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The Cage Thamesmead – SUMMER FUN TIMES

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

Following the success of our community event at The Cage in June, we’re excited to announce that Youth Unity will be back in Thamesmead this summer with a brand-new six-week outreach programme and we’ll also be joining the next community event on 4th September.

We heard loud and clear from local young people that The Cage can sometimes feel unsafe or unwelcoming. Many told us they want to see more positive activities happening in the space and we’re here to make that happen through the amazing support from Peabody Housing.

For six weeks over the summer holidays, our outreach team will be at The Cage every Tuesday afternoon. We’ll bring our trusted intervention van to create a safe, welcoming base, and our trained youth workers will be on hand to offer mentoring, support and a listening ear.

Young people will also be able to get involved in informal sports, games, and creative activities shaped by what they want helping build confidence, connection and community pride. One highlight will be a brand-new mural, co-designed with a local artist and young people themselves, to transform the walls of The Cage into something they can own and be proud of.

This is about more than just summer fun it’s about giving young people a reason to return, feel safe and welcome, and have a say in what their community looks like.

Together, we’re turning The Cage into a place where young people feel they belong. We can’t wait to see you there.

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Safer Neighbourhood Havering Summer

by Essex CountyLondon Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsOutreach

We’re excited to announce that Youth Unity has been awarded funding to deliver a 14-week Detached Outreach Programme in Romford, launching on 4th July.

This project marks a return to the heart of the borough, where we’ll be delivering targeted mobile youth work through our Mobile Intervention Outreach Service, designed to engage young people directly within their communities.

Working in partnership with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council, our outreach will take place in key areas identified as priorities, offering trusted, street-based support that is both responsive and proactive.

What We’re Delivering:

Our sessions will feature a mix of positive activities, including:

  • Table Tennis

  • Music

  • Gaming 

  • Street Chess

These activities are more than just recreation they’re powerful tools for engagement, relationship-building, and early intervention, proven to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide safer spaces for young people at risk of isolation or exploitation.

This programme offers not just structured support, but a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect with positive role models.

We’re proud to return to Romford with this vital work and with the support of this funding, we’re ready to make a real, lasting impact.

Path leading to Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) Bridge, Greenhithe, Dartford.

Stone Parish Council

by New ProjectsStone Parish Council

Exciting New Youth Services Launch at Stone Recreation Grounds

Youth Unity is proud to announce a new partnership with Stone Parish Council, bringing exciting new youth services to the heart of the community.

We are now delivering vibrant, free youth sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 3:15 PM to 5:30 PM at Stone Recreation Grounds.

What’s On Offer

Our programme offers a variety of engaging activities designed to promote physical wellbeing and teamwork. Young people can take part in:

  • Football

  • Table Tennis

  • Basketball

These sessions encourage young people to get active, develop skills, and enjoy positive social interaction in a safe and welcoming environment.

Beyond Sports: Mentoring and Support

What makes this programme unique is our commitment to holistic youth development. Our experienced youth workers will be on-site at every session to provide:

  • Positive guidance

  • Mentoring and emotional support

  • A trusted presence in the community

This initiative offers a valuable space for young people to grow, connect, and feel empowered in their everyday lives.

Join Us

We welcome all young people to come along, get involved, and discover something new. Whether it’s trying out a new sport, talking to a youth worker, or simply spending time with friends, there’s something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there and building something great together.

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Crucial Crew
Workshops for Vaping

by New ProjectsUttlesford County Council

Crucial Crew 2025:
Helping Young People Make Safer Choices

In June 2025, Youth Unity was proud to support the Uttlesford Community Safety Partnership by delivering a series of engaging workshops on the dangers of vaping as part of the long-running Crucial Crew initiative.

Held at Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, the four-day event welcomed approximately 750 Year 6 pupils from 26 primary schools across Uttlesford. Alongside partners such as Essex Police, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, and local safeguarding teams, Youth Unity played a key role in equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to make safer choices as they transition to secondary school.

The vaping awareness sessions explored the health risks, social pressures, and long-term consequences of vaping, encouraging pupils to think critically and responsibly. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools, and we were pleased to be part of such a collaborative effort to invest in early intervention and education.

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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.

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

Supporting Tendring’s Young People

by ECVYSEssex CountyMentoringNew ProjectsTendring

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!

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Empowering Youth Through Boxing and Fitness Sessions in Debden

by ECVYSEpping Forest District CouncilEssex CountyNew ProjectsSports & Fitness
SIGN UP FORM

We’re pumped to announce free weekly boxing and fitness coaching sessions just for young people aged 11 to 16 in the Debden area of Epping! Whether you’re looking to get active, learn new skills, or just try something fun, this is your chance to get involved.

👊 What’s in it for you?

  • Learn awesome boxing moves and boost your fitness.
  • Train with top coaches in a safe, friendly space.
  • Meet new mates and have a blast while staying active!

✨ Who can join?
These sessions are open to both girls and boys aged 11–16. No experience? No problem! Just bring your energy and we’ll take care of the rest.

11 to 13 year olds Monday 4.30 to 5.30pm

14 to 16 year olds Friday 4.30pm to 5.30pm

📆 When and Where?
Two sessions a week, kicking off from 10th February through to the end of March. Don’t miss your chance to get involved in this epic pilot project!

Dennis & Dyer Boxing Gym 30 Barrington Grn, Debden, Loughton IG10 (on the corner of Debden High Street)

💥 It’s completely FREE!
All you need to do is register (so we can get parental permissions sorted). Don’t worry if you can’t sign up straight away – just drop in, grab the forms, and join the next session once registered.

This project, proudly funded by ECVYS, is all about giving young people in Debden a positive way to stay active and connected. Don’t miss out – grab your friends, get involved, and make this your time to shine!