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Young People supporting Young People

by News & UpdatesWorkshops & Training

Celebrating Youth-Led Innovation: Building Mentoring Frameworks with Clear Pathways and Purpose

At Youth Unity, we strongly believe in creating opportunities for young people not only to receive support, but to help shape how that support is delivered. One of the things we are most proud of this year is the incredible initiative shown by one of our young mentors, who, at just 23 years old, has designed a full set of structured mentoring frameworks to support young people across different stages of their lives.

These frameworks were developed to bring consistency, clarity, and clear end goals to mentoring relationships, helping young people understand what they are working towards and how each session supports their personal development. They also give schools, parents, and partners confidence that mentoring is not just supportive, but purposeful, measurable, and safely delivered.

What Do the Frameworks Cover?

The frameworks span multiple areas of need and age groups, including:

  • Year 6–7 Transition Mentoring – supporting confidence, emotional wellbeing, coping strategies, and school readiness during the move from primary to secondary school, with structured 6-, 8- and 12-week pathways and clear outcomes around belonging, peer relationships, and engagement.

Yr 6-7 transition

  • Emotional Regulation and Conflict Resolution Mentoring – a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach for young people aged 11–18 who struggle with managing emotions, triggers, and relationships, with defined eligibility criteria and clear safeguarding boundaries.

Emotional and Regulation Mentor…

  • Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (Early Help) Mentoring – focused on low to moderate emotional needs, helping young people build coping strategies, confidence, and healthy help-seeking behaviours, while clearly identifying when specialist or clinical services are required.

Youth Unity Mentoring framework…

  • Life Skills and Independence Mentoring (16–25) – supporting young people to build practical skills such as time management, budgeting, self-care, and problem-solving to prepare for independent living and adulthood.

Life skills and Independence

  • Employment and Training Mentoring – helping young people aged 16–24 develop CVs, interview skills, career awareness, and realistic progression plans into education, training, or employment.

Each framework includes:

  • Clear eligibility and exclusion criteria
  • Defined session structures
  • Adaptable 6-, 8- and 12-week pathways
  • Outcomes that can be measured and reviewed
  • Built-in reflection and planned endings, supporting healthy transitions rather than dependency

Blending Digital Tools with Relationship-Based Practice

Alongside Youth Unity’s accredited training programmes and safeguarding frameworks, these mentoring pathways also integrate the Ambition Project (https://mynd-app.com/), which we have permission to use as part of our delivery.

The Ambition Module supports young people to:

  • Track goals and progress
  • Reflect between sessions
  • Build self-awareness and motivation
  • Stay engaged with their development outside of face-to-face mentoring

This blended approach allows us to combine trusted relationships with practical digital tools, helping young people build skills that transfer into everyday life, education, and work.

Young People Supporting Young People, With Professional Backing

What makes this even more powerful is that these frameworks were created by someone who understands, first-hand, the realities young people face today. This is a clear example of youth-informed practice, where lived experience, professional standards, and safeguarding expectations come together.

At the same time, these frameworks sit within Youth Unity’s wider organisational systems:

  • Case management and safeguarding oversight
  • Professional supervision
  • Accredited training and continuous development

This ensures that while young people are helping shape support, it is always delivered safely, ethically, and in line with statutory expectations.

Growing Talent From Within

We are incredibly proud to support the growth and development of our own staff and mentors. Creating space for initiative like this reflects our wider commitment to:

  • Building future youth work leaders
  • Supporting professional development
  • Valuing innovation at every level of the organisation

This work shows what can happen when young professionals are trusted, supported, and given the opportunity to lead not just in delivery, but in designing the systems that support young people to thrive.

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HRUC college

by Uxbridge UCELWorkshops & Training

Supporting Students to Build Resilience: Youth Unity Workshops with HRUC College Group and Portal Security

This week, Youth Unity CIC is proud to be working in partnership with the HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) College Group to deliver a series of targeted workshops designed to support young people to build resilience, confidence, and informed decision-making skills.

These sessions focus on some of the key challenges young people are currently facing, including the impact of social media on self-esteem and relationships, the growing influence of artificial intelligence on daily life and learning, and discussions around risk, peer pressure, and the factors that can increase vulnerability to violence and exploitation. By exploring these topics in a safe, supportive environment, students are encouraged to think critically, share experiences, and develop practical strategies for staying safe and supporting one another.

Our approach is rooted in relationship-based and trauma-informed practice. Rather than delivering one-off talks, our workshops are interactive and discussion-led, creating space for students to ask questions, reflect on real-life situations, and build trust with experienced youth practitioners. This allows us to identify where additional support may be helpful and to signpost young people to mentoring, wellbeing services, or other specialist support when needed.

We would also like to thank our colleagues at Portal Security for their ongoing support and collaboration, as well as the dedicated HRUC staff, whose commitment to student wellbeing makes this partnership possible. By working together across education, youth services, and community safety partners, we are able to provide joined-up support that addresses both personal wellbeing and wider safeguarding concerns.

Youth Unity remains committed to working with colleges, schools, and local partners to ensure young people are not only informed about risks, but also equipped with the confidence, skills, and trusted relationships they need to thrive. We look forward to continuing this work with HRUC throughout the academic year and building on the positive engagement we have already seen from students.

Please keep an eye on our website and social channels for further updates as we continue to support young people through creative, preventative, and empowering youth work across our communities.

 

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Silhouette group of colored profile children. Communication between multi-ethnic children. Children talking

Local Action to Improve Youth Wellbeing in Havering

by London Borough of HaveringNew ProjectsSchool WorkshopsWorkshops & Training

Local Action to Improve Youth Wellbeing in Havering

Youth Unity CIC will be delivering the Havering Youth Wellbeing Engagement Programme for the London Borough of Havering building on insights from the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census using the #BeeWell survey

The programme include two key initiatives: 

  1. Youth engagement in schools 
  2. Kailo  (delivered in partnership with UCLPartners). 

Both initiatives will involve working closely with schools, community partners, and local families to ensure that the voices of young people in Havering are truly heard and acted upon.  We believe that meaningful change comes when generations work together. That is why this programme will not only focus on youth engagement but also bring different generations together fostering understanding, respect, and shared purpose between young people and the wider community.

What’s involved?

  • Young people will use creative tools and activities in schools to explore the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census results around mental health and wellbeing, sharing ideas on how local leaders and services can better support them.
  • Already delivered in Newham and North Devon, Kailo is a framework aimed at helping local communities, young people and public service partnerships better understand and address the root causes (and wider determinants) of young people’s mental health. Young people will take part in a series of interactive workshops and work with local leaders to identify opportunities for improvement and co-design solutions.

What’s next?

The programme begins with a preparation phase in August 2025, followed by delivery from October 2025 to April 2026. We’re committed to working in partnership with the London Borough of Havering, schools, and community organisations to create positive, lasting change for young people in Havering.

Stay tuned for updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved as we move forward.

vaping

Crucial Crew
Workshops for Vaping

by New ProjectsUttlesford County CouncilWorkshops & Training

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.

Young host streaming his live podcast using professional microphone at small broadcast studio

Podcasting Workshops

by Workshops & Training

Podcasting is not just a medium for entertainment;
it's a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and community building.

Podcasting workshops tailored for young people under the age of 16 offer an exciting and educational journey into the world of digital storytelling. These workshops provide a creative platform for participants to explore their voices and share their unique perspectives. Through hands-on activities, young podcasters learn the basics of storytelling, scriptwriting, and audio editing in a fun and engaging environment.

The workshops cover fundamental podcasting skills, including microphone techniques, voice modulation, and sound editing. Participants also gain insights into the art of interviewing, allowing them to conduct conversations and share compelling narratives. Emphasis is placed on digital citizenship, promoting responsible and ethical podcasting practices.

In addition to technical skills, these workshops foster critical thinking as young podcasters explore diverse topics and learn to express their thoughts and opinions effectively. Collaborative activities encourage teamwork and communication, enhancing both creativity and interpersonal skills.

The final highlight of these workshops is the creation of participants’ own podcast episodes. This hands-on experience allows young podcasters to showcase their newfound skills and share their unique stories with a wider audience.

Ultimately, these podcasting workshops for young people under 16 serve as a dynamic platform for self-expression, skill development, and community building, empowering the next generation of storytellers and content creators.

A podcast workshop is a dynamic and interactive session that equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to create their own podcasts. The workshop typically covers various aspects of podcasting, including:

Introduction to Podcasting: Young People are introduced to the concept of podcasting, its history, and its impact in the digital landscape.

Understanding Podcast Formats: Our workshops often explore different podcast formats, such as interviews, storytelling, panel discussions, and more. Young People learn about the unique characteristics of each format and choose the one that aligns with their goals.

Audio Recording Techniques: Practical sessions may involve learning how to use recording equipment, including microphones and audio editing software. Young People explore proper recording techniques, voice modulation, and background noise reduction.

Editing and Post-Production: The workshop covers the basics of audio editing, including cutting, splicing, and enhancing audio quality. Young People gain hands-on experience with editing software to refine their recorded content.

Podcast Branding and Promotion: Workshops often touch on the importance of branding and promoting a podcast. This includes creating eye-catching cover art, writing compelling descriptions, and understanding strategies for reaching a wider audience.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Young People learn about copyright issues, permissions, and ethical considerations related to podcasting. This section may also cover topics such as obtaining music licenses and respecting privacy.

Distribution Platforms: The workshop introduces various podcast hosting platforms and guides participants through the process of uploading and distributing their episodes. This includes understanding RSS feeds and maximizing reach through popular podcast directories.

Practical Recording Sessions: Depending on the workshop’s format, Young People may engage in practical recording sessions, allowing them to apply the skills they’ve learned and receive real-time feedback from the facilitator and peers.

Q&A and Feedback: The workshop typically concludes with a Q&A session, providing Young People with the opportunity to seek clarification on any aspects of podcasting.

By the end of a podcast workshop, Young People should feel confident in their ability to plan, record, edit, and promote their own podcast episodes, equipped with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the podcasting landscape.

Sankt-Petersburg Russia November 11, 2017: Apple iPhone 7 on wooden table with icons of social media facebook, instagram, twitter, snapchat application on screen. Smartphone Starting social media app.

Social Media Awareness

by Workshops & Training

Workshops centered on social media provide a crucial space for individuals to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Tailored for various age groups, these sessions delve into the dynamics of online communication, digital citizenship, and the impact of social media on mental health. The workshops also address cyberbullying, emphasing the importance of empathy and digital resilience. By fostering a thoughtful and informed approach to social media, these workshops empower individuals to harness the positive aspects of online platforms while navigating potential challenges with confidence and awareness.

Additionally, these workshops explore the ever-evolving trends and features of popular social media platforms, equipping participants with practical skills for managing their online presence effectively. The sessions highlight the significance of privacy settings, digital footprints, and the responsible sharing of personal information. Participants learn to distinguish between credible and misleading online content, promoting critical thinking and media literacy.

Moreover, the workshops delve into the role of social media in shaping societal narratives, fostering discussions about the influence of digital media on perceptions and attitudes. Interactive activities and real-life case studies further engage participants, encouraging them to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios.

In essence, these workshops extend beyond merely understanding the functionalities of social media; they cultivate a holistic and proactive approach to digital citizenship. By providing practical tools, fostering critical thinking, and promoting responsible online behavior, these sessions empower individuals to navigate the digital world confidently, ensuring a positive and enriching online experience for all.

blurred group of young students going to class in fast movement, Generative AI

Transition to secondary school – preparing for the change​

by Workshops & Training

The ‘Primary – Need to Know’ resilience training for Transition Stage pupils (Years 6), aged 10 – 11 years is delivered to children by skilled experts with over 20 years’ experience within Statutory (Policing and Local Authority) and Non Statutory Setting. 

The work shops are an interactive classroom-based session.  It helps to build children’s resilience to saying “no” to gangs, violence and associated vulnerability.  The interactive session develops their thinking skills to better understand the risks they may well experience and to guide and support them towards making the right positive choices. 

Primary school is the starting point for most educational journeys. It can be for some the place where many social skills are formed and values and beliefs outside of the home are created.

For many parents, it will also be the first time that they have experienced a level of independence in their child, with the responsibility of handling home work and similar school based projects. For many it is also a time when there are significant changes that arise in their child on a day to day basis. This could be friendship groups, behaviour or emotional intelligence. Having worked as a primary school mentor for eight years, my concern was always the transition period for most of the mentees that I had the pleasure to know. I have always maintained that transition to secondary actually starts in year five, when most of the pupils are already experiencing fear or worrying about the change in environment. Many are fearful of the increase in workload and the increased responsibility to manage their time better etc. Secondary school can also be a concern for parents, many of them are unconsciously worried about the well being of their child or children when this environment changes. Parents play a massive part in preparation for transition to secondary.

Youth Unity Transition

facilitated by:

Art therapy for healing trauma from bullying and harassment Using collage techniques to express emotions Developing psychological defense mechanisms through artistic creation A safe space for people

VAWG Workshops

by Workshops & Training

Crafting workshops that address Violence Against Women and Girls necessitates a nuanced and age-appropriate approach, a task we handle with utmost sensitivity and care.

Our workshops are meticulously designed to foster understanding, empathy, and awareness in a safe and engaging environment for young people. Through tailored activities like storytelling and interactive discussions, we aim to convey the importance of respect, kindness, consent, and addressing inappropriate behavior. The content is thoughtfully curated to instill foundational values, providing a platform for young minds to comprehend the gravity of this traumatic topic and encouraging them to recognise harmful behaviors, thereby keeping each other safe.

Central to our approach is creating a safe space for young people to express their thoughts and feelings. By promoting open communication, we instill the belief that their voices matter, empowering them to speak up against any form of violence.

The content of our workshops goes beyond awareness; it’s designed to cultivate the foundations of healthy relationships. Empowering young individuals with knowledge and skills, our aim is to equip them to build positive connections with others, contributing to the creation of environments that are free from violence and coercion. Your support allows us to expand the reach of these vital workshops, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people and fostering a culture of respect and empathy.

facilitated by:

death of an unborn child

Trauma Informed Workshops

by Workshops & Training

Trauma informed workshops are educational programs or training sessions that are designed to help individuals better understand and respond to trauma. These workshops aim to provide information and tools to individuals, organisations, and communities that can help them recognise and respond to trauma in a more compassionate and supportive way.

Trauma-informed workshops typically cover a range of topics related to trauma, including the effects of trauma on the brain and body, the various types of trauma, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma. The workshops may also provide practical strategies for responding to trauma, such as mindfulness exercises, grounding techniques, and self-care practices.

The primary goal of trauma-informed workshops is to help individuals and organisations better understand the impact of trauma and create an environment that promotes healing and recovery. By providing education and resources, trauma-informed workshops can help to reduce the stigma and isolation associated with trauma and provide individuals with the support they need to heal and move forward.

karma photo

Crippled Karma – Victims of Serious Youth Violence have a voice too

by Workshops & Training

This short film by Paul Mckenzie asks the question. What happens to the victims of violence? Far too often there are victims of senseless violence that feel that they have no voice. This follows the journey of a group of individuals that through destiny are reunited for all the wrong reasons. With the level of serious violence on our streets and in our houses, this short film is an insight into what a victim may feel like, and more strikingly what a victim would consider to be justice.

The film was made as a tool to teach young people and adults that we must take a different perspective when we consider how victims of violence are affected longterm.

he cast members included Abdi Omar a young man who was born with cerebral palsy. The opportunity helped him to overcome the stereotype that people with disabilities cannot take part in acting.

Three of the other cast members are autistic and they were also able to contribute fully towards the making of this short film called Karma.