Summer 2026 secondary p1

Summer HAF B&D

by London Borough of Barking & DagenhamSummer Activity
Summer HAF 2026 | Youth Unity CIC × Barking & Dagenham
YU Youth Unity HAF
Youth Unity CIC × Barking & Dagenham

This Summer

Free healthy activities and a hot lunch, every day, for children and young people in Barking & Dagenham.

Book a place See what's on
Every day includes a healthy lunch
Freefor eligible families
Marks GateBarking & Dagenham
Mon–Thu27 Jul – 20 Aug 2026
9:45am–2:15pmindoor venue
What's on

Three activity zones, one brilliant day

Children rotate through all three zones every day, so there's something for everyone — active, creative and chilled. Small groups, friendly mentors, and a free hot lunch in the middle.

Sports & Active

Tournaments, team games and skills to get moving and have fun.

  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Tag rugby
  • Short tennis
  • Penalty King

Creative & Enterprise

Make, design and create — from crafts to sustainable fashion.

  • Arts & crafts
  • Jewellery making
  • Poster design
  • Sustainable fashion

Media, Music & Chill

Record, edit, perform or unwind in the calmer creative space.

  • Podcasting
  • Film editing
  • Karaoke & dance
  • Gaming
  • Board games

A healthy lunch

A free hot meal every day, plus snacks and water throughout — pork-free, with a vegetarian choice daily.

Wellbeing & life skills

Short daily sessions on teamwork, healthy choices, confidence and staying well.

A typical day

Here's how a day runs

9:45 – 10:00Arrival & sign-in with your mentor
10:00 – 10:10Welcome, safety briefing & plan for the day
10:10 – 11:40Activity zones (with a refreshment break)
11:40 – 12:10Free healthy lunch
12:10 – 12:25Wellbeing & life-skills session
12:25 – 13:15More activity zones (with a refreshment break)
13:15 – 14:00Tournament finals & showcase
14:00 – 14:15Reflection, rewards & sign-out
Healthy lunch, sorted

A proper hot meal, every single day

Lunch is part of every session — freshly prepared, balanced and inclusive. We run a rotating weekly menu so there's plenty of variety across the holidays.

No pork Halal Vegetarian daily Allergy-aware Water always available

A taste of the week

MondayPasta bake & salad
TuesdayWraps & veg sticks
WednesdayPizza & side salad
ThursdayMild curry & rice
Every dayFresh fruit & snacks
Who can come

Free places for eligible families

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education through Barking & Dagenham Council. Places at our Marks Gate sessions are free for eligible children and young people.

Please confirm exact age range and any paid-place options for your setting before publishing.

Live or go to school in Barking & Dagenham
Open to local primary and secondary-aged children and young people.
Eligible for benefits-related free school meals
These children qualify for a free place on the programme.
Not sure if you qualify?
Check the council programme or get in touch — we're happy to help.
Dates & times

Four weeks of summer, Monday to Thursday

Each day runs 9:45am to 2:15pm at our indoor Marks Gate venue.

Week 1
27–30 Jul
Mon – Thu
Week 2
3–6 Aug
Mon – Thu
Week 3
10–13 Aug
Mon – Thu
Week 4
17–20 Aug
Mon – Thu
How to book

Booking is quick and easy

1

Visit lbbd.gov.uk/HAF

2

Choose Youth Unity — Marks Gate and pick your dates.

3

Complete the short booking form. That's it — see you this summer!

Email us
james@youthunity.org Call us
0203 105 3525
YU Youth Unity CIC
In partnership with: Barking & Dagenham Dept. for Education Best Start in Life
#HAF2026 Youth Unity CIC is committed to safeguarding. All staff are trained and DBS-checked, with safeguarding leads on site every day.
Youth voices rise in Barking & Dagenham

Fighting Chance

by London Borough of Barking & DagenhamPodcastingSPORTS & DEVELOPMENT
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

New Project Launch: Fighting Chance – Building Confidence, Strength and Youth Voice

Fighting Chance is proudly delivered from The Rising Generation Youth Centre, a brand-new community youth hub that has been co-designed by local young people — from the name of the centre through to the logo and creative identity. The space has been developed to reflect what young people in the area said they wanted and needed: somewhere safe, welcoming and inspiring, where they can explore new interests, hobbies and talents, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

The Rising Generation is more than just a venue — it is a growing hub for youth development, creativity and positive activity, supporting young people to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what they might want to pursue in the future. Delivering Fighting Chance from this centre allows Youth Unity to provide consistent, trusted support within a space that young people themselves helped shape.

Youth Unity CIC is excited to launch Fighting Chance, a youth development programme combining boxing fitness, confidence-building activities and youth-led podcasting to support young people aged 10–18 across Barking and Dagenham.

Fighting Chance is designed to support both physical and emotional wellbeing, providing young people with structured activity, positive role models and opportunities to develop their voice in a safe and supportive environment. The programme reflects Youth Unity’s ongoing commitment to early intervention, prevention and relationship-based youth work.

What Does Fighting Chance Involve?

Each session blends two key elements:

🥊 Boxing Fitness and Discipline

Young people take part in non-contact boxing and fitness training focused on movement, coordination, focus and self-discipline. These sessions support physical health while also helping young people manage stress, build routine and develop confidence.

🎙️ Youth Voice and Podcasting

Alongside physical activity, participants take part in creative podcast workshops, where they learn communication skills, teamwork and self-expression. Young people help shape discussion topics and develop confidence in sharing their thoughts on issues that matter to them, such as school pressures, friendships, motivation and future goals.

All podcast sessions are delivered with trained youth workers present, ensuring conversations are supported, appropriate and safeguarding-led.

Why This Matters

Many young people face increasing pressures around school, mental wellbeing and social expectations. Fighting Chance creates a space where young people can:

  • Feel active, motivated and supported

  • Build positive relationships with peers and trusted adults

  • Develop confidence and communication skills

  • Engage in structured, purposeful activity outside of school

By combining physical training with creative expression, the programme supports young people in building resilience, self-belief and aspiration.

Working in Partnership

Fighting Chance is funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council and delivered by Youth Unity CIC, working in partnership with local schools and community networks to ensure young people who will benefit most are able to access the programme.

Referrals are welcomed from schools, youth services and partner organisations, as well as through community outreach and family engagement.

Looking Ahead

As the programme develops, young people will also take part in creating content that shares their achievements and experiences, helping to amplify youth voice while building real-world creative and digital skills.

We look forward to sharing updates from sessions, podcast releases and impact from the programme as it progresses, and to celebrating the growth and achievements of the young people involved.

Phase 1: Community Engagement & Street-Level Outreach (Building Participation)
Phase Activity Session Date Purpose
Phase 1 School visits & street outreach Outreach Session 1 Tuesday 4 March School engagement, flyer distribution, local shop engagement
Phase 1 Community outreach & recruitment Outreach Session 2 Wednesday 5 March Street outreach, youth engagement, programme sign-up
Phase 2: Core Programme Launch (Structured Delivery Begins)
Phase Activity Session Date Purpose
Phase 2 Boxing & PT Session 1 Tuesday 10 March Programme launch
Phase 2 Podcasting Workshop 1 Wednesday 11 March Youth voice & creative engagement
Phase 2 Boxing & PT Session 2 Tuesday 17 March Skill development
Phase 2 Boxing & PT Session 3 Tuesday 24 March Consistency & relationship building
Phase 3: After-School “Lost Hours” Delivery (Sustained Engagement)
Phase Activity Session Date Purpose
Phase 3 Boxing & PT Session 4 Tuesday 31 March Maintaining engagement
Phase 3 Podcasting Workshop 2 Wednesday 1 April Creative reflection & storytelling
Phase 3 Boxing & PT Session 5 Tuesday 7 April Confidence & progression
Phase 3 Boxing & PT Session 6 Tuesday 15 April Mentoring through sport
Phase 3 Boxing & PT Session 7 Tuesday 22 April Programme consolidation
Youth Unity

Barking & Dagenham

by London Borough of Barking & DagenhamNew Projects

In response to recent critical incidents affecting the local area, Youth Unity will be delivering a dedicated 6-week programme of detached youth work, aimed at providing a visible, supportive presence within the community. These sessions have been a vital part of our early intervention strategy, offering a safe, approachable space for young people during a particularly challenging time.

Our experienced youth team has been engaging with young people directly on the streets and in community hotspots listening, supporting, and building trust. Through consistent outreach, we’ve been able to create meaningful connections, offer guidance, and signpost to services that promote positive choices and personal development.

The detached sessions are about more than just presence; they’re about offering stability, reassurance, and a non-judgmental space where young people feel heard. We’ve seen encouraging engagement, with many young people sharing their concerns, ideas, and experiences.

Youth Unity is committed to ensuring that young people feel safe, supported, and empowered, especially during times of heightened tension or uncertainty. These sessions are a testament to the power of consistent, community-focused youth work in helping young people navigate difficult environments.

https://youthunity.org/event/gale-street-bd

ENQUIRY FORM
WhatsApp Image 2024-12-17 at 15.42.21 (12)

Padnall Hall Art Mural Project: A Community Vision Comes to Life

by BIG LOCALLondon Borough of Barking & Dagenham

At Youth Unity, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people and their communities to express themselves through creativity. The Padnall Hall Art Mural Project is an inspiring example of how art can bring people together, share local stories, and enhance community spaces.

This project, centered around the hoarding of the new Padnall Hall Youth Centre, is being shaped entirely by community voices and will reflect the rich culture, history, and aspirations of the local area.

Why This Matters

The Padnall Hall Art Mural Project is more than just an artwork; it’s a celebration of the local community’s identity and values. It serves as a symbol of unity, bringing people together to create something lasting and meaningful.

As the new youth centre takes shape, this mural will build excitement for what’s to come: a space where young people can connect, grow, and thrive.

Our Process: Listening to the Community

To ensure the mural truly represents the community, the project was designed in three key phases:

Outreach & Street Interviews

Our outreach teams connected directly with local residents, gathering their thoughts and ideas through voice and video interviews.

A short documentary will highlight these community insights, showcasing the vision behind the project.

Workshops – “Your Community Voice”

Workshops were held in schools and local settings to gather feedback on themes, imagery, and ideas for the mural.

Surveys were distributed to encourage participation from all age groups, ensuring the mural reflects an intergenerational perspective.

Art Installation

Using the community’s input, the mural will be brought to life, transforming the site into a vibrant and inspiring focal point.

This project will also build bonds within the community and promote excitement for the new Padnall Hall Youth Centre.

What the Community Had to Say

Through 71 surveys and direct engagement, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what we discovered:

Why a Mural Matters:

83% of respondents said a mural is highly important for the local area.

88% believe it should represent the local community’s residents.

Themes People Want to See:

54%: The diverse cultural landscape of the area.

50%: Community life.

49%: Local culture and history.

Style and Feel:

65% wanted the artwork to be bright and vibrant, showcasing the dynamic energy of the youth centre and its young people.

83% advocated for incorporating positive and inspirational messages.

Community Ideas & Messages

During outreach, we gathered some truly meaningful suggestions for what the mural should include:

Symbols of unity, diversity, and communication to attract and inspire people.

Imagery of local history and buildings that reflect the area’s heritage.

Messages of kindness and hope, such as:

“You are important.”

“Believe in yourself – you can achieve great things.”

“Persevere – success is about rising every time you fall.”

These contributions reflect the community’s pride, resilience, and desire for a space that uplifts and inspires everyone.

Click here to find out more about the artist Cize_One

Crime Scene at Night: Crime Scene Investigation Team Working on

Marks Gate in Barking & Dagenham, Levelling Up Program

by London Borough of Barking & DagenhamMentoring

Exciting New Partnership: Youth Unity and London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Bringing Youth Engagement to Marks Gate!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Youth Unity and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, aimed at engaging and empowering young people in the Marks Gate community! Over the next month, our dedicated Youth Unity team will be out and about, delivering detached youth work sessions. These sessions, including interactive street interviews, are designed to connect with local youth, listen to their voices, and build awareness of the exciting new youth centre coming to the area.

 

1619962440433

Youth Unity Day 2019 – Barking & Dagenham

by Arts & CultureCommunity DevelopmentLondon Borough of Barking & Dagenham

Our first flagship festival which attracted over 1700 people from across London. 

With over 700 young people taking part in a Football Tournament from ages 11 to 18.

On the day West Ham talent scout passed by to see what the day was about and was blown away at how well organisation, which promoted him he call many other premiership clubs who attended, scouting for the next England scorer.

We are proud to say that the festival was well received by the local community with many passers by stating how great it was to see so many young people getting involved in something so positive, along with how refreshing it to see so many smiling happy faces and the community together, proof that more of these community led projects are needed.

We are already in planning for 2020, we hope to see you there!

Jon Gildersleeve a member of the community who volunteered so much of his time, played an integral part in the planning to make Youth Unity a success.  Jon worked tirelessly to help fund raise and bring awareness to our organisation.  We can not thank him enough. 

Born in London, Ben Eine is one of the most successful street artists in the world and is regarded as a pioneer in the exploration of graffiti letter forms.  This Mural was donated to MyPlace in Harold Hill and is now a firm fixture on their wall.  

A POSITIVE APPROACH TO TACKLING KNIFE CRIME – A PROJECT TO UPLIFT OUR COMMUNITIES AND EMPOWER OUR YOUTH 

Knife crime is a persistent and worrying concern, especially as it impacts particularly upon young people and the disadvantaged.  As of April 27, there have been 27 fatalities from stabbings in London this year.  Two people were fatally stabbed in separate knife attacks in the capital, in the first six hours of 2019.   There are children being injured or killed by other children every day.

Our plan is to develop a pan-London network of organisations that can effectively provide local solutions to the problem and have a real impact on communities.  

Our first pilot event YOUTH UNITY DAY that will attract over 1,500 to 2,000 people from across London and the UK.  We are working to unite communities to tackle violent crime in our boroughs. 

On June 22nd in Central Park, Dagenham we have over 40 different and varied community organisations joining forces to bring a change in violent crime.  These organisations are working harmoniously to bring the community together and bring about change in perceptions that all youth are in gangs and look for trouble. 

This project will raise awareness that young people can collective come together for the greater good of the community and plan for a healthy productive future.  Sports, arts and music unite everyone, and this family fun day is bringing people from all ages and backgrounds.  By educating and empowering we hope this day will inspire individuals to leave gang culture and formalise more positive lives by dropping knives.  

To build stronger relationships, to encourage them to have a sense of pride in their communities.  Starting this with Youth Unity Day other days with follow to formalise change and improve places and open spaces like parks and recreations areas, bringing back our open spaces to families, where they can feel safe and enjoy the environment and not in fear of robbery or violence.  

Free our spaces for the good not the bad.  Youth Unity Day will offer opportunities on how the younger generation can become more involved in their area by becoming volunteers and showing a pride in their community, gaining new skills, offer training to enhance their possibilities to aspire and fulfil their dreams and to live a life worth living.

We have over 52 teams of youth football.  Boxing, MMA, Army, Police Cadets are attending. To make our event all-inclusive we have specially adapted workshops to learn DJ’ing and also music workshops on how to record a track we have included an area for therapy arts and crafts and to include an area of expression.   All participants will be encouraged to engage with organisations attending on the day to take part in something on offer to them. If we can have just 100 young people sign up to get involved with a program it’s a ripple effect of positivity. 

To enable this, we have engaged many local volunteers to ensure we are steering people to the right places focusing on their individual needs, requirements and aspirations.  Havering MIND charity will attend to ensure we are addressing the importance of mental health issues and will offer vital support for those seeking guidance.    

Our project will be engaging with local businesses in and around the area with a view to employment and training opportunities for young people and their parents and families.  The entertainment on the day will involve young talent from across the area to perform music and dance.   We have the Police and the Fire Brigade attending on a recruitment drive along with the Army.

There will be keynote speakers endorsing the day such as the local MPs, Council Leaders and the Mayor Barking & Dagenham who are supporting this event.  Many of the organisations regularly feature on TV and radio and we will be receiving much press coverage on the event.   For the event to run smoothly we have always engaged a security company to ensure safety and the local police have carried out the necessary risk assessments.  

We have funded the event ourselves with some sponsorship from local companies and it is a not-for-profit event as we are not charging entry as we want this to be an event for everyone to attend.  

We are blessed to have the support of many well-known music artists and all are supporting the event voluntarily, most are from the UK House and Garage scene.  We also are featuring emerging young artists as the event is about empowering our youth