Lion - Roi des animaux

Lion King, Theatre Trip

provided by Disney Theatre Group

We are thrilled to share that Youth Unity had the incredible opportunity to attend the theatre on Tuesday evening, courtesy of discounted tickets generously provided by the Disney Theatrical Group. This partnership allowed us to bring the young people we support and their families together for a memorable experience, from the different boroughs that we work in collaboration.

Thanks to the support of Disney Theatrical Group, we were able to secure 25 tickets to witness the breath-taking performance of Lion King at the prestigious Lyceum Theatre.

It was a chance for us to unite, immerse ourselves in the magic of live theatre, and create cherished memories together.

The positive feedback received from the families who attended underscores the importance of providing more opportunities for low-income families to access West End theatre. It’s evident that many families who cannot typically afford the high ticket prices miss out on exposing their young children to the creative arts. This highlights a pressing need for change in ensuring that all children have early access to such enriching experiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Disney Theatrical Group for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. This collaboration reaffirms our dedication to providing enriching experiences for the youth and families we are privileged to serve.

Black History Month Blog Main Image

Black History Month 2022

October is Black History Month in the UK. 

Youth Unity CIC will be celebrating the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world.
It’s also a time for continued action to tackle racism, reclaim Black history, and ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round.

Time for Change: Action Not Words

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’, aiming to get people to come together to make a change.

It’s about coming together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.
The campaign is asking for real support from allies to ensure real change. It’s time to reset your mindset and support with actions, not words. #seesomethingsaysomething, don’t be a passive bystander.

As part of the Black History Month, Youth Unity CIC will celebrate black history, heritage and culture, and the iconic figures that have contributed so much, we will also be promoting this valuable impact in our commissioned services across areas of the home counties, Kent, Essex and London Boroughs.


transition to secondary school

Youth Conference to make a powerful IMPACT in schools across the district

Dover Youth Conference 2022

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Dover District Council (DDC) is taking the lead in talking with the district’s young people about drugs and alcohol, and their impact on mental health.

The Dover District Youth Conference 2022 is running as a roadshow in nine different secondary schools in Dover, Deal and Sandwich from 23-27 May.

Inviting year eight students, the conference will host an IMPACT workshop (‘I’m making positive action choices today’). The session will convey essential and positive messages concerning mental health, exploitation, gangs, and county lines, as well as teaching young people how to become personally resilient in making positive choices.

Three guest speakers Nick Evans, Anne Lamb and Paul McKenzie from Youth Unity CIC will share their own powerful stories of addiction, homelessness, relationships, and grooming. It will give students the opportunity to reflect on information from people who have had first-hand experience.

There will also be supporting entertainment from young and local talented artists: singer Rudie Edwards and singer/MC for the week, Robbie McKewan.

Students will have a chance to browse stalls from Kooth, Early Help, Kent Police, and DDC’s Community Development Team, full of information to take away on topics that have been covered by the keynote speakers, plus other safety materials. Trained counsellors will also be on hand along with the schools’ own pastoral care teams.

Nick Evans, recovering addict and community substance misuse worker, said: “As an addict who is now in recovery, my passion now is supporting others who are going through similar experiences, and empowering all young people to make informed choices. I aim to reduce the stigma around addiction and show that people can change and turn their lives around. Most importantly, I talk about the importance of wellbeing and offer coping strategies to anyone who may need that extra help.”

Anne Lamb, a mentor, trainer and counsellor for consultancy ‘Out of the Shadows’, talks about the pressures of parenting a child who is struggling with their mental health. She said: “If I can help young people make the right choices by talking about my own experience, then I know that my time spent has been absolutely worth it.”

James Hensman, Head of Service for Youth Unity, said: “Our aim is to build resilience in our young people, by empowering them with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from exploitation. We show them how popular culture and social media has so much influence on our daily lives, and discuss the language being used in songs and by influencers. We ask them what they know already, and we build on the conversation.”

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Ollie Richardson, said: “Our young people have experienced a lot of disruption and change over the last two years as a direct result of the pandemic. DDC is fully aware of the impact that this has had on their mental health and resilience. These workshops have been designed to raise awareness of drink and drugs, and to powerfully show how they can and should be avoided.”

Notes to editors:

The speakers

Nick Evans is in recovery, and he works in the community supporting others. He has experienced addiction, criminality and homelessness and speaks from the heart about his own journey.

Anne Lamb trained in Restorative Practice in early 2016 and supported Margate Police’s weekly Restorative Clinics for a number of years. She developed a Family Liaison role across the Thanet Pupil Referral Units and worked closely and proactively with some of the most challenging students and families. Within ‘Out of the Shadows’ she is delivering presentations and bespoke workshops to professionals and students encouraging a wider understanding and knowledge of the ‘less understood’ issues young people are facing.

www.outofthe-shadows.co.uk/about

Youth Unity CIC is a “not for profit” organisation established to provide effective help and support to vulnerable young people and adults affected by group violence (gangs), drugs and other forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, CSE and extremism. Their mission is to help Prevent | Prepare | Protect for a future that is founded on more available choices and better-informed decisions. A formula they believe can offer an individual a greater start in life.

www.Youthunity.org

Local singers

Rudie Edwards attended Astor secondary school before forging a successful music career abroad.

Robbie McEwan

Robbie works as a Teaching Assistant for Brockhill School and is well known locally for his busking talent.

www.kooth.com online mental wellbeing community – free, safe, and anonymous support

www.talktofrank.com honest information about drugs

#IMPACT22

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Inclusion Week 2021

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Our top tips for National Inclusion Week 2021

As National Inclusion Week draws closer, we are gearing up back at Inclusive Employers to ensure we can celebrate, showcase and further influence our members’ inclusion journey.
In true Inclusive Employers style we are here to help and are going to be sharing with you some of our consultants top tips for making the most of the week.
Register now for National Inclusion Week 2021

Person giving a talk about National Inclusion Week plans, with United For Inclusion button hanging in the background

A little bit of planning in advance of National Inclusion Week can really help to optimise the benefits of being involved in this national programme, as we commit to being #UnitedForInclusion and ensure that your whole organisation is engaged.

Like all initiatives and programmes we hope that National Inclusion Week will be an extension of your everyday commitment to inclusion and provide you with a catalyst for taking the next steps.  Key to getting this right is ensuring the focus is not just on the week itself but upon how it can really add value and impact in your organisation.  The recent horrific racism demonstrated after the Euro2021 final has shown us how far we still have to travel, we hope National Inclusion Week can help to solidify your commitment to an inclusive society where we are all #UnitedForInclusion.

So where do we start?….

1. Consider how Inclusion Week can support you to progress your inclusion objectives

Understanding where you are in your inclusion journey and your key inclusion and diversity focus moving forward how can you use the Inclusion Week 2021 theme, #UnitedForInclusion, to shine a light on these areas? We want to inspire you to see how the small actions of many can lead to much greater cultural change in your organisation.

2. Use our National Inclusion Week toolkit

Not sure where to start? Explore and utilise the Inclusive Employers Inclusion Week Daily Actions as a guide and inspiration for your own events. You will find an overview of the Daily Actions in the Toolkit resource ‘#UnitedForInclusion: A guide to the 2021 theme’. These actions can help you make some tangible commitments and don’t forget to include your staff networks or Inclusion advisory groups, there will be some brilliant ideas and inspiration you can draw upon.

3. Further your knowledge

Don’t forget to book your places on Inclusion Week events hosted by Inclusive Employers. There will be a series of events highlighting a range of inclusion topics, including events that relate to the Daily Actions. Most importantly, don’t forget to consider how you can share some of your learning and ideas throughout your organisation. You might want to consider webinars, physical events (where possible), online activities through your staff Intranet, newsletters and social media channels.  Develop a communications plan so that everyone is kept up-to-date with your Inclusion Week activity and don’t forget to use the #UnitedForInclusion so we can share some of the great things going on throughout National Inclusion Week.

4. Ensure your National Inclusion Week activities are communicated outside of your organisation

A recent Forbes study Identified that 83% of employees say they’re engaged at work when they believe the organization fosters an inclusive culture.  Make sure you celebrate your National Inclusion Week work to make your organisation stand out to prospective talent. Thousands of organisations will be uniting for National Inclusion Week 2021 and by communicating beyond our organisations we will collectively strengthen our commitment to be #UnitedForInclusion. You can use the Press Release Template in the Toolkit to support your external communications. Remember to use the campaign hashtags #UnitedForInclusion and #NationalInclusionWeek2021 and tag @InclusiveEmployers on LinkedIn and @IncEmp on Twitter.

And finally, if you haven’t registered yet for National Inclusion Week 2021 now is the time! Registering is free and it gives you full access to the NIW Toolkit, with plenty of tools and resources to support you to make the week a success, including further information on How to Prepare for National Inclusion Week.

Register for National Inclusion Week today.

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

What is the purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week?

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) – a week aimed at providing a valuable opportunity to talk openly about all aspects of mental health, with a specific focus on providing help and advice for those in need.

What is the theme for Mental Health Month 2021?

In 2021, we will continue with our theme of Tools 2 Thrive, providing practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase their resiliency regardless of their personal situation.

When is Mental Health Week and awareness starting?

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 10 May to Sunday 16 May 2021. This year, join the fight for mental health. During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. And we’ve seen that the support we all need just isn’t out there.

More information and help click here

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April is World Autism Month

Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.

What is World Autism Month?

Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. This year, we are committed to keeping the spirit of the month alive, as now more than ever we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion. In April 2021 we’re inviting the community to #LightUpWithKindness.

How can I participate?

There is power in kindness and one small act can have a ripple effect to foster kindness in our communities. We believe that that kindness can help create a world where all people can reach their full potential.

Supporters can participate in the initiative by visiting autismspeaks.org/wam where they can:

Other ways to participate include wearing blue on April 2, lighting buildings blue and exploring stories and photos shared by the diverse autism community. 

What is Light It Up Blue?

The Light It Up Blue initiative was created by Autism Speaks in 2010. Since that time, joined by the international autism community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) in recognition of people with autism.

With the recent Autism Speaks logo change from blue to the spectrum of colors, can I still “Light It Up Blue?”

Yes!  Autism Speaks is still rooted in our legacy blue.

Where can I get items to show my support of Autism Speaks?

Please visit the Autism Speaks eStore to purchase t-shirts, bracelets, pins, yard signs and other promotional products to spread kindness. Printed materials such as posters, flyers and brochures can be downloaded for free from the resources page.

How can I light my home blue?

You can purchase Phillips Autism Speaks blue light bulbs at Home Depot stores or visit www.homedepot.com and search “Autism Speaks Lights.”

I want to light my commercial building or public structure blue. What resources are available?

Visit www.rosco.com/LIUB for information on commercial lighting options.

How can I share my WAM photos online?

Download our Selfie Frame to use and show your support for people with autism. Then share photos by posting them with the hashtag #LightItUpBlue and #kindnesscounts to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Instagram.

Can I use the Autism Speaks World Autism Month marks for my event/fundraiser?

Yes. Logos may be downloaded from the resources page and used for informational or educational purposes during World Autism Month. All uses of the Autism Speaks World Autism Month logo must comply with the following Terms of Use:

  • The logo must remain intact. You may not change or add anything to it.
  • You may not place the logo on any product or use for selling purposes.
  • In the US, any fundraising activity utilizing the World Autism Month marks (or any Autism Speaks marks) must have the authorization of Autism Speaks. Contact marketing@autismspeaks.org and an Autism Speaks representative will contact you directly to review guidelines.

Where can I get the World Autism Month logo?

  • Permitted logos are available on the resources page. Please abide by the Terms of Use above.

Source: https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Youth Unity Stress Awareness

April is Stress Awareness Month

Youth Unity have put together some useful links to help signpost people to understanding and coping with stress!!

Sometime we need to remember to take time out and refocus and relax!

Learn About Stress Awareness Month

According to the Mental Health Foundation, it seems that 74% of UK adults have had a moment where they’ve felt so stressed that they’ve been too overwhelmed or unable to cope with the situation. Stress is a widespread feeling for most of us to feel, and as such, millions of individuals around the world can struggle with it. Stress can have an impact on our health, both physically and mentally. These health issues could be anxiety and depression to heart disease. Learning the coping mechanisms and just being more aware of stress can certainly help an individual who is feeling overwhelmed by this emotion.

History Of Stress Awareness Month

This month is held every April and has been running for 28 years since 1992, to be exact. The original organization dedicated to helping with workplace stress was founded back in 1974 and rebranded to the International Stress Management Association in 1989. There have been many investigations and studies into the cause of stress and how we react to it. It wasn’t until the 1950s that personality types were defined. Even earlier, back in 1936, Hans Selye began his pioneering studies into stress and developed the concept of general adaption syndrome.

How To Celebrate Stress Awareness Month

There are plenty of resources and helpful organizations available to help with your own struggles regarding stress. One way of doing something for stress awareness month is the 30-day challenge. The 30-day challenge encourages you to do one action for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing every day. This can be really helpful in changing your mindset and outlook on stress, as well as finding ways to help cope with your own stresses. You may learn a lot about yourself and the triggers that come with stress too. 

As well as doing the challenge above, there is definitely more you can do, not only for yourself but also for other people. Talking about stress can be really helpful, and it might be worth reaching out to those you trust or to seek professional help where necessary. Please encourage others to talk about their feelings, too, and always try to be there for those individuals who may appear to be overwhelmed. We all cope with stress differently, so sharing your experiences of coping might also help someone else.

The most important thing with this month is that you’re focusing on your health and wellbeing. Put yourself first for a change and focus on bringing those stress levels down in whatever way possible.

Source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/stress-awareness-month/

Stress Management Society

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18th March is National Child Exploitation Awareness Day

visit their website CLICK HERE

The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.

NWG are committed to the fight against CSE & CE and supporting victims and their families who are subjected to child exploitation. But they cannot succeed without the support of people like you. 

Together, we can work to inform, educate and prevent child abuse within the UK.

YOU CAN HELP TO GIVE VICTIMS A VOICE.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA USE #HELPINGHANDS AND #CEADAY21. IF YOU CAN, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION IN SUPPORT OF OUR WORK.

Mothers Day Youth Unity

Happy Mothers Day✨♥️✨

Written by Terri George

You Are The Womb of Mankind.🌹

You will be known for eternity by your own example.🌹

My Mother is my root my foundation.
She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind. In other words, what we achieve inwardly will change outer reality 🌹

Years ago, when I was raising my first baby girl and feeling a little desperate for a sense of self beyond the exhausted, overwhelmed milk maid I felt I had become, I did everything I could to “stay strong” and keep motherhood from “breaking” me. Fortunately, I was an empowered 19 year old, because of my family. I had the support and love of my mother, and my mother’s mother, sisters and aunts. however, I still felt like an inadequate teenage under the scrutiny and ridicule of the wider community/ village. I was determined though, that if I simply did more of the “right” things, I could finally feel as if my contributions were enough – as if “I” was enough – and dig myself out of the disempowerment I felt… 🥀

I now see that by holding so tightly to a more masculine understanding of strength, I was actually repressing and resisting a new strength trying to be born in me: the more feminine strength of Vulnerability.

It differs from the masculine models of power, strength, and success that we are currently living under. The feminine strength of vulnerability is a very different thing than the vulnerability that accompanies truly oppressive circumstances and mindsets.

You, dear mama, are powerful beyond measure. But feminine power looks (and feels) very different than masculine power, and is often misunderstood, undermined, and overlooked…🌹

It is vulnerable to ask for help. It is vulnerable to admit that you don’t know what to do. It is vulnerable to depend on others physically, financially, and emotionally. It is vulnerable to gaze into the eyes of your newborn baby and realise that she is completely dependent on you for her wellbeing. It is vulnerable to imagine evolving into something unknown (and culturally dishonoured). It is vulnerable to lose yourself to love. It is vulnerable to trust your instincts. It is vulnerable to claim strength and beauty in ways that aren’t culturally condoned.🌹

It is vulnerable to let motherhood change us.

And yet, by doing so – by rediscovering and reclaiming our right to this sacred, messy and sometimes terrifying evolution – we position ourselves as capable, heart-led leaders in the healing of the world.

The earth is going back to its original order. Stand fully in your power, remember you are capable of anything you can imagine🌟

Your capacity to allow people to live a truth completely opposite to yours, without shutting off your compassion for them, is a reflection of how powerful your love is Mama.🌹

Motherhood is a sacred, beautiful, honourable evolution, not the shameful shift into a lesser-than state of being that our society makes it seem…

It takes a village to raise a child.
Albeit, in the absence of the “Village,” Mothers struggle most. And let’s be clear, the fact that you’re struggling is not a reflection of your inadequacies, but the unnatural cultural circumstances you’re living within.
Typically we buy into a limited, self-perpetuating cycle of disempowering beliefs.

Based on a distorted construct, this version of reality derives its strength from the oppressive mindsets still in place despite our freedoms.

Village life inherently fostered a sense of safety, inclusivity, purpose, acceptance, and importance. These essential elements of thriving were built in.

Now?.. We’re being forced to recreate all of that for ourselves within a society that has physically and energetically restructured itself around a whole new set of priorities. It’s a profits before people model, which threatens the wellbeing of nearly everything we mothers are wired to protect.

Our children’s natural way of being is compromised, as most neighbourhoods and communities no longer contain packs of roaming children with whom to explore, create, and nurture their curiosity.

We run around like crazy trying to make up for the interaction, stimulation and learning opportunities that were once within walking distance.

Don’t let yourself become so concerned about raising “good children.”

Motherhood is all about raising and celebrating the child/ children you have, not the child you thought you had…

Ofttimes, as mothers, we can become too concerned with keeping up with social nuances, to the point where we simply forget we already have one…

However, this generation is about waking up to who we really are and what we really want, and resetting society’s sails accordingly.

Own your strengths.🌟

What makes you feel strong and fully alive?

What lights you up and gives you energy just thinking about it?

Who would you be to your village if you had one?..

Tapping into your strengths and engaging them is one of the greatest ways to attract the kinds of people you want into your life, bless and inspire others, and build a sense of community in ways that fill rather than drain you. 

Let me just say, vulnerability is your super power. You will never lose your integrity, and you can always access the depth of your soul and bring it outward for everyone to see and understand.

Own and honour your needs.
Most mothers are walking around with several deeply unmet needs of their own while focusing almost exclusively on the needs of others. This is precisely the thing that keeps us from gaining traction and improving our circumstances, both individually and collectively.

Learn self-love and self-compassion.
In a culture of “never enough” it is essential that we forge healthy relationships with ourselves in order to be able to fend off the many messages hitting us about who we’re meant to be and what makes us worthy of happiness and love. In fact, I see self-love in action as the greatest gift our generation of mothers could possibly give to the mothers of tomorrow.

As mothers, we’re gifted with the innate ability to look deeply, to understand the growing needs, aspirations, and sufferings of all our children...

Mothers intrinsically know, that the less you demand total fulfilment from your relationships, the more you can appreciLOVE them for the beautiful painted tapestries they already are…

Motherhood is understanding that your child/ children are unique and exactly the person that they’re supposed to be. And if your lucky, well, they might be the teacher who turns you into the person you’re supposed to be…

Mother is, She who bears a Divine role not only in our lives, but also in our society and in the whole worlds. ⚖️

The world needs the transformation motherhood brings about in us. 🦋

The softening, the tenderness, the vulnerability, the shift in prioritisation, the depth of love – these are some of the qualities our hurting world needs most.

Grandest Rising Mothers,🦋

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.🌟

Remember, We Are More Than 🏆 We Are Gifted with the responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to levels we could only imagine…🌹✨

Light & Love Abundantly,

Teri. x