Yes. Excited black girl making winner gesture, smiling over yellow studio background. Copy space

Havering Educational Services

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.

Screenshot 2025-04-25 at 10.01.05

Your Voice
Uxbridge College

Empowering students to shape a safer, more inclusive campus

Today marked an exciting step forward as we joined a collaborative meeting at Uxbridge College to kick off our new initiative: “Your Voice” a project designed to amplify student perspectives and improve campus safety through meaningful dialogue and creative solutions.

This innovative programme, led by Youth Unity CIC, will culminate in the development of a dynamic Sound Map that captures the safety concerns and ideas of the college community. By listening closely to the diverse voices of students, we aim to highlight the themes that matter most and identify opportunities for real change.

During the session, we explored how best to collect student input and discussed strategies for testing new, forward-thinking safety solutions. It was inspiring to collaborate with Portal Security professionals and student support services, whose insights and expertise will be key in turning these ideas into action.

We are incredibly passionate about creating safer, more inclusive spaces where every student feels heard and valued. “Your Voice” is more than just a project it’s a platform for empowerment, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have at Uxbridge College.

Stay tuned as the project unfolds and most importantly, let your voice be heard.

larmes

Operation Makesafe

Operation Makesafe: Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation in Our Community

At Youth Unity, we are committed to protecting young people and educating the community about the risks they face. One of the growing concerns across the UK is child exploitation a serious issue that often goes unseen. That’s why we’re supporting Operation Makesafe, an initiative focused on helping everyone recognise the signs of exploitation and take action.

What is Operation Makesafe?

Operation Makesafe is a national campaign led by the police in partnership with local authorities and safeguarding teams. Its aim is to raise awareness of child sexual and criminal exploitation, especially in settings where children may be at risk—such as hotels, taxis, takeaways, shopping centres, and public transport.

The key message of Operation Makesafe is simple: child exploitation is everyone’s business.

Why It Matters

Exploitation doesn’t always look like what people expect. It can involve grooming, manipulation, or coercion, and it can happen to any young person, regardless of their background. Offenders often target places where young people spend time or where staff may not be trained to spot the warning signs.

By raising awareness, Operation Makesafe empowers individuals and businesses to become part of the solution identifying potential abuse early and helping to protect vulnerable young people.

What to Look Out For

There are often subtle signs that a young person may be at risk, including:

  • Being with older individuals who seem controlling
  • Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or afraid
  • Arriving at hotels or venues with little luggage or ID
  • Regularly being picked up or dropped off in private vehicles
  • Talking about money, gifts, or situations that seem inappropriate for their age

If something doesn’t feel right report it. Trust your instincts.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or member of the public, you have a role to play.

  • Learn the signs of exploitation
  • Talk openly with young people about safety and healthy relationships
  • Report any concerns to the police or safeguarding services

If you’re a business owner or frontline worker, training is available to help you identify risks and respond appropriately. Youth Unity also offers educational sessions and resources for schools, youth groups, and community spaces.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Operation Makesafe reminds us that protecting young people takes a whole-community approach. By staying informed, looking out for warning signs, and acting when something feels wrong, we can all help to prevent exploitation and keep young people safe.

If you’d like more information or to arrange awareness training through Youth Unity, please get in touch. Let’s work together to build a safer community.

Realistic 3D double cup with Lean. Codeine purple drink, standing and dripping cups collection. Vector set

Dangers of Lean (Purple Drank)

Lean: also known as “Purple Drank,” “Sizzurp,” or “Dirty Sprite” is a recreational drink made by mixing codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks and sometimes sweets or alcohol. While it may appear harmless, Lean poses serious health risks and is illegal to possess or supply without a prescription.

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects:

  • Addiction: The codeine in Lean is an opioid, which can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Mayo Clinic

  • Respiratory Depression: High doses can slow breathing to dangerous levels, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol. PubMed

  • Organ Damage: Regular use can harm the liver, kidneys, and bladder, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Mayo Clinic

  • Mental Health Issues: Users may experience hallucinations, confusion, and mood disturbances. Catch22

UK Statistics and Trends:

  • Lean use is rising among UK youth, influenced by social media and music culture. Catch22

  • In 2022–2023, 0.8% of young people in treatment reported codeine misuse, a slight decrease from previous years. GOV.UK

  • Due to increasing misuse, codeine linctus has been reclassified as a prescription-only medicine in the UK. GOV.UK

Legal Implications:

Possessing or supplying codeine without a prescription is illegal in the UK. Penalties can include up to 5 years in prison for possession and up to 14 years for supply, along with unlimited fines. Catch22

Support and Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with Lean or codeine misuse, support is available:

  • Talk to Frank: Confidential advice on drugs and substance misuse. Catch22

  • Catch22: Resources and support for young people on substance misuse. Catch22

  • NHS: Information on codeine and its side effects. nhs.uk

Early intervention can prevent long-term health issues and legal consequences. Stay informed and seek help if needed.​

Temporary brain activity due to drug abuse, psylocybin brain, ketamine, creativity

The Hidden Risk: Ketamine Abuse Among Children and Teens

Raising Awareness: The Dangers of Ketamine Abuse

At Youth Unity, we believe it’s vital to raise awareness around the growing issue of ketamine misuse among young people. What was once considered a club drug is now increasingly being used by school-age children, with alarming trends emerging across the UK.

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anaesthetic that is cheap, widely accessible, and often appealing to young people due to its short-lived effects. However, its impact on the body can be long-lasting and incredibly harmful.

One of the early warning signs of frequent ketamine use is ketamine-induced cystitis, a painful bladder condition that can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and even permanent bladder damage. In more severe cases, ketamine use can lead to abdominal pain, known as “K-cramps,” and serious injury to the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Startling statistics reveal that nearly 1% of primary school children have already experimented with ketamine, and educators are reporting cases of use during school hours, including break times. This reflects just how accessible and normalised this substance is becoming among young people.

If you are a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, or a young adult yourself, it’s essential to be informed. Recognising the signs of ketamine use early could help prevent long-term damage and support early intervention.

Signs to look out for may include:

  • Frequent or painful urination

  • Unexplained abdominal pain

  • Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour

  • Memory loss or confusion

  • Disinterest in school, work, or family life

We urge our community to take this issue seriously. Education and open conversations are key to prevention. If you’re concerned about a young person or would like more information, support, or resources, please get in touch with our team at Youth Unity. We’re here to help.

Together, we can work to keep our young people safe and informed.

Youth Unity

Barking & Dagenham

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

Railway track with switch and interchange and high rise building in Hong Kong city

Future Tracks: Supporting Vulnerable Youth Through Mentorship on the Move

At Youth Unity, we believe every young person deserves guidance, safety, and a clear path toward a brighter future. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Future Tracks a targeted, trauma-informed mentoring program supporting vulnerable young people across South East London and Dartford, particularly those connected to the railway network.

We meet young people where they are, emotionally and physically, and help guide them toward safer paths and brighter futures.

Why the Railway?

The railway is more than a transport route, it’s a real-world touchpoint for vulnerable youth. It can also be a space where risk, escape, and opportunity collide.

By working with:

  • Southeastern Railway Safeguarding

  • British Transport Police

  • Local authorities & schools

…we’re able to intervene early, build trust, and open doors.

Future Tracks is a trauma-informed mentoring program supporting vulnerable young people aged 11 to 25. The project is embedded within the Southeastern railway network to support those at risk of:

  • Going missing

  • Anti-social behaviour

  • Exploitation

  • Substance misuse

  • Being NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)

What Future Tracks Offers​

Safety Awareness

“Teaching young people to stay safe while traveling.”

 Life Skills

“From communication to money management, helping them grow in confidence.”

Emotional Support

“Providing a trusted adult and safe space for each mentee.”

Access to Resources

We connect youth with certified training and routes into education and employment.

Career Exploration

We help young people dream again, introducing job sectors, CV prep, and workplace visits.

Social Integration

Group work, workshops, and creative projects reduce isolation and build connection.

Crime Prevention

By offering consistency, support, and positive alternatives, we reduce involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour on and around the rail network.

Our Approach: Trauma-Informed & Contextual Safeguarding

We don’t just offer help, we understand the bigger picture. Our mentors are trained in:

  • Trauma-informed listening

  • Contextual safeguarding principles

  • Cultural awareness and anti-oppressive practice

Six  important life skills

Let's Keep the Tracks Moving Forward At Future Tracks, we believe in early intervention, empowerment, and real change. Together, let’s help every young person find their way.

Arrows on wooden cubes pointing from a sad expression towards a happy one. Personal growth and aspiration concept.

Ambition Life Skills Program

Empowering Young People: The Ambition Life Skills & RespectProgramme

Youth Unity is proud to introduceThe Ambition Life Skills & RespectProgramme, a powerful mentoring initiative designed to support young people and young adults in developing essential life skills, improving well-being, and guiding them toward a brighter future.

By combining expert guidance, practical tools, and digital resources, the Ambition and Respect programmes provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can flourish. Launching May 2025, this transformative initiative aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling, positive lives.

 

Created by highly respected psychologist Roberto Forzoni, the Ambition Programme is grounded in evidence-based practice and uses solution-focused therapy to inspire young people to achieve their potential.

The programme includes 10 coach-led digital modules, designed to empower vulnerable young people by enhancing their mental health, resilience, and life skills. To support different learning styles, participants can access a paper mentoring handbook and a learning management system that tracks progress and outcomes.

Key Learning Themes

The Ambition modules focus on equipping young people with the skills to:

Develop confidence and self-esteem, becoming the best version of themselves

Understand and overcome self sabotage and negative thinking

Recognise the impact of their choices understanding consequences and building better decision-making skills

Manage impulses, learning to weigh short-term gains against long-term benefits

Build resilience, learning how to respond positively to setbacks and challenges

By engaging in these modules, young people gain the tools to avoid risk-taking behaviour, criminal activity, and unhealthy relationships, helping them to build a safer, more positive future.

Complementing Ambition, the Respect Programme features four coach-led modules focused on fostering respect in all aspects of life:

Understanding respect:

  • What respect means and how to develop it Self-respect Building a positive relationship with oneself Relationship respect
  • Encouraging healthy interactions with others World respect
  • Cultivating respect for people and communities each respect module includes a period for reflective practice, encouraging participants to consolidate their learning and apply insights in real-world situations.
Upset face emoji with closed eyes, open frown, and raised eyebrows on yellow background

Decoding Emojis: Understanding Hidden Meanings in Digital Communication

Emojis serve as a complex form of communication that can convey a wide range of meanings, including those that are more sinister or problematic. Understanding these interpretations can help parents and guardians engage in meaningful conversations about online safety and communication with their children. It’s important to foster an environment of trust and open dialogue to discuss these interpretations and their implications.

Incel-Related Emojis

🔵 Blue Pill  Opposite of the Red Pill, represents ignorance or remaining in mainstream societal views rather than adopting incel ideology.

💊 Pill/Capsule Can symbolise red-pilling or black-pilling, referring to ideological awakenings, often in extremist or misogynistic circles.

Black Pill – Represents hopelessness, often used in incel communities to suggest there is no way to change one’s fate.

🤡 Clown Face – Used to mock someone perceived as naïve or deluded, sometimes directed at “normies” who don’t subscribe to incel beliefs.

🖤 Black Heart – Can symbolise nihilism, depression, or rejection of societal norms, often used in incel or extremist contexts.

🔴 Red Pill -Often associated with the “manosphere” or incel culture, symbolising awakening to a particular worldview often centered around misogyny.

💣 Dynamite – Used in incel circles to signify explosive ideas or actions, often in a violent context.

💯 100 – Represents authenticity or agreement, but can also imply a commitment to extreme beliefs, especially within incel communities.

🫘 Kidney Beans – In some contexts, this emoji can be used in incel memes to derogatorily reference women or to mock femininity.

❤️ Red Heart – Represents love; however, it can also be used manipulatively in emotional contexts.

💜 Purple Heart – Suggests sexual attraction or horniness.

💛 Yellow Heart – Indicates interest, often flirty but can also imply superficial engagement.

💗 Pink Heart – Expresses interest but suggests a desire for emotional connection without sexual implications.

🧡 Orange Heart – Offers reassurance, such as “you’re going to be fine,” but can also imply platonic affection.

Drug-Related Emojis

Commonly used to represent cannabis in various contexts 🍓 Strawberry, 🐶 Dog, 🍒 Cherries, 🍰 Cake, 🍦 Ice Cream, 🍃 Leaves

Used in various contexts to signify cocaine. 👃 Nose, 🐡 Blowfish, ⛽ Petrol Pump, ☃️ Snowman, ❄️ Snowflake

🎈 Balloon

Meaning: Represents nitrous oxide (NOS).

🐴 Horse

Meaning: Indicates ketamine.

⚫ Black Heart

Meaning: Can symbolise dark humour or alternative aesthetics but may also represent grief or loss.

👽 Plug – Refers to a drug dealer, colloquially known as a “plug.”

Sexual and Sexting Emojis

🍆 Eggplant, 🍑 Peach – Commonly used to represent male and female genitalia, respectively, especially in sexting contexts.

💦 Sweat Droplets – Often used to imply sexual arousal or excitement.

🤭 Face with Hand Over Mouth – Can signify shyness or embarrassment, often in a flirtatious or suggestive context.

🤫 Shushing Face – Indicates secrecy, possibly related to private or illicit conversations.

👀 Eyes – Used to suggest someone is watching or to indicate interest in someone else’s activities, often in a flirtatious manner.

Emojis Indicating Risky Behaviour

😈 Smiling Face with Horns – Suggests mischief or malicious intent; often used in contexts of playful or wicked behaviour.

👿 Angry Face with Horns – Represents anger or evil intentions, often used in confrontational contexts.

🤡 Clown Face – Can signify feeling foolish or being caught in a mistake, sometimes used to mock someone.

👁️ Eye – Represents being watched or surveillance, can also imply suspicion.

Views of the beachfront at Clacton on Sea in Essex in the United Kingdom

Supporting Tendring’s Young People

Supporting Clacton's Young People: Insights from Our Detached Youth Work Sessions

When we first launched our detached youth work sessions in Jaywick back in May 2024, our goal was clear—to provide a safe, supportive space for young people to engage, express themselves, and access the help they need. These sessions quickly became a lifeline for many, offering structured activities, guidance, and a sense of community.

However, as time went on, we realised that our impact could be even greater if we shifted focus. While Jaywick had its needs, we saw a huge opportunity in Clacton Town Centre—a key area where young people naturally gather, socialise, and seek support. So, in September 2024, we took that step, expanding our outreach to Clacton Town Centre and Clacton Leisure Centre to reach more young people where they are.

What We’ve Seen & Done

Jaywick: A Meaningful Start

Our Jaywick sessions introduced football, arts and crafts, and youth discussions, creating a safe environment for young people to relax and open up.

  • We engaged young people from all backgrounds, including those from disadvantaged households and foster care.
  • Some of the young people we met were struggling with education, home life, and self-care, our team stepped in with advice and guidance.
  • We supported a talented gymnast in overcoming financial and transport barriers to attend a local club.
  • Families facing eviction and social challenges found a listening ear and connections to support services.
  • As funding constraints and the colder months set in, we shifted focus to Clacton, while keeping plans in place to restart Jaywick sessions in Spring 2025.

Clacton: Reaching More Young People

Moving to Clacton Town Centre and Clacton Leisure Centre has significantly increased our impact:

  • Town Centre Engagement: We regularly meet young people after school, providing guidance, signposting support, and a trusted presence in their daily routine.
  • Helping Families in Crisis: We met a mother of five living in a hotel due to a house fire. Her daughter, struggling with self-harm and school attendance, needed urgent help.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: Conversations with local police help us identify young people in need and create better support systems.

Skate Park & Leisure Centre: A Hub of Opportunity & Challenges

  • We’ve connected with 25+ young people at the skate park, discussing music, school, and future aspirations.
  • Young people loved the idea of a mobile youth club, which we’re actively exploring.
  • We’ve noticed a growing number of NEET young people (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) spending their days at the skate park. This raises serious concerns about educational oversight and future prospects.
  • Accessibility is a major barrier; many young people can’t afford the Leisure Centre, making public spaces like the skate park even more crucial.
  • Team Kinetix’s free Parkour sessions & hot food were a great idea, but some young people felt left out, a reminder that engagement must be inclusive and youth-led.

The Real Challenges Young People Face

Throughout our work, we’ve heard tough stories and seen real struggles:
🔹 Education Barriers – Some young people haven’t been in full-time education for years due to placement issues, relocation, or bullying.
🔹 Mental Health Concerns; Many express hopelessness about their future, and some spend hours outside in the cold, feeling lost.
🔹 Community & Space Issues; Some young people feel excluded from local facilities due to cost barriers, while others feel pushed out of their spaces when organised activities take over.

However, as time went on, we realised that our impact could be even greater if we shifted focus. While Jaywick had its needs, we saw a huge opportunity in Clacton Town Centre; a key area where young people naturally gather, socialise, and seek support

What’s Next? Turning Impact into Action

We’re building on what we’ve learned and taking action to provide even stronger support, subject to us obtaining funding to continue this amazing work.

Expanding Our Presence – We’re introducing a youth engagement van with equipment to make our sessions even more accessible and dynamic.
Collaborating for Change – We’re working with TDC, Connect, and the Leisure Centre to improve accessibility, offer food support, and create aspirational opportunities.
Providing Safe Spaces – We’re pushing for warm, welcoming places where young people can connect, socialise, and get support when they need it.

Why This Work Matters

Our move from Jaywick to Clacton has reinforced one clear truth: young people need trusted adults who show up, listen, and act.

By being present, building trust, and providing real solutions to real problems, we’re helping young people feel seen, valued, and hopeful about their future.

We’re committed to keeping this momentum going—because every young person deserves to feel supported, empowered, and heard.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey so far!