Showcasing Our New Artwork at Romford Unity Hub
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!
UNITYPOD / A Podcast for Your Community
Voices of Our Communities: A Podcast for Change
Join us in our exciting new podcast series, where we’ll give a platform to the diverse voices and perspectives of all the communities we support!
Our podcast will address the pressing issues that impact our communities—such as criminal activity, knife crime, housing, mental health, and much more. This will be a space where we can openly discuss the challenges and realities faced by individuals across all areas we serve.
Whether you’re a young person navigating today’s challenges, a long-standing resident, or someone with a unique viewpoint, your story is essential. We’ll feature local voices, sharing their insights and experiences, aiming to foster understanding, inspire action, and strengthen our communities.
This is more than just a podcast—it’s a chance to build a dynamic conversation that anyone can join, whether in person or remotely by phone. Together, we’ll shed light on the realities of life in our communities and explore ways to create positive change.
If you’d like to share your story, offer your perspective, or simply listen in, please reach out. Let’s bring the stories of our communities to life—together!
In this episode of the YU podcast, we feature Paul Withrington, an experienced manager with extensive expertise in both the statutory and charity sectors. As a dedicated advocate for homelessness prevention, Paul brings a deep understanding of the complex causes of homelessness and the challenges faced by those at risk.
Throughout this conversation, Paul shares valuable insights on effective strategies to support vulnerable individuals and prevent homelessness. Tune in as we explore collaborative approaches to drive lasting change in our communities.
This is a powerful and enlightening discussion you won’t want to miss!
In this episode, we sit down with Vernon Gibson, MSc, BSc, to dive into the world of fitness, health, and longevity. We explore the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips designed to help you reach your wellness goals and improve your overall quality of life.
Born and raised in Kent, Vernon shares valuable knowledge on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies that promote not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being.
Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, our goal is to inspire and empower local Kent residents to embrace healthier, longer lives. Tune in and discover the tools you need to thrive!
In this episode of the YU Podcast, we are joined by Andy Mac, who courageously shares his personal journey through the depths of drug addiction. Andy reflects on the pivotal moments that brought him to rock bottom—the “jumping-off point” that compelled him to face his struggles and seek a path to recovery. With remarkable candor and vulnerability, he recounts the challenges he encountered and the transformative steps that helped him rebuild his life.
Join us as we delve into the complexities of addiction, the power of resilience, and the crucial role of support systems in overcoming adversity. Andy’s story is not just one of hardship but also one of hope and redemption. His insights provide a meaningful perspective for anyone facing similar battles or those wanting to better understand the nuances of addiction.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of a brighter future.
Unlock Your Future with Youth Unity’s Referral Service – MyEndz Havering
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
Ricky Hayden Memorial donate vital life saving bleed bag to Youth Unity in Romford
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”.
Amplifying Voices: Understanding Romford’s Youth and Community
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.
School Holiday Program: Unity HUB Comes to Harold Hill, supported by BETRA TMO
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.
Introducing Our New Safe Haven: A Hub of Opportunity and Growth!
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!
National Lottery Awarded: Detached Youth Work in Romford Town
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded National Lottery funding to continue our amazing project in Romford until the end of 2024!
Partnering closely with the Havering Council’s Community Safety Team, we’re ready to make a huge impact.
Over the past year, being part of the community has allowed us to build trusted relationships with young people and residents who join us week after week. Whether it’s playing a game of chess or shooting some hoops in basketball, our UNITY HUB has become a beloved fixture in their lives.
🌟 We are conveniently located on South Street, Romford, and we are here rain or shine! Our secure haven is dedicated to young people, but our mission extends beyond that. We aim to foster stronger understanding and build better relationships with the elders in our community as well.
We’re open every Wednesday from 3pm, offering a vibrant space for gaming, music, chess, dominoes, basketball all working to building a strong sense of community.
Our mission is to create a safe and welcoming space where the community can come together and better understand the needs and aspirations of our youth.
We know that young people often lack guidance and places to go. That’s why UNITY HUB is here to offer exciting opportunities and direct them to various engaging activities around the area. Plus, we provide valuable advice and support on important topics for both young individuals and parents.
Come and be part of this incredible journey with us! Let’s unite, explore, and grow together. 🚀
