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New Youth Hub Opens in Romford to Support Young People

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsPartnership working

This week (29th January) marked the official launch of our brand-new youth hub in Romford, a vital initiative made possible thanks to the generous support of Transport for London (TFL) and the Havering Community Service Partnership Team, with funding provided by the Violence Reduction Unit (MOPAC). This space has been created to offer young people a safe and welcoming environment, where they can access mentoring, guidance, and support.

At the hub, we provide 1:1 mentoring for young people aged 14 to 25 through referrals. Our professional youth workers are dedicated to creating a positive and engaging space, offering support on a range of topics, from education and career advice to personal development and well-being. Whether they need a listening ear, help navigating challenges, or just a space to feel safe, we are here to support them.

However, the long-term success of this project relies on the involvement of local businesses and community members. By working together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact, steering young people away from negative influences and towards opportunities that empower them to succeed. We invite local businesses and organisations to support this initiative and help us provide the best possible future for young people in our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the launch and showed their support. Your involvement makes all the difference.

If you would like to learn more about our mentoring program or explore ways to support the hub, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can create a safer and brighter future for our young people.

For more information, please contact shirley@youthunity.org

 Artwork: Cize-one

Photos: The Havering Daily
Youth Unity

Romford Outreach

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsOutreach

At Youth Unity, we’re proud to be working on a new project funded by the Community Recovery Fund (CRF). This initiative is all about creating safer spaces, preventing issues before they happen, and building stronger relationships between young people and their communities.

What’s Happening in Romford Town Centre?

Romford is a busy town with lots going on, but it’s also an area that faces challenges. Over the past few years, we’ve been running activities that have made a real difference to young people and local businesses.

What We’re Doing:

  • Continuing our Wednesday afternoon youth sessions until March 2025.
  • Chatting with young people and businesses to build relationships and make the area feel safer.
  • Running fun and positive activities to keep young people engaged and connected.

Why This Matters

We want young people in Romford to feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their goals. This project is about:

  • Giving them opportunities to learn and have fun.
  • Reducing anti-social behavior and violence.
  • Building stronger connections between young people, local businesses, and the wider community.

By working together, we can create spaces where young people feel they belong, where they can thrive, and where the community feels stronger than ever.

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Creating Safer Spaces: Supporting Young People in Hildene

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsOutreach

Youth Unity is proud to be working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police on the Our Harold Hill: Clear Hold Build initiative.

Part of this project is to create safe spaces for young people in Harold Hill, offering them a place to come together, engage in positive activities, and build a sense of community.

By providing support, resources, and opportunities, this initiative aims to empower young people, reduce anti-social behaviour, and foster a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. Together, we are committed to making Harold Hill a place where young people feel safe, valued, and inspired to thrive.

Read this full article regarding the The Clear Hold Build project.

Are you interested in being part of the Henry project? Booking form

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Showcasing Our New Artwork at Romford Unity Hub

by London Borough of HaveringNew Projects

This week has been truly special at the Romford Unity Hub as we unveiled a new, vibrant piece of art to mark our official opening. The response from the community has been incredible, with people of all ages stopping by to admire the creativity on display.

The new artwork, designed to embody the spirit of unity and community, was painted with great care and attention by the talented artist Cize_One, symbolising our commitment to making the hub a welcoming and safe space for all. This initiative was made possible through our partnership with Havering Council’s Community Safety Partnership. During the process, we received enthusiastic feedback from passersby. Families, young people, and even the local police paused to watch the painting take shape, sharing words of praise and excitement. It was heartening to witness such positivity and support from the local community.

We hope this colourful addition will serve as a beacon, drawing in young people from Romford and beyond. Our vision for the Romford Unity Hub is to create a vibrant environment where young individuals can come to feel safe, seek advice, and enjoy spending time together. The new mural is just the beginning, representing the promise of growth, creativity, and collaboration.

As we continue to develop this space, we invite everyone to come and see the art, explore what the hub has to offer, and join in our journey. The Romford Unity Hub is now open, and we are excited to welcome the community to be part of this shared experience. We are also pleased to announce that we will be holding a soft launch in December, providing an opportunity for more people to visit and celebrate the start of this new chapter with us.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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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
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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”.

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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.

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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.