women leaders celebrate international women day

W.A.V.E, Women Advocating Violence Elimination

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsWAVE Project

A Powerful New Project Supporting Young Women in Havering

Youth Unity, in partnership with The Third Space Youth, is proud to launch W.A.V.E. (Women Advocating Violence Elimination) a new mentoring and empowerment initiative supporting young women across the London Borough of Havering.  Working with the MyEndz project in Havering’s Community Safety Team.

This project was developed in direct response to conversations with over 40 young women from the borough, who highlighted the urgent need for safe, inclusive spaces and better representation. W.A.V.E. FORWARD addresses those needs by providing support, skill-building opportunities, and a platform for youth voice.

What the Programme Offers

Delivered jointly by Youth Unity and The Third Space Youth, W.A.V.E. FORWARD includes one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and creative youth-led engagement to:

  • Provide a safe space to explore identity, relationships, confidence, and wellbeing

  • Build life skills and resilience through trauma-informed mentoring

  • Educate young people on issues such as violence against women, peer pressure, and online safety

  • Launch a youth-led podcast platform in collaboration with Havering Youth Council

  • Establish a team of Violence Against Women Ambassadors to lead peer advocacy and community awareness campaigns

Why This Matters

Young women in Havering continue to face challenges including harassment, exploitation, and limited access to support that reflects their lived experience. Many feel silenced or overlooked both within their communities and by the systems around them. W.A.V.E. provides not only support, but a space for growth, leadership, and long-term change.

Delivery and Impact

This project is delivered by experienced female mentors trained in trauma-informed practice, youth safety, and exploitation awareness. Mentors work with young women aged 11 to 25 through both outreach and site-based sessions at the Romford Youth Hub.

Our partnership approach ensures the support is community-led, culturally aware, and reflective of the voices we serve.

Get Involved

We invite local schools, youth services, and community partners to connect with us and explore ways to refer young people or collaborate. If you are supporting a young woman who could benefit from W.A.V.E., or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

Together with The Third Space Youth, we’re proud to move W.A.V.E.

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Havering Educational Services

by London Borough of HaveringNew Projects

Youth Unity Approved as a Supplier for Havering Educational Services

We are proud to announce that Youth Unity CIC is now an approved supplier for Havering Educational Services.

This achievement is a significant milestone for our organisation, reflecting the high standards of practice, safeguarding, and youth support that we bring to every programme we deliver. Our approval follows a thorough quality assurance process, ensuring that Youth Unity meets the strict criteria required to work with schools, colleges, and young people across Havering.

Our mentoring, intervention, and outreach services have been independently reviewed, and we have been recognised for:

  • Our commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

  • Our proven track record of positive engagement with young people.

  • The professionalism and experience of our mentors and youth workers.

  • Our ability to deliver impactful, evidence-based programmes that meet the needs of young people today.

Through this partnership, schools and education providers in Havering can now confidently access Youth Unity’s services to support students with mentoring, personal development, life skills training, early intervention programmes, and more.

We are excited about the opportunities this approval brings and remain committed to empowering young people, building resilience, and helping them unlock their full potential.

If you would like to learn more about how Youth Unity can support your school or organisation, please get in touch. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

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New Youth Hub Opens in Romford to Support Young People

by London Borough of HaveringPartnership 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 London Borough of HaveringOutreach

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 London Borough of HaveringMetropolitan PoliceOutreach

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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UNITYPOD Youth Unity

UNITYPOD / A Podcast for Your Community

by London Borough of HaveringPodcasting

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.

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

by Essex CountyLondon 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