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The Cage

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

The Cage Summer Programme:
Youth Voice, Art, and Community Impact

This summer, Youth Unity CIC delivered a six-week programme at The Cage in Thamesmead, following strong demand from young people who asked us to return after our first community event in June. Many told us they didn’t feel safe or welcome in the space — but also that they valued the positive, inclusive environment we created.

A Creative Collaboration

Working with C-That.co.uk, the project included a youth-driven art installation. Week after week, young people helped design and paint murals on the outer walls of The Cage, transforming the area into a space they could take pride in. This creative process gave participants a real sense of ownership and visibility.

Consistent Youth Engagement

Over six weeks, we delivered a mix of activities including sports, music recording, podcasting, and gaming. These sessions provided safe, structured alternatives and encouraged young people to return week after week. Attendance was strong across all age groups and backgrounds, showing clear demand for this kind of consistent, positive provision.

What We Found

Our engagement also highlighted some important safeguarding concerns:

  • Many younger children on the estate are often left unsupervised, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and grooming.

  • A significant number of young people have become desensitised to gang culture, seeing it as “just a way of life.”

  • This underlines the urgent need for trusted role models and safe, supportive spaces.

Recognition at the Highest Level

The programme concluded with a visit from the Deputy Mayor of London, who recognised the importance of this work and the value of investing in young people locally. Their presence reinforced that the voices of Thamesmead’s youth matter at both a community and city-wide level.

Impact and Outcomes

  • Reduced community tensions during a sensitive period.

  • Engagement of young people most at risk of anti-social behaviour.

  • Strengthened collaboration with schools, residents, and statutory partners.

  • Increased awareness of key safeguarding issues including vaping, littering, and weapons.

  • Six well-attended sessions that promoted wellbeing, community pride, and ownership of The Cage.

Partnership and Support

This programme was made possible through the ongoing support of Peabody Housing, whose funding and partnership ensure that vital community projects like this can continue to make a difference.

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The Cage

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

🏀 The Cage Summer Programme – Empowering Thamesmead Youth

This summer, Youth Unity CIC is returning to The Cage, Thamesmead, for a powerful 6-week outreach programme – built on real feedback from local young people and backed by community support.

After the success of our June 2025 event, we heard loud and clear that many young people avoid The Cage because it doesn’t always feel safe or welcoming. So we’re coming back to change that – together.

🎯 What’s the Goal?

We’re here to make The Cage a place where young people feel safe, included, and proud to be. Through weekly sessions, we’re bringing:

  • 🌱 Positive engagement

  • 🗣️ Trusted role models

  • 🎨 Creative expression

  • 🏀 Fun activities shaped by youth voice

This isn’t just a drop-in programme – it’s part of a long-term commitment to build trust, reduce antisocial behaviour, and help young people reclaim their space.

📍 What’s Happening Each Week?

Every Tuesday | 3:30pm – 6:30pm | The Cage, Thamesmead
From sports and games to creative workshops and mentoring, our outreach van will be on-site with trained youth workers providing support and safe spaces.

🎨 We’re also launching a collaborative mural project with a local artist and Peabody – giving young people a chance to shape the space visually and take ownership in a powerful, visible way.

🌟 What We’re Aiming For:

  • Make The Cage a space where young people feel welcome

  • Offer consistent, trusted presence through experienced youth workers

  • Provide positive alternatives and mentoring

  • Improve wellbeing, connection, and pride in the local area

  • Reduce low-level anti-social behaviour through positive visibility

💬 Why It Matters

Too often, spaces like The Cage become overlooked or underused – not because they lack potential, but because they lack positive, consistent engagement.

This programme is about changing that narrative. With support from Peabody and local partners, we’re creating a platform for youth-led transformation.

🚀 What’s Next?

We’re ready to hit the ground running:

✔️ Staffing and planning underway
✔️ Art mural logistics in progress
✔️ Outreach van and kit on standby
✔️ Local promotion and school outreach launching soon

Together, we’re activating The Cage – not just for the summer, but for the future.Wolve

Commencing: 30th July 2025

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Harold Hill

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

🌞 Harold Hill Summer Program: Free Activities for Young People This Summer!

We’re excited to announce our Harold Hill Summer Program, a series of free weekly sessions for young people aged 12 to 18. These sessions are designed to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment during the school holidays—using the power of sport, gaming, music, and arts to inspire positive change.

📍 Locations & Times

  • Mondays – Central Park (Next to the basketball courts), 2:00pm – 4:30pm

  • Fridays – Hilldene Shops (Farnham Road), 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Backed by the Metropolitan Police and delivered by Youth Unity CIC, these sessions are more than just fun and games. They’re built around a proven approach to engagement, mentoring, and youth development, with trained youth workers and a mobile outreach unit on site.

What’s on offer?

  • 🏀 Sports & fitness activities

  • 🎮 Gaming and competitions

  • 🎨 Creative arts and music

  • 🎤 Informal mentoring and conversations

  • 🚐 Access to our fully equipped Mobile Youth Hub

We’ve designed this program with inclusion in mind—whether you’re into sports, creative arts, or just need a safe space to hang out, there’s something for everyone.

Why Harold Hill?
Harold Hill continues to be a key area of focus in our community work, and thanks to our strong local partnerships and support from the Havering Metropolitan Police, we’ve been able to expand our reach with this exciting summer provision. We’re proud to be a trusted grassroots organisation working directly with young people, families, and local services to build a safer and more positive environment as part of the “Our Harold Hill” Clear Hold Build initiative.

Let’s make this summer one to remember 🌟

Commencing: 28th July 2025

The Nest

Cygnet Square – Summer Sessions

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

Youth Unity are excited to announce that we are back at The Nest again this summer, offering young people in Thamesmead a safe, welcoming space right in the heart of Cygnet Square.

Every Tuesday from 22nd July to 26th August, our friendly outreach team will be on the square from 1pm to 3:30pm, creating a trusted drop-in space where young people can relax, connect and get involved in positive activities.

Thanks to our strong footprint in the area, we’ve already built great relationships with the local young people and we’re looking forward to strengthening those connections even more this summer.

Young people will be able to enjoy free activities including Xbox & PS5 gaming, basketball hoops, table tennis, arts and crafts — plus plenty of snacks to keep everyone going!

Our goal is simple: to provide a safe space where young people feel heard, supported and inspired to spend their time positively during the summer break.

This is all possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with Peabody and the brilliant community support we’ve had from local residents and families.

When & Where:
📅 Tuesdays, 22nd July – 26th August
🕐 1pm – 3:30pm
📍 Cygnet Square, London SE2 9FA

Together, we’re building safer, stronger communities for young people one session at a time.

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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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Youth & Community Event at The Cage, Thamesmead

by Peabody Housing

Community in Action: Youth Unity Brings Thamesmead Together at The Cage

On a sunny afternoon during half term, Youth Unity proudly hosted a dynamic community event at The Cage, Thamesmead, drawing over 80 young people from across the local area. The event, which took place in partnership with Peabody, was a celebration of youth, community spirit, and positive engagement.

The turnout was a testament to the deep connection we continue to build with young people in the area. Throughout the day, attendees took part in a variety of engaging activities, with an atmosphere that was both safe and uplifting. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of investing in safe, structured spaces for young people — particularly during school holidays.

We were honoured to welcome Councillor Larry Ferguson and Councillor Zainab Asumramu, who both spent time talking with young attendees, local residents, and our team. Their presence demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to the community and being actively involved in youth-focused solutions.

This event forms part of Youth Unity’s wider strategy to support prevention, intervention, and empowerment offering alternatives to negative influences while building trust and resilience. With the invaluable support of Peabody, we were able to provide not just activities, but real connection and opportunity in a space often marked by challenge.

As always, we are inspired by the energy, honesty, and potential of the young people we serve. The feedback from parents, residents, and partners was overwhelmingly positive, and we are already looking ahead to future events in Thamesmead and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the day such a success. We remain committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Close-up of a road arrow pointing forward, leading towards a glowing sunset through a tree-lined path in golden light.. Beautiful simple AI generated image

Peabody Referral Service

by MentoringNew ProjectsPeabody Housing
Referral Link

Referral Process and Location
Youth Unity services are offered exclusively through referral, ensuring that we reach those most in need of support.  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 Peabody Housing Trust, 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
Appointments are managed through a strict booking system to ensure everyone receives the dedicated support they need. The first step is to send a referral form using the link below.

Let’s work together to help young people unlock their potential and achieve their goals!

Collaboration to Drive Success
Through our collaboration with Peabody, 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.
 

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
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Peabody
Thamesmead Detached Youth Work

by New ProjectsPeabody Housing

Project completed

Youth Unity, in partnership with Peabody, is thrilled to announce the continuation and expansion of our successful program for young people in Thamesmead! For the past number of months, we have been running this initiative every Wednesday on Titmus Avenue, offering engaging sports, music, and support services that promote physical activity, creativity, and well-being.

Thanks to the positive impact and success of the program, we have secured additional funding to keep the service going strong. With this new funding, we’re excited to announce that we’ll not only continue our weekly sessions but also expand our offerings to include additional activities during school holidays!

If you’re a young person in Thamesmead, join us every Wednesday for an exciting afternoon of sports, music, and support. Parents and community members are also invited to come along to learn more about the program and access our signposting services. Let’s keep building a vibrant, supportive community together!

Its free to join! 

Moorings Social Club

The Cage at Wolverine Court

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