IMG_7904

Youth Podcasting Projects – Giving Young People a Voice

At Youth Unity CIC, we run a range of youth-led podcasting projects designed to give young people a platform to express themselves, explore meaningful topics, and build confidence in their voice. These sessions not only develop valuable digital media and communication skills, but also encourage participants to engage in open conversations around mental health, identity, relationships, youth violence, and social justice.

Our podcasting workshops offer a creative and impactful space for young people to lead discussions, share personal experiences, and interview local role models, professionals, and peers. The final content is both youth-driven and professionally supported, resulting in high-quality outputs that reflect the issues young people care about most.

We are proud to offer podcasting as a creative service that contributes to personal development, digital literacy, and youth empowerment. If you’re a funder, school, or partner organisation interested in supporting or commissioning a podcasting project, we’d love to collaborate.

Coach spending time mentoring a student athlete.

Youth Unity Mentoring: Guiding Futures, Empowering Lives

At Youth Unity, our mentors are the backbone of our work, bringing together a collective wealth of over 100 years of experience in youth support, education, social care, and community engagement. Each mentor comes from a diverse professional background, including teaching, law enforcement, youth work, and mental health support, allowing us to offer a holistic and well-rounded approach to helping young people navigate life’s challenges.

What unites our team is a shared passion and commitment to putting the child at the centre of everything we do. Our mentors understand that every young person is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and aspirations. By building trust, providing guidance, and offering meaningful opportunities, they help young people develop resilience, confidence, and the skills they need to make informed life choices.

Through one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and community engagement, our mentors provide unwavering support to ensure that no child is left behind. Their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience enable them to adapt their approach to meet each young person’s specific needs, creating a safe space for growth and development.

With a combined dedication that spans decades, Youth Unity mentors are more than just professionals, they are role models, advocates, and trusted allies who truly believe in the potential of every young person they support.

Referral Pathways for Youth Unity Mentoring

Youth Unity receives referrals from a range of statutory and community-based organisations that identify young people in need of support.   These referral pathways ensure that those at risk or facing challenges receive tailored mentoring and intervention at the right time.

Local Authority & Council Referrals

Youth services and early help teams refer those facing family breakdowns, safeguarding risks, or social care involvement.

Can include children in care, at risk of exploitation, or requiring additional emotional/behavioural support.

Statutory & Third-Sector Organisations

Referrals come from social services, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and safeguarding teams.

Partnered charities and youth-focused organisations refer young people in need of mentorship, intervention, or structured activities.

Youth Offending Teams (YOTs)

Referrals come from youth justice services for young people who are involved in, or at risk of, offending behaviour.

Often linked to diversionary programs to prevent reoffending.

Policing Teams & Community Safety Units

Police and Safer Schools Officers refer young people who have been identified through anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, or gang affiliation.

Can be part of preventative interventions to steer young people away from crime and exploitation.

Schools & Alternative Provisions

Schools refer students struggling with behaviour, attendance, peer relationships, or safeguarding concerns.

Alternative provisions refer young people who are excluded or disengaged from mainstream education.

Contextual safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring young people are supported in the spaces where risks exist. Integrated across all our programs, it allows us to identify vulnerabilities, provide early intervention, and create safer environments.

Key Contacts for Parents Concerned About a Child’s Safety or Involvement in Crime

📞 Police & Emergency Support

  • Emergency (immediate danger): 999
  • Non-Emergency Police (to report concerns or seek advice): 101
  • Crimestoppers (anonymous crime reporting): 0800 555 111

👮‍♂️ Local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams

  • Contact your local Safer Schools Officer or Youth Engagement Team via your borough police station.
    • You can find contact details through: www.met.police.uk (type in your postcode for local teams)

🛡️ Local Authority & Safeguarding Services

  • Children’s Social Care / MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub):
    • For immediate concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.
    • [Insert Local Authority Name] MASH: [Insert Contact Number & Email]

👩‍⚕️ Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP)

🧒 NSPCC – National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

  • For parents or young people seeking confidential advice or wanting to report abuse.

🏘️ Youth Offending Service (YOS)

  • For support if your child is at risk of or involved in offending.
    • Contact your local borough’s Youth Offending Team via your local council website.

🧠 CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services)

  • If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, anxiety, trauma, or behaviour.
    • Referral usually through GP, school or social services.
fin1

Finlay Our Roving Reporter

Street interviews Dartford

I was put to a task working alongside the Youth Unity Creative Lead Paul McKenzie and Ben another Junior Reporter. The task was interviewing the people of Dartford prioritising young people and asking the community if they had any problems or concerns with their home town and what could be done to change it if they had all they money in the world.

This was my first experience within this role and meant stepping out of my comfort zone, and it made me really link in with the community, this experience improved my confidence, social awareness and communication skills, which will l hopefully lead on to further opportunities with Youth Unity

Findings

Our findings were that the people need to have a bit more excitement in the Dartford town to stop and help prevent people getting bored and then leading to getting involved in anti-social behavior illegal activity. Some of the young people said they wanted more youth provision.

Written by: Fin Hensman

IMG_5750

Mobile Intervention Hub
offering a safe space for young people

Sports, Media, Filming, Gaming, Music Production

The Mobile Intervention Space is an innovative youth media bus designed to empower young minds and provide a vibrant space for creative exploration.

Our mission is to foster unity, self-expression, and meaningful connections among young individuals, a space to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of youth expression.

The Mobile Intervention Space compliments our outreach work and other services we deliver, the space is about music production, podcasting, gaming through three separate xBox’s, or simply seeking a place to come and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere with trained youth professionals.

Young People can unleash their musical talents in our onboard recording studio, free style rap, record a track and take it away with them, they even have the opportunity to learn how to mix beats and DJ.

Whether they are a budding artist, a skilled instrumentalist, or a lyrical wordsmith, our studio is equipped to help bring musical vision to life.

Our dedicated podcasting station allows young people to delve into the realm of audio storytelling. They are able to dive into thought-provoking discussions, conduct interviews, or unleash creativity through captivating narratives. We provide the tools and guidance to help young people develop their own podcasting platform.

The Mobile Intervention Space isn’t just about the activities; it’s about fostering connections and building a supportive community.

Young People are able to step on board to unwind, vibe, and engage with fellow young creators.

The cozy and inviting space is designed to cultivate a sense of belonging, where young people can share ideas, seek inspiration, and form lasting friendships.

Access to Support: Our outreach programs provide a lifeline to young people living in hard-to-reach areas, where traditional services may not be readily accessible. The provision aims to  bridge the gap between vulnerable disadvantaged  communities and the resources they need, ensuring that support is available where it is most needed.

Safe Spaces: The provision aims to create safe and welcoming spaces for young people. These spaces offer respite from potentially harmful environments and provide a sense of security, allowing young individuals to express themselves, build trusted relationships with positive role models, and engage in positive activities.

Preventative and Protective: At Youth Unity our outreach work is  preventative in nature. It helps identify and address issues early on, reducing negative outcomes such as substance abuse, ASB or mental health vulnerability. By intervening proactively our outreach programs aim to protect young people from harm.

Community Building:  Our outreach work aims to foster a sense of community and inclusion. It brings people together, encouraging social interaction and cohesion. This sense of belonging is vital for young people’s emotional well-being and personal development.

Tailored bespoke Support: At Youth Unity our team take a personalised approach. They build trusted relationships with young people to understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. This tailored method of operating is more likely to be effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Education and Skill Building: Our Youth Unity outreach programs offer opportunities for education, skill development, and personal growth. The provision of provide workshops, training, and resources that empower young people to make informed choices and build a brighter future.

Reduction of Negative Influences: By offering positive alternatives and role models, outreach work can help steer young people away from negative influences, such as gangs or criminal activities, that may be prevalent in their communities.

Community Empowerment: Outreach programs empower communities to take charge of their own well-being. They encourage active participation, advocacy, and community-led initiatives, which can lead to lasting positive changes.

Intelligent-led youth (ILYW): Our approach combines the use of intelligence and data-driven insights to inform and enhance youth work practices. Utilising information and analysis to understand the needs, challenges, and interests of young people more effectively. By collecting and analysing data on outcomes and impact, adjustments can be made to continually improve the support provided to young people in an innovative way.

 

 

Youth Unity Copyright

park

Youth Unity
Community Development

Sports, Media, Filming, Gaming, Music Production

Aimed at young people in hard-to-reach areas is indispensable for fostering resilience, well-being, and positive development among young people. It not only provides essential support but also contributes to building stronger, more vibrant communities.

Access to Support: Youth Unity CIC Outreach programs provide a lifeline to young people living in hard-to-reach areas, where traditional services may not be readily accessible. The provision aims to  bridge the gap between vulnerable disadvantaged  communities and the resources they need, ensuring that support is available where it is most needed.

Safe Spaces: The provision aims to create safe and welcoming spaces for young people. These spaces offer respite from potentially harmful environments and provide a sense of security, allowing young individuals to express themselves, build trusted relationships with positive role models, and engage in positive activities.

Preventative and Protective: At Youth Unity our outreach work is  preventative in nature. It helps identify and address issues early on, reducing negative outcomes such as substance abuse, ASB or mental health vulnerability. By intervening proactively our outreach programs

aim to protect young people from harm.

Community Building:  Our outreach work aims to foster a sense of community and inclusion. It brings people together, encouraging social interaction and cohesion. This sense of belonging is vital for young people’s emotional well-being and personal development.

Tailored bespoke Support: At Youth Unity our team take a personalised approach. They build trusted relationships with young people to understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. This tailored method of operating is more likely to be effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Education and Skill Building: Our Youth Unity outreach programs offer opportunities for education, skill development, and personal growth. The provision of provide workshops, training, and resources that empower young people to make informed choices and build a brighter future.

Reduction of Negative Influences: By offering positive alternatives and role models, outreach work can help steer young people away from negative influences, such as gangs or criminal activities, that may be prevalent in their communities.

Community Empowerment: Outreach programs empower communities to take charge of their own well-being. They encourage active participation, advocacy, and community-led initiatives, which can lead to lasting positive changes.

Intelligent-led youth (ILYW): Our approach combines the use of intelligence and data-driven insights to inform and enhance youth work practices. Utilising information and analysis to understand the needs, challenges, and interests of young people more effectively. By collecting and analysing data on outcomes and impact, adjustments can be made to continually improve the support provided to young people in an innovative way.

PHOTO-2023-05-26-21-05-33

Podcasting & Public Speaking

Amplifying Voices: The Power of Podcasting for Youth Expression

At Youth Unity, we recognise the profound impact of podcasting as a powerful tool for empowering young people to express themselves freely. In our successful podcast projects, we’ve witnessed firsthand how this medium becomes a dynamic platform for uninhibited self-expression, fostering a sense of ownership over one’s narrative.

A Platform for Authentic Expression:

Podcasting provides a unique space where young individuals can articulate their thoughts, share experiences, and explore their unique voices. This medium transcends traditional communication barriers, allowing for open and honest conversations. Through our podcasting projects, we’ve seen how it becomes a digital canvas for creativity, enabling young voices to be heard on their terms.

Building Confidence Through Public Speaking:

In tandem with podcasting, our initiatives highlight the transformative power of public speaking in building confidence and self-esteem. We believe that every young person deserves a platform to share their story with the world. Through carefully curated public speaking opportunities, we create environments that encourage self-assurance, articulate expression, and the development of essential communication skills.

Successful Podcast Projects:

Our track record of successful podcast projects speaks to the effectiveness of these initiatives. By combining the accessibility of podcasting with the structured nature of public speaking, we’ve witnessed young individuals blossom into articulate communicators. These projects not only provide a platform for expression but also contribute to personal growth, fostering resilience and self-esteem.

Join the Conversation:

At Youth Unity, we invite young individuals to join the conversation, whether behind the mic or in front of an audience. Our podcasting and public speaking projects are designed to be inclusive, empowering participants to share their stories and perspectives. Through these transformative experiences, we aim to instill confidence, amplify voices, and create a community where every expression is valued.

Explore the transformative world of podcasting and public speaking with Youth Unity. Join us in providing young people with the tools they need to express themselves freely, build confidence, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Youth Unity Copyright

IMG_1984

Sports for Well-being

At Youth Unity, we believe in the transformative power of creative expression and physical activity.Our sports sessions are designed to create a secure and inclusive environment, encouraging teamwork, building self-confidence, and offering a valuable outlet for energy and stress.

These active pursuits extend beyond the field, nurturing important life skills such as communication and discipline.

At Youth Unity, we believe in the transformative power of sports, fostering a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Our sessions create a positive and supportive community where young individuals can grow physically and socially. It’s more than just a game; it’s an avenue for personal development and well-being.

Through our sports initiatives, we aim to inspire young participants to lead active and healthy lifestyles. The secure and inclusive nature of our sessions ensures that every individual, regardless of background or ability, can experience the positive impact of sports on their physical and mental well-being.

Join us at Youth Unity, where sports become a catalyst for personal growth and community building. Together, let’s score goals, build resilience, and foster a supportive environment where young individuals can thrive physically, mentally, and socially.

As an organisation, we believe in pushing boundaries and providing transformative experiences for young individuals. In the photo accompanying this post, you can witness one of our exciting projects—a journey that took young people out of their comfort zones and straight to the coast.

Here, at the picturesque seaside, we introduced these young individuals to the invigorating world of water sports. It was a remarkable opportunity for them to step into uncharted waters, both metaphorically and literally. Many experienced water sports for the first time, breaking through barriers and discovering newfound courage.

Our commitment goes beyond conventional boundaries, as we strive to create moments that challenge, inspire, and shape the narratives of young lives. This coastal adventure is just one example of how we transform ordinary days into extraordinary, empowering experiences for the youth we serve. Stay tuned for more glimpses into the impactful journeys we embark upon with the incredible young people we support.

Youth Unity Copyright

Studio condenser microphone with professional headphones on acoustic foam panel background with blue and orange light, copy space on right

Mobile Music Production Space

Welcome to Youth Unity’s mobile music space, where our music programs embark on a dynamic journey of self-expression and skill development, right in the heart of the community, where beats are mixed and blended with creativity.

Our workshops span a spectrum of music production activities, ranging from recording soulful melodies to crafting beats as a DJ. At Youth Unity, we are dedicated to providing a safe and creative space for young people to explore the world of music, creating an environment where their talents can truly flourish.

Beyond the technical aspects of production, our music workshops serve as therapeutic outlets for emotions and stress. We understand the transformative power of music—boosting self-confidence and providing a constructive means of personal expression. Through collaborative efforts, young participants not only acquire valuable skills but engage in positive and creative activities that transcend cultural boundaries.

Music, as a universal language, enables our participants to delve into different cultures, fostering an understanding and appreciation for diversity.

These workshops play a pivotal role in developing strong communication skills, laying the foundation for meaningful connections and collaborations.

The sense of achievement derived from music creation fosters a feeling of belonging and community within our space. This becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and overall well-being. We are committed to inspiring young individuals to make choices that lead to a more constructive and fulfilling lifestyle.

Our full range of workshops and outreach programs are tailored to different age groups and are adaptable for schools and community outreach initiatives. They address important issues, providing a comprehensive platform for skill development, personal growth, and community building.

Join us at Youth Unity, where the language of music becomes a transformative force, inspiring positive choices and empowering young individuals on their journey towards a brighter future.

Youth Unity Copyright

PHOTO-2022-04-14-21-43-24 2

Media & Film Making

Unleashing Creativity: Youth Unity’s Media and Film Production Workshops

At Youth Unity, our Media and Film Production Workshops, spearheaded by the visionary Paul McKenzie, serve as transformative platforms for young individuals to explore the world of filmmaking. These workshops are more than just technical sessions; they are a dynamic space where creativity knows no bounds, and voices are amplified.

Paul McKenzie, an instrumental force within Youth Unity, has been dedicated to uniting young individuals and providing them with the essential tools and guidance needed to produce impactful short films.

Through his expertise and mentorship, our workshops go beyond the basics of film production, delving into the heart of storytelling and societal impact.

Harnessing Film for Social Change:

Our programs are designed to educate young people on the incredible power of film as a medium for social change. Participants learn not only the technical aspects of filmmaking but also how to harness the narrative potential of the medium. The workshops inspire young creators to delve into and address pressing societal issues, offering a lens through which they can explore and contribute to meaningful conversations.

Addressing Pressing Societal Issues:

In our workshops, young filmmakers are encouraged to tackle pressing societal issues and concerns that affect both the larger society and their own communities. The goal is to empower them with the skills and confidence to tell stories that matter, stories that have the potential to evoke empathy, understanding, and positive change.

A Creative Community in the Making:

Beyond the technical aspects, our Media and Film Production Workshops foster a sense of community and collaboration. Participants become part of a creative collective, exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and collectively contributing to the art of storytelling. It’s not just about creating films; it’s about nurturing a community of passionate storytellers.

Join the Filmmaking Journey:

If you’re passionate about storytelling, social change, and the transformative power of film, join us at Youth Unity’s Media and Film Production Workshops. Let’s embark on a journey of creativity, exploration, and impact, where young individuals become the architects of change through the art of filmmaking.

Youth Unity Copyright

Screenshot 2022-03-03 at 11.43.52

Communicating Change Seminar

What is? Communicating change is an initiative designed to enable the greatest amount of change for individuals and their wider communities.

This is an opportunity to bring together a collective of professionals and young people to look at improved ways of managing and maintaining specific aspects of safety to produce solutions to the increase in serious youth violence and mental health challenges.

The initiative will also focus on best practices and working together in collaboration moving forward.

A special Thank You to Park View School for facilitating this event 

A multi organisational event to address the impact of serious youth violence and mental health

We are constantly hearing the same narrative when it comes to "knife crime" and sadly nothing is changing! with the rise in county lines, grooming and criminal exploitation in a post covid world we feel bringing interested groups together is an effective approach to finding a host of solutions that can help to benefit young people and the wider communities that they live in.

The approach here is a specific focus on solutions and not the problem.

The challenges are not just a Tottenham problem, but a there is clearly a pandemic of issues across London and the home counties. For change we must collaborate and share best practices in order to produce a new approach to managing topics such as serious youth violence and grooming. We are inviting community leaders, local authority and statutory organisations to join us on an open forum to help find solutions that will benefit all moving forwards. Yes, there are Grassroots organisations working in isolation, tackling some of the hardest to reach young people. There are also specific organisations and charities that are at the forefront of change. However, a unified approach is needed to make sure that moving forwards enables an approach that sees organisations actively working as one to reinforce the change we need.

Young People's opinions matter

The panel and young people are invited to explore best practices that can be used by all when working together. The young people will also be from a cross section of the Tottenham community and will have strong links to the local schools and current services available to them.

The event will also be screened virtually to expand on the audience capacity.

There will also be a live Q&A that can be accessed by mobile device.

Janet Hills MBE

Community
Janet Hills MBE became the first female Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association in 2013 and was the National President of the NBPA from 2015-17. Her career in the London Metropolitan police service began at Brixton Police Station in 1991 and includes time in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Community Safety Unit and the Human Trafficking Unit.
 
She grew up in Croydon, her parents are Jamaican. In her spare time Janet is a netball coach. She is also a non executive trustee with St Giles Trust.
 
She was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2021 for services to Policing and to Community Relations.

Gwenton Sloley

Community

Independent candidate Gwenton Sloley is campaigning to be elected as the next Mayor of Hackney, he campaigns under the Hackney People Before Profit banner, wants to see more help for people suffering from the last two years.

“The whole community needs access to trauma support,” he said.

As one of the founders of the London Gang Exits programme, he works to help keep young people from getting involved in crime.

He arrived in Hackney from Jamaica and grew up on Gunton Road in Stoke Newington.

 

Anthony Peltier

Education

Special Constable Anthony Peltier is a real life community champion and hero. A Head Teacher by day and a Met Assistant Chief Officer by night, working on the London streets for the last 20 years as a police special.

Not only is he an amazing community champion but he is also the recipient of a Binny Award for his act of bravery and Pride Of Britain award, and for the record he is one of life’s true gentlemen.

Raised on the Kingsmeade Estate in Hackney, one of the roughest estates possible, Anthony knew hardship from the very start of his life.

Lynette Charles

MIND Haringey

CEO of Mind in Haringey, where for the past 5 years she has used her extensive knowledge and experience of Mental Health and Wellbeing to lead Mind in Haringey from near closure to a position of not just surviving but thriving!