on young people by providing them with a unique platform to express themselves, share their perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations. It empowers them to become storytellers, creators, and advocates for causes they are passionate about.

DJ & Music Workshops

Music workshops at the Unity Hub provide a safe and creative space for young people to express themselves. These workshops not only boost self-confidence and teach valuable skills but also offer a therapeutic outlet for emotions and stress. Young participants collaborate, learn about different cultures, and develop strong communication skills while engaging in a positive and constructive activity. Music provides a sense of achievement, belonging, and community, making it a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being in a supportive environment.

Sports & Wellbeing - outside the unity hub

We offer sports sessions in a secure and inclusive environment for young people to participate in physical activities. These sessions promote teamwork, build self-confidence, and provide an outlet for energy and stress. Young participants develop important life skills, including communication and discipline, while engaging in active and healthy pursuits. Sports foster a sense of accomplishment and belonging, creating a positive and supportive community where young individuals can grow both physically and socially.

Gaming

In the world of gaming, individuals learn to communicate effectively, strategise, and adapt to ever-changing scenarios, all essential elements of successful teamwork. Our mobile intervention hub provides a space where young people can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships through the shared passion for gaming. Whether it’s navigating virtual landscapes or conquering challenges as a team, our community celebrates the power of collaboration, preparing the next generation with valuable skills that extend far beyond the gaming world.

Young host streaming his live podcast using professional microphone at small broadcast studio

MEN TELL ALL – PODCAST

May 2, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Mental Health New Projects Partnership working

Podcasting can create and promote important discussions in a safe and comfortable environment. Podcasting can also be a valuable tool in the therapeutic process and has been proven to aid several confidence issues.

Our aim for this project Men Tell All is to create an atmosphere for predominantly men of all ages and backgrounds to feel comfortable communicating their challenges, experiences, and emotions. A platform to communicate their thoughts and experiences on a broad spectrum of topics relating to relationships, mental health, and personal growth in a safe environment.

Podcasts with male presenters or guests that honestly express their struggles with mental health or emotional difficulties can help reduce stigma and encourage other guys to seek the support they need, as well as for the listeners who just might feel alone and need to talk. Podcasting can foster a sense of community and support.

Although podcasting may not be enough to eliminate all the challenges that prevent men from addressing their mental wellbeing, we can however offer a safe space to come together and a place to offer signposting to the right resources to seek guidance and help. We will over the course of the project be inviting professionals people

All the sessions will be led by Paul McKenzie who is a podcaster and public speaker with a wide range of expertise in helping people to communicate more effectively.

Paul McKenzie has also made an award-winning short film addressing mental health, SICK the Movie

Our aim to coach other people to lead on the podcasting to ensure we can continue the journey long after the project end.

This project has been funded by MIND in West Essex

More information about the amazing men that have taken part

March 25, 2024 | By admin

BSix College
Podcasting Workshops

Podcasting is not just a medium for entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and community building. Starting April 17th Podcasting workshops tailored for young people 16+ offer...

October 4, 2023 | By admin

Limitless Minds: Redefining Abilities with Nick Wilson … Podcast

Nick Wilson is a Speaker, Presenter and Content Creator, aka Disabled Adventurer, an Ambassador for Purple Tuesday, and the Disability Expo, who Champions suicide survivors and abilities over disabilities,...

Men in Sheds, Erith

February 21, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture London Borough of Bexley

Podcasting in the community of Erith. Delivered in partnership with Bexley Community Safety Partnership. Interviews include some key people from the local area of Erith.

Podcasting has become a popular way of addressing topics. It has become an important tool in communication. Podcasting can promote important discussions in a safe and comfortable environment. Many platforms that focus on podcasting as a medium are reaching audiences that were previously hard to attract.

Youth unity have used podcasting as a positive way of teaching young people that communicating effectively and raising awareness about topics that affect your immediate surroundings are a good way of creating change.

The core focus of using podcasting as a medium is to enable people of all ages to share the experience of talking together irrespective of age, gender or ability. The outcomes are measured in the recordings and can be an effective way of bridging the gaps in our communities.

The other benefits of using podcasting with young people is that it provides them with a new skill set that can be transferred into every aspect of their lives. Communication is the key to almost every career and the better you are at it the more opportunities are available.

This podcast is working with AgedUk, based in Erith. Whereby they run an amazing project called “Men in Sheds”. The young people had some great questions to ask with some interesting thought provoking answers.

https://www.meninshedsbexley.com/

The BubbleDome

February 13, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Festival New Projects Projects

BubbleZone

How many people can it hold?

The DOME is 50×50 ft and can comfortably hold up to 100 standing, and around 60 with a bar and 40 with four tables of 10

Do you provide entertainment?

We have access to music for all genres and age groups.

We also can supply entertainment live music, and much more

Can the DOME be adapted to my specific event needs

We are able to create a tent tailored to the needs of each client. Create structures together with the client , taking into account the wishes and preferences.

How long does it take to errect the DOME?

it takes approximately 1 hour to errect

What is possible inside the DOME structure?

Everything is possible. The space is open to creativity and its possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Do you supply furniture & lighting?

We hire furniture and lighting at an additional cost

Do you need electric

We supply a generator to power the DOME when there is no electricity supply, but this is to power the DOME ONLY

Where cant his be errected?

We will supply you with a risk assessment sheet to ensure your guests are safe, but we are able to put the DOME on most spaces

Can we use heaters?

Yes at an additional charge

Insurance

We hold a public liability insurance for the event space and will need to discuss if you are hiring this DOME to charge tickets.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Booking Form

Unity Hub Monthly Friday Night Sessions at Ninefields, Waltham Abbey

February 8, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Epping Forest District Council New Projects Sports & Fitness

The Unity Hub is back at Ninefields from the 5th January and then each month thereafter.

The Unity Hub functions as a secure haven catering to the needs of young individuals and is conveniently situated on Ninefields Park.

Its central focus centres on involving young people in music, podcasting, and gaming, all aimed at fostering a robust sense of community among the youth. We also encourage sports, we found a game of football is always appreciated, there is also table tennis and other activities such as arts or a game of chess.

In close partnership with Epping Forest District Council, Community Safety Team, the Unity Hub takes on the form of a mobile bus, extending an invitation for young individuals to step aboard.

Our primary objective is to establish a secure and welcoming space within the community, providing an opportunity for the community to unite and gain a deeper understanding of the youth and their requirements. Often, young people find themselves without guidance or suitable destinations, and UNITY HUB is dedicated to offering prospects and directing them to other engaging activities.

Group of mixed young teenagers people in casual wear playing with plastic flying disc game in a park oudoors. jumping woman catch a disk to a teammate in a match. milennial friends outside in a garden

Chicken Shop Grooming

February 6, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Film Production

‘Chicken shop grooming’ is a form of child exploitation prevalent throughout the UK, which has not received widespread public attention until recently. Young people on their way home from school are bought food by an acquaintance or stranger over a number of days and start to unknowingly accrue debt.

Paul McKenzie

Short Film About Making Right Choices

February 6, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Film Production Films

William - A short story of making the right choices - Produced by Paul McKenzie

This film is part of an interactive workshop. Please get in touch if you would like to know more. admin@youthunity.org

‘WILLIAM’ is a hard-hitting production that aims to raise awareness, kick-start conversations and build resilience around youth violence – with a focus on grooming and county lines – as part of a public health approach to tackling the issue – an issue that is seeing young people targeted. Children and young people involved with gangs and criminal exploitation need help and support. They might be victims of violence or pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited and put into dangerous situations.

The production be targeted at two different groups:–

Young people (year 13+)
Parents, carers, teachers & professionals working with children & young people

WILLIAM is a young man with a great future as a professional footballer. He lives in a community that is suffering the impact of serious youth violence and grooming. Many of the youth are already aware that there are “olders” that target young people to join county lines.
William is the victim of this.

He is being pressured to sell drugs on his local estate. William is reluctant to continue and has chosen to confront his manipulative older. The story highlights the pressures that young people face and the choices they have to make.

William is also being pressured by his girlfriend to buy her gifts and he can only do this by selling drugs to raise the money.

This short film highlights the challenges involved in making the right decision to refuse the lure of groomers.

The short film aims to:

Raise awareness around the risks and consequences of criminal explolitation in young people on the individual and on their friends, families and on the wider community
Build resilience by raising awareness, creating a common language and kick-starting conversations around the influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to hurt someone or to carry a knife and how these can be managed or avoided
Build resilience by raising awareness of and promoting the core skills (including but not limited to: self-confidence, self-esteem, risk assessment, emotional intelligence, empathy, decision making, recognising healthy relationships) that can be used help young people to navigate a whole host of issues, critical moments and adverse childhood experiences that they may encounter
Raise awareness around the importance of seeking help and advice or telling someone if they are concerned about themselves, a friend or someone they know.

There are several reasons why making the right choice can be difficult:

Complexity: Many decisions involve multiple factors and considerations, making them complex. It can be challenging to weigh the pros and cons, assess risks, and anticipate potential outcomes.
Uncertainty: The future is unpredictable, and decisions often involve unknown variables. The lack of complete information can make it difficult to determine the best course of action.
Emotional factors: Emotions can cloud judgment and influence decision-making. Fear, stress, or personal biases can impact our ability to objectively assess the situation and make rational decisions.
Consequences: Decisions often have consequences, and the fear of making the wrong choice can lead to decision paralysis. The fear of making a mistake or regretting a decision can make it hard to move forward.
Pressure: External pressures, such as societal expectations, opinions of others, or time constraints, can add to the difficulty of decision-making. Feeling pressured to meet certain standards or expectations can create stress and impact decision-making.

Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that can help in making better decisions, such as gathering information, considering different perspectives, evaluating pros and cons, seeking advice from trusted sources, and taking the time to reflect and weigh the options. It’s important to remember that making mistakes is a part of the learning process, and sometimes, there may not be a single “right” choice. The key is to approach decision-making with a thoughtful and rational mindset, considering all available information and taking responsibility for the choices made.

SICK The Movie about Mental Health

January 31, 2023

by admin Arts & Culture Film Production Films

SICK The Film

We took seven young people over the half term and embarked on a massive film project to highlight the need for more focus on mental health, we didn’t use knifes, we didn’t need guns, all we needed was a passion to change the narrative and a drive for change. We chose to address the mental health issue. So many young people are displaying early signs of mental health challenges and it this that has inspired the making of the short film SICK.

To reduce stigma, mental health needs to be seen as something that concerns us all

Using film as a platform offers a chance to bring mental health into the spotlight

Discussing a film can help people with mental health problems to broach difficult subjects

Screenings of our films that focus on mental health are used to foster discussion, create empathy and reduce stigma

Paul McKenzie production

To host a screening or book as part of an interactive workshop please contact admin@youthunity.org.

SICK made history by being the first short film to every be screened at
the National Gallery in London

Posts in category: Arts & Culture

Detached Youth Work on
the Percy King Estate, Clacton