Tendring Archives - Youth Unity

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

Supporting Tendring’s Young People

26/02/2025

by admin ECVYS Essex Mentoring New Projects Tendring

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!

A striking red ladder set against a vibrant blue background, symbolizing challenges and the journey towards achieving goals, representing ambition and perseverance in a visually compelling manner

Supporting Vulnerable Young People in Tendring

01/10/2024

by admin Essex Mentoring New Projects Tendring

Our 1:1 Mentoring with Tendring District Council and Active Essex

At Youth Unity, we are proud to be working in partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex to provide vital 1:1 mentoring for vulnerable young people in our community. Our program, aimed at supporting those aged 9 and above, is designed to empower these young individuals, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.

Why Mentoring Matters

For many young people, having a trusted mentor can make all the difference. Our 1:1 mentoring program offers personalised support, guidance, and encouragement to young people who may be facing difficulties such as family instability, social isolation, or the risk of exploitation. By working closely with Tendring District Council and Active Essex, we ensure that these young individuals receive the targeted help they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

A Holistic Approach to Mentoring

Our mentoring approach is holistic, focusing on the entire well-being of each young person. We work closely with them to help realise their full potential, addressing not only immediate challenges but also the underlying factors that may be affecting their progress. Whether it’s offering emotional support, life skills training, or help re-engaging with education, we aim to empower them to take control of their future.

Many of the young people we work with have faced setbacks that disrupt their education and personal development. Through our mentoring, we offer tailored guidance to help them return to education, set achievable goals, and rebuild their confidence. Our mentors act as consistent role models, ensuring that every young person feels supported, valued, and capable of success.

Partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex

Our collaboration with Tendring District Council and Active Essex allows us to extend our reach and impact, providing more opportunities for young people to access our services. By working together, we are able to identify those most in need of support and offer them a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and flourish.

Making a Lasting Impact

At Youth Unity, we believe in the potential of every young person. Our 1:1 mentoring program is about more than just providing short-term solutions; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youth, giving them the tools to succeed, the confidence to pursue their dreams, and the support to re-enter education or training when needed.

We are proud to play a role in shaping a brighter future for these young people, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in partnership with Tendring District Council and Active Essex.

Get Involved

If you’d like to learn more about our 1:1 mentoring program or how you can support our work with vulnerable young people, please get in touch with us. Together, we can make a real difference in our community.

Referral Link

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Youth Unity in Jaywick

10/06/2024

by admin Arts & Culture ECVYS Essex New Projects Sports & Fitness Tendring

We provide a safe space where young people can come to play, relax, and release pent-up energy. This welcoming environment allows them to unwind and engage in recreational activities while being surrounded by supportive peers. Additionally, our dedicated team of trusted adults is always available to listen to their concerns, offer guidance, and provide the support they need. This combination of safe play areas and accessible, caring adults helps to foster a sense of security and community, encouraging young people to thrive both emotionally and socially.

We are dedicated to helping children and young people achieve the following outcomes:

Make positive choices that keep them safe
Raise self-esteem and confidence
Build resilience
Improve emotional and physical health and mental well-being
Build connections with trusted adults

Detached Youth Work on
the Percy King Estate, Clacton

10/10/2023

by admin Arts & Culture ECVYS Sports & Fitness Tendring

Youth Outreach work in the community.

Youth Unity outreach service functions as a secure haven catering to the needs of young individuals and is conveniently situated on Percy King Estate, Langham Drive, Clacton-on-Sea.

Every Tuesday 3pm to 6.30pm – FREE to attend all ages are welcome, both boys and girls.

Its central focus centres on involving young people all aimed at fostering a robust sense of community among the youth. We encourage sports, we found a game of football is always appreciated, but we cater for all, and tend to let the young people decide on the activity of the week.

In close partnership with Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services.

Our primary objective is to establish a secure and welcoming space within the community, providing an opportunity for the community to unite and gain a deeper understanding of the youth and their requirements. Often, young people find themselves without guidance or suitable destinations, and Youth Unity is dedicated to offering prospects and directing them to other engaging activities.

Our goal is to provide valuable direction and advice by pointing towards various activities within the local vicinity. Additionally, we extend assistance and guidance on topics that hold significance for both young individuals and parents.

Guiding Futures, Igniting Potential: Mentoring the Next Generation, working in partnership with Tendring Council

19/06/2023

by admin Mentoring Tendring

Working in partnership with the Community Safety Team at Tendring District Council

Our Serious Youth Violence Mentor is a dedicated professional who will be providing guidance, support, and intervention to young individuals who are at risk of or involved in serious youth violence. They will work closely with young people to address the underlying factors that contribute to their involvement in violent behaviours and help them develop positive alternatives and pathways for their future.

Just some of the key pathways to ensure we are supporting vulnerable young people

Mentoring and Building Relationships: Establish a trusting and supportive relationship with young individuals at risk of serious youth violence. Act as a role model, providing guidance, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.

Risk Assessment and Intervention: Conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific risk factors and underlying issues contributing to a young person’s involvement in serious youth violence. Develop individualised intervention plans to address these factors effectively.

Emotional and Behavioral Support: Provide emotional support and help young individuals develop strategies to manage anger, frustration, and other emotions in a constructive manner. Assist in building resilience and coping mechanisms to navigate challenging situations.