Fighting Chance is proudly delivered from The Rising Generation Youth Centre, a brand-new community youth hub that has been co-designed by local young people — from the name of the centre through to the logo and creative identity. The space has been developed to reflect what young people in the area said they wanted and needed: somewhere safe, welcoming and inspiring, where they can explore new interests, hobbies and talents, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

The Rising Generation is more than just a venue — it is a growing hub for youth development, creativity and positive activity, supporting young people to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what they might want to pursue in the future. Delivering Fighting Chance from this centre allows Youth Unity to provide consistent, trusted support within a space that young people themselves helped shape.

Youth Unity CIC is excited to launch Fighting Chance, a youth development programme combining boxing fitness, confidence-building activities and youth-led podcasting to support young people aged 10–18 across Barking and Dagenham.

Fighting Chance is designed to support both physical and emotional wellbeing, providing young people with structured activity, positive role models and opportunities to develop their voice in a safe and supportive environment. The programme reflects Youth Unity’s ongoing commitment to early intervention, prevention and relationship-based youth work.

What Does Fighting Chance Involve?

Each session blends two key elements:

🥊 Boxing Fitness and Discipline

Young people take part in non-contact boxing and fitness training focused on movement, coordination, focus and self-discipline. These sessions support physical health while also helping young people manage stress, build routine and develop confidence.

🎙️ Youth Voice and Podcasting

Alongside physical activity, participants take part in creative podcast workshops, where they learn communication skills, teamwork and self-expression. Young people help shape discussion topics and develop confidence in sharing their thoughts on issues that matter to them, such as school pressures, friendships, motivation and future goals.

All podcast sessions are delivered with trained youth workers present, ensuring conversations are supported, appropriate and safeguarding-led.

Why This Matters

Many young people face increasing pressures around school, mental wellbeing and social expectations. Fighting Chance creates a space where young people can:

• Feel active, motivated and supported

• Build positive relationships with peers and trusted adults

• Develop confidence and communication skills

• Engage in structured, purposeful activity outside of school

By combining physical training with creative expression, the programme supports young people in building resilience, self-belief and aspiration.

Working in Partnership

Fighting Chance is funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council and delivered by Youth Unity CIC, working in partnership with local schools and community networks to ensure young people who will benefit most are able to access the programme.

Referrals are welcomed from schools, youth services and partner organisations, as well as through community outreach and family engagement.

Looking Ahead

As the programme develops, young people will also take part in creating content that shares their achievements and experiences, helping to amplify youth voice while building real-world creative and digital skills.

We look forward to sharing updates from sessions, podcast releases and impact from the programme as it progresses, and to celebrating the growth and achievements of the young people involved.