Essex Archives - Youth Unity

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Empowering Young People Through Mentorship: Youth Unity's Impact in Redbridge

Collaboration with the London Borough of Redbridge

Youth Unity is proud to collaborate with the London Borough of Redbridge and other local partners through a structured approach.

At Youth Unity, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the London Borough of Redbridge. Each year, our mentorship program engages young people aged 11-25, providing them with the tools, guidance, and support they need to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.

Our Approach: Tailored Mentoring for Lasting Change

Our program is built on a foundation of personalised mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to address the unique needs and circumstances of each participant. Through one-on-one guidance, we help young people develop essential life skills, improve their emotional well-being, and find positive pathways in education and employment

A Community-Driven Solution

This program is more than just a series of mentoring sessions—it’s a community-driven initiative that focuses on giving young people the support they need to flourish. Our commitment to collaboration ensures that we are continuously adapting and responding to the evolving needs of the young people in Redbridge.

Together, we are building a brighter future—one session, one conversation, and one young person at a time.

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Supporting Vulnerable Young People in Tendring

October 1, 2024

by admin Essex Mentoring New Projects Tendring

Our 1:1 Mentoring with Tendring District Council and Active Essex

At Youth Unity, we are proud to be working in partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex to provide vital 1:1 mentoring for vulnerable young people in our community. Our program, aimed at supporting those aged 9 and above, is designed to empower these young individuals, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.

Why Mentoring Matters

For many young people, having a trusted mentor can make all the difference. Our 1:1 mentoring program offers personalised support, guidance, and encouragement to young people who may be facing difficulties such as family instability, social isolation, or the risk of exploitation. By working closely with Tendring District Council and Active Essex, we ensure that these young individuals receive the targeted help they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

A Holistic Approach to Mentoring

Our mentoring approach is holistic, focusing on the entire well-being of each young person. We work closely with them to help realise their full potential, addressing not only immediate challenges but also the underlying factors that may be affecting their progress. Whether it’s offering emotional support, life skills training, or help re-engaging with education, we aim to empower them to take control of their future.

Many of the young people we work with have faced setbacks that disrupt their education and personal development. Through our mentoring, we offer tailored guidance to help them return to education, set achievable goals, and rebuild their confidence. Our mentors act as consistent role models, ensuring that every young person feels supported, valued, and capable of success.

Partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex

Our collaboration with Tendring District Council and Active Essex allows us to extend our reach and impact, providing more opportunities for young people to access our services. By working together, we are able to identify those most in need of support and offer them a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and flourish.

Making a Lasting Impact

At Youth Unity, we believe in the potential of every young person. Our 1:1 mentoring program is about more than just providing short-term solutions; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youth, giving them the tools to succeed, the confidence to pursue their dreams, and the support to re-enter education or training when needed.

We are proud to play a role in shaping a brighter future for these young people, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex.

Get Involved

If you’d like to learn more about our 1:1 mentoring program or how you can support our work with vulnerable young people, please get in touch with us. Together, we can make a real difference in our community.

Referral Link

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

September 25, 2024

by admin Essex London Borough of Havering Mentoring New Projects

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

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Amplifying Voices: Understanding Romford’s Youth and Community

September 1, 2024

by admin Essex Film Production London Borough of Havering New 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.

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

September 1, 2024

by admin Essex L&Q New Projects Outreach

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.

Introducing Our New Safe Haven: A Hub of Opportunity and Growth!

July 21, 2024

by admin Essex London Borough of Havering New Projects Outreach

The Youth Unity Team are thrilled to announce the launch of our static intervention service, a true ‘Safe Haven’ for young people! In partnership with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council.

This vibrant space is dedicated to providing a secure and welcoming environment where young individuals can come together to share their concerns, join support groups, and participate in a variety of engaging activities.

A Welcoming Space for Families

Our hub isn’t just for young people; it’s a community cornerstone where parents can visit to discuss their concerns and receive the support they need. We believe in fostering open communication and understanding to build trust with families and create a nurturing environment for everyone.

Building a Strong Community Network

Youth Unity is on a mission to establish a powerful network of partners across the borough. This collaborative effort will allow us to effectively guide families to a wide array of services, ensuring they have access to all the resources and assistance they need. Together, through community engagement and cooperation, we aim to create a robust support system that benefits both young people and their families.

Empowering Young People with Opportunities

We’re also excited to announce our plans to partner with local businesses to enhance and develop the hub. These partnerships will open doors to job placements and career development opportunities for the young people we support. Our ultimate goal is to provide clear pathways to employment, helping them gain invaluable skills and experience for a brighter, more promising future.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our Safe Haven, where growth and opportunity come to life!

Whats on in Havering Summer 2024

July 18, 2024

by admin Essex London Borough of Havering

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Safer Neighbourhood Havering

July 2, 2024

by admin Essex London Borough of Havering New Projects Outreach

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Mobile Intervention Outreach Service, operating across multiple areas in the borough. Commissioned by the London Borough of Havering, this initiative aims to deliver engaging activities and vital support directly to the young people in our community.

Mobile Intervention Service

Our mobile service is set to visit various areas identified through the community safety team within Havering Council. This initiative focuses on Intelligent Led Youth Work (ILYW) and offers a variety of fun and engaging activities, including:

Table Tennis
Basketball
Football
Badminton
Podcasting
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.

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.

Giving Young People a Voice – Soundmap

Our second activity focuses on capturing the voices and experiences of young people in our community. Through street interviews and podcasts, we aim to understand their perspectives on community safety and other important themes.

We will use various multimedia approaches, including surveys, and podcasts, to explore how young people view their homes, neighbourhoods, and public authorities. This initiative will help us understand the socio-spatial implications in our youth community, followed by audio-visual interviews and recordings.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with our community and look forward to the positive changes and growth it will bring. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and the amazing stories from our young participants

THURSDAY SESSIONS

13th June to 4th July – Hilldene Shopping Area

1st Aug 22nd Aug – Orchard Village, Rainham

29th Sept to 19th Sept – Cherry Tree, Rainham

MONDAY SESSIONS

(School Summer Break)

6th Aug to 27th Aug – Upminster Park

Youth Unity in Jaywick

June 10, 2024

by admin Arts & Culture ECVYS Essex New Projects Sports & Fitness Tendring

We provide a safe space where young people can come to play, relax, and release pent-up energy. This welcoming environment allows them to unwind and engage in recreational activities while being surrounded by supportive peers. Additionally, our dedicated team of trusted adults is always available to listen to their concerns, offer guidance, and provide the support they need. This combination of safe play areas and accessible, caring adults helps to foster a sense of security and community, encouraging young people to thrive both emotionally and socially.

We are dedicated to helping children and young people achieve the following outcomes:

Make positive choices that keep them safe
Raise self-esteem and confidence
Build resilience
Improve emotional and physical health and mental well-being
Build connections with trusted adults

Crime Scene at Night: Crime Scene Investigation Team Working on

Critical Incident Response in Redbridge

May 15, 2024

by admin Essex London Borough of Havering New Projects Outreach

Due to the recent tragic incident that occurred on April 30th, 2024, in Redbridge, the London Borough of Redbridge has commissioned Youth Unity CIC – Prevent, Prepare & Protect to provide reassurance education workshops.

As part of our response, we will be conducting outreach activities through our Mobile Intervention Unit, which will be stationed near local schools between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. These activities will include mobile sports provision, gaming, and music, aimed at engaging and supporting the students.

In addition to our detached youth work, we will be delivering workshops in several schools in the area.

The workshop element will focus on several themes.

Offering community reassurance can significantly help ease tensions and fears, especially for parents living in the local area. By providing a visible and proactive presence, we demonstrate our commitment to the safety and well-being of their children. Community reassurance activities, such as our Mobile Intervention Unit and educational workshops, offer parents peace of mind by actively addressing the root causes of youth violence and providing support to young people. This approach not only helps to prevent future incidents but also fosters a sense of security and trust within the community.