The Hidden Hazards: Exploring the Dangers of Vaping for Children in the UK

Vaping, once hailed as a safer alternative to smoking, has now emerged as a significant public health concern, especially among children and adolescents. Despite efforts to regulate and control its use, vaping among youth in the UK is on the rise, presenting a myriad of health risks and challenges....

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...

BSix College
Podcasting Workshops

Podcasting is not just a medium for entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and community building. Starting April 17th  Podcasting workshops tailored for young people 16+ offer an exciting and educational journey into the world of digital storytelling. These workshops provide a creative platform for participants to...

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...

Racing to School
collaborating with Youth Unity #horseracing

Racing to School is pleased to be collaborating with Youth Unity to engage young people in hard-to-reach communities, offering our free interactive and healthy outdoor Schools’ Education Programme to those pupils and their schools that might otherwise face financial barriers to accessing outdoor learning opportunities. Using racing’s venues to provide...

Stories Like Ours
films that can reach young people

These films act as more than just stories; they are powerful tools that speak directly to the hearts of young individuals, providing a visual backdrop to the empowering words shared We are thrilled to announce that we now have access to three compelling intervention short films, aptly titled “Stories...

Insights from Our Team at Youth Unity

At Youth Unity, we take immense pride in the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team members. Recognising the importance of their perspectives and experiences, we recently conducted an in-house confidential survey to directly inquire about their feelings and sentiments towards working with us. The responses we received have been...

The British Racing School Induction Week Nov 2023

The British Racing School Introduction to Racing Residential Course The British Racing School An Introduction to Racing, Residential Course In collaboration with The British Racing School and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, we are thrilled to share the remarkable impact of this most recent project. A week-long induction to the school provided a unique...

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...

Help with Bullying

How to Get Help with Bullying Talk to Someone You Trust: It’s okay to share your feelings. Talk to a grown-up you trust, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. They’re there to help. Know It’s Not Your Fault: Bullying is never your fault. Remember, you didn’t do anything...

Mental Health, challenges in a post covid world

Coping with mental health challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant concern for young people, including those under the age of 16, in London and around the world. The impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health can vary widely, but several common themes...

Vaping, do you know what it is doing?

Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has become a growing concern, particularly among young people. The dangers associated with vaping in young people include: Nicotine Addiction: Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Young people who start vaping may develop a dependence on nicotine, leading to...

Do you understand Cannabis

Smoking cannabis, especially at a young age, can pose various risks and dangers to one’s physical and mental health. It’s important to note that the effects and risks of cannabis can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, frequency of use, the potency of the cannabis, and...

Detached Youth Work on
the Percy King Estate, Clacton

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...

Podcasting Workshops

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...

Groomsafe / Criminal Exploitation Awareness

“Breaking the Chains: Empowering Against County Lines and Gang Influence” Objective: Our workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the signs, risks, and impacts associated with county lines operations and gang activities. We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool, and by empowering individuals with the...

Social Media Awareness

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...

Transition to secondary school – preparing for the change​

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...

VAWG Workshops

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...

Limitless Minds: Redefining Abilities with Nick Wilson … Podcast

Nick Wilson is a Speaker, Presenter and Content Creator, aka Disabled Adventurer, an Ambassador for Purple Tuesday, and the Disability Expo, who Champions suicide survivors and abilities over disabilities, through his talks and adventures. He openly, and very frankly, shares his lived experiences with mental illness, physical disability and...

Training and Workshops

Empowering Futures: Training and Development Programs for Positive Change At Youth Unity, our commitment to empowering young individuals extends beyond direct interventions. Leveraging our extensive experience in working with those facing various vulnerabilities, we have curated comprehensive training and development programs that address challenges head-on. Tailored Solutions for Empowerment:...

Youth Unity Mobile Intervention Hub
offering a safe space for young people

0 Sessions Delivered in last 10 months 0 Number of young people engaged 0 Surveys Completed 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...

Youth Unity
Community Development

0 Sessions Delivered in last 10 months 0 Number of young people engaged 0 Surveys Completed 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...

Chigwell Parish Council

Friday Night Sessions at Limes Farm Community Centre Thank you to Chigwell Parish Council for funding our Limes Farm Friday Night Project.  The funding will help us to continue to develop these sessions.

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,...

Youth Unity Mentoring Programs

Empowering Futures: Our Mentoring and Gang Exit Programs At Youth Unity, we are unwavering in our commitment to the well-being and transformation of young individuals through our impactful mentoring and gang exit programs. These initiatives serve as beacons of hope, offering safe and effective solutions to engage and assist...

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...

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...

Unity Hub, Offering a Safe Space for Young People; Music | Podcasting | Gaming | ++++

https://youthunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WhatsApp-Video-2024-02-08-at-10.35.29.mp4 The UNITY HUB, our mobile intervention van, 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...

The British Racing School: An introduction into the world of horse racing

The British Racing School Introduction to Racing Residential Course The British Racing School An Introduction to Racing, Residential Course The British Racing School is a Charitable Foundation and the provision of the Introduction to Racing Weeks are kindly supported by the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. For more information on...

Play in the park 2023 – Chigwell, Essex

Click here for end of project summary Play in the park is incredibly important for the community on various levels. Here are some reasons why: Social Interaction: Parks provide a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and interact. It fosters a sense of community,...

Future Ready Mentoring Project

The Mayor of London’s Sport team, in collaboration with the Violence Reduction Unit, has launched a sport and mentoring intervention program to support young people who are at risk of exclusion or those affected by violence during their transition from primary to secondary education. This initiative is part of...

Peabody
Thamesmead Detached Youth Work

Youth Unity will be offering Sports, Music and Support Services to Young People in Thamesmead Moorings area every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 3.30pm Youth Unity, in partnership with Peabody, is excited to announce a new initiative to provide young people in Thamesmead Moorings with opportunities to engage in...

PodgeSports

Sports Podge, held on the 5th of May at the Oval, was an amazing event organised by Phil Jones and his team, an event that brought people together through the power of sports. We were blown away by the concept and the execution of this event. From the moment...

MEN TELL ALL – PODCAST

Podcasting can create and promote important discussions in a safe and comfortable environment. Podcasting can also be a valuable tool in the therapeutic process and has been proven to aid several confidence issues. Our aim for this project Men Tell All is to create an atmosphere for predominantly men...

Machetes and zombie knives could be banned in England and Wales

Machetes and zombie knives could be banned in England and Wales, with people selling them facing up to two years in jail, under government plans to close a legal loophole. After complaints from police chiefs and MPs that some large, bladed weapons are excluded from current laws, the Home Office will...

Trauma Informed Workshops

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...

How easy is it to be GROOMED

Unfortunately, it can be relatively easy for individuals to be groomed in criminal exploitation, especially if they are vulnerable or have a difficult home life. Criminal exploitation involves the manipulation and control of vulnerable individuals for the purpose of committing crimes, such as drug trafficking, theft, or prostitution. Grooming...

Is Vaping safe?

Vaping has gotten much more popular among teenagers in the past few years. Now, many more teenagers use e-cigarettes, like the brand JUUL, than traditional cigarettes. There are restrictions on the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes to young people, but many teenagers still use them. When teens vape, what...

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide NOS is a colourless gas sold in canisters, usually inhaled using a balloon. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or “NOS,” is a colorless and odorless gas that has been used for various purposes for over a century. It is commonly used as an anesthetic and...

Is my child in a gang?

Is my child in a gang? https://youtu.be/JAFp8PnaaVs If you are reading this now, you could already be worried that your child or someone you know is being groomed or involved in criminal activities. With the increase in the movement of drugs and the money to be made instantly, more and...

County Lines And Criminal Exploitation

County Lines And Criminal Exploitation County lines is a term used to describe a type of criminal activity where drug dealers from urban areas exploit vulnerable people, including children and young people, to sell drugs in smaller towns and rural areas. The term “county lines” refers to the phone...

Police powers to stop and search: YOUR RIGHTS

Police powers to stop and search: https://youtu.be/HvUV3HfmuEY The police can stop and question you at any time – they can search you depending on the situation. A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer doesn’t always have to...

Under 18 and have been detained in police custody

If you are under 18 and have been detained in police custody in the UK, it is important to know your rights and seek legal advice as soon as possible. Under UK law, anyone who is arrested or detained by the police must be informed of their rights. If...

Men in Sheds, Erith

Podcasting in the community of Erith. Delivered in partnership with Bexley Community Safety Partnership. Interviews include some key people from the local area of Erith. Podcasting has become a popular way of addressing topics. It has become an important tool in communication. Podcasting can promote important discussions in a...

The BubbleDome

BubbleZone How many people can it hold? The DOME is 50×50 ft and can comfortably hold up to 100 standing, and around 60 with a bar and 40 with four tables of 10 Do you provide entertainment? We have access to music for all genres and age groups. We...

Unity Hub Monthly Friday Night Sessions at Ninefields, Waltham Abbey

The Unity Hub is back at Ninefields from the 5th January and then each month thereafter. The Unity Hub functions as a secure haven catering to the needs of young individuals and is conveniently situated on Ninefields Park. Its central focus centres on involving young people in music, podcasting, and...

Chicken Shop Grooming

‘Chicken shop grooming’ is a form of child exploitation prevalent throughout the UK, which has not received widespread public attention until recently. Young people on their way home from school are bought food by an acquaintance or stranger over a number of days and start to unknowingly accrue debt....

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ddqsH1qSI 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...

Short Film About Making Right Choices

William – A short story of making the right choices – Produced by Paul McKenzie https://youthunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/william_-_short_film_about_grooming_2020-540p.mp4 This film is part of an interactive workshop. Please get in touch if you would like to know more. admin@youthunity.org ‘WILLIAM’ is a hard-hitting production that aims to raise awareness, kick-start conversations and...

Young People of Erith

Through the outreach work we do on a weekly basis, we have the opportunity to meet a variety of different people that live and commute into the community. Through these engagements we have successfully established some firm relationships with people of all ages. We have also built a reasonably...

SICK The Movie about Mental Health

SICK The Film We took seven young people over the half term and embarked on a massive film project to highlight the need for more focus on mental health, we didn’t use knifes, we didn’t need guns, all we needed was a passion to change the narrative and a...

Media Sessions @The Youth Unity Hub located in Ashford Kent

Media Hub came to Ashford in the February school half term A safe space for young budding musicians that is mobile, and can be accessible anywhere. The bus has been transformed into a fully functioning studio, with new equipment. The Bus can pull up anywhere for a session with...

Podcasting in the Community of Erith

Podcasting in the community of Erith. Delivered in partnership with Bexley Community Safety Partnership. Interviews include some key people from the local area of Erith. The podcasts are available to listen back to on our YUPOD via major platforms such as Spotify, iTunes. Podcasting has become a popular way...

Friday Night Unity Hub, Limes Farm, Essex

Youth Unity Hub every Friday night on Limes Farm Estate in the Community Centre from 6pm to 8pm – 10+ boys and girls Youth Unity are working in partnership with Epping Forest district council to deliver wellbeing sessions at the Limes Farm Community Centre, Limes Ave Chigwell IG7 5LP,...

Active Essex – supporting our sports programs

Youth Unity are happy to celebrate that we have been awarded a sports grant which will help us to purchases equipment to run boxing, circuits and table tennis sessions on the Limes Farm Estate in Chigwell, Essex. The activities will enable Youth Unity CIC to provide a safe spacefor...

Michael – Bullying is never right!

https://youthunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BEXLEY%20Short%20Film.mp4 Youth Unity meet a group of young people in Erith through our Outreach Work and took them on a film making journey, we engaged over 25 young people over 6 weeks to make an awareness film highlighting BULLYING.  Through this journey we formed friendship groups from different schools...

Gang Exit Mentoring Program​

Our mentoring and gangs exit work continues to offer safe solutions, engaging and helping young people to understand the consequences of serious youth violence and gang associations. Our gang exit program has successfully reintegrated many young people into a more sustainable life style choices. Based on data following analysis...

Violence Reduction Community Outreach in Erith

The Objectives Better safeguard young people from harm and exploitation Create a safe place in the heart of the community or those at risk and build trusted relationships Working in partnership to signpost young people to existing youth providers The Opportunity Enhance vulnerable ‘client focus’ in line with their...

Christmas Fun Afternoon in Erith

Youth Unity hosted a special community Christmas event at the Exchange in the heart of Erith in partnership with Bexley Community Safety Partnership. Also joined on the day by Act for Change and Bexley Moorings who work to support families in the area. The event had a real sense...

HOW TO OVERCOME THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Charlotte GoddardTuesday, February 1, 2022 The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the ‘digital divide’ which widens inequalities between disadvantaged children and young people and their peers. Charlotte Goddard investigates. It is easy to think of children and young people as “digital natives”, navigating the internet with ease....

Mentor feedback

Youth Unity are proud to have such a passionate and dedicated person part of the team, working to empower the young people that he works to support.

London violence: Children as young as 10 fear being stabbed

Source Link BBC News: By Jennifer McKiernan London set an unwelcome new record of 30 teenage stabbing homicides in 2021, while a third of all of England’s stabbing deaths are reported by the Metropolitan Police. The picture in the capital is bleak: fearful for their safety, more children are...

London homicides driven by drugs and social media, study finds

Drugs, missed mental health sessions and social media usage are factors driving homicides, a study has found. SOURCE LINK BBC NEWS The London Violence Reduction Unit’s (VRU) report analysed police data to better understand the causes of murder and manslaughter. Last year, there was a record number of teenage killings in...

Operation SCEPTRE

Taking place between Monday 16 May and Sunday 22 May 2022, Operation Sceptre will see the police service across the UK highlighting the risks that carrying a bladed weapon can bring, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives. Youth Unity are joining BCSP and their police colleagues...

Time spent in blue spaces benefits children in later life, says study

SOURCE LINK THE GUARDIAN Exposure to spaces such as beaches and rivers leads to greater value being placed in natural settings, study finds Childhood days on the beach or messing around in rivers can have significant lasting benefits for our wellbeing in adulthood, according to a study. It found...

North Meets South – 1:1 mentoring service

Youth Unity is pleased to announce that we are the new selected provider to deliver a 2 year Mentoring program for vulnerable young people, working in some of the most deprived areas of London supporting the local communities, working in the areas of Barking & Dagenham and Havering. The new...

A third of children have adult social media accounts – Ofcom

SOURCE LINK One in three children lie about their age to access adult content on social media, according to research commissioned by the regulator, Ofcom. Many social media sites, such as Instagram, do not permit under-13s to sign up, while accounts for under-18s have limited functionality. But researchers found...

Point of View – DP9

Part 1 . The London Landscape​ The project will start with the young creatives travelling across London, gaining a glimpse of what it’s like to live and work in London. From visiting iconic buildings to visiting consultants that work across Dominvs’s developments, the young people will start to understand...

Point of View – Turner & Townsend

The second day of the project was a visit to Turner and Townsend. The group spent time in the offices meeting the staff and listening to a presentation about the services and developments that Turner and Townsend offer. The young people also looked at last projects and had the...

Point of View – Dominvs Group

The project will start with the young creatives travelling across London, gaining a glimpse of what it’s like to live and work in London. From visiting iconic buildings to visiting consultants that work across Dominvs’s developments, the young people will start to understand what real estate is from the...

Point of View – US Embassy

Day 4: Our final visit before Cornwall was spent with the US Embassy We were given the opportunity to visit the embassy with the young people. This is a huge chance for them all to experience the diverse and interesting operational functions of an establishment like this. The young...

Elemental UK – Project Point of View / THE BIG SKY

The second part of the project will revolve around mentoring and for that the young creatives will be visiting Elemental UK, who are based in Cornwall. The mentoring will involve a five day residential stay where the young creatives will plan a sound map of the life in London...

Project Point of View – Film Screening

To mark the end of the project Dominvs hosted an official screening at one of their iconic hotels in the heart of London. The young people invited their parents and friends to come along to watch.  All of the young people that took part in the project also received...

Children more unhappy with lives, schooling and appearance – research

The cost-of-living crisis is impacting families, a report said, while children are struggling following the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic. Source: Children are becoming more unhappy with their lives, schooling and appearance, according to research detailing the “desperately worrying” decline of children’s wellbeing in the UK. Around one in eight...

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...

Serious violence duty: Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 factsheet

Updated 20 August 2022 1. What are we going to do? The Serious Violence Duty will require local authorities, the police, fire and rescue authorities, specified criminal justice agencies and health authorities to work together to formulate an evidence based analysis of the problems associated with serious violence in a...

Erith Unity – Art Project

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) worked closely with Youth Unity CIC, as part of an ongoing approach to reducing violence in the local area, through this funding Youth Unity worked to install an amazing piece of artwork into the community of Erith. Youth Unity worked with a local artist and youth worker, Cizeone...

Erith Summer Fun

Youth Unity Day 16th July Erith Park working with Bexley Safety Community Partnership A great community event, with amazing weather, think we hit 38 degrees!.  It was amazing to spend the the day with the community, make news friends and see some of our new friends whom we have met through...

Erith – Film Workshops

Working in partnership with Bexley Community Safety to empower the people of Erith through the Arts with projects that inspire to leave a lasting legacy, and help to build community relationships … this is the film part of the project Youth Unity meet a group of young people in...

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

Dover Youth Conference 2022 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...

An article taken from Fighting Knife Crime

Fighting Knife Crime: The Clinical Director for the London Violence Reduction Programme and Clinical Director for Violence Reduction NHSE gives an insight into the cause and effect of serious violence amongst young people Martin Griffiths CBE, Consultant Trauma and Vascular Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, and Clinical Director...

Racing Media Academy

Start your career in racing media The Racing Media Academy was devised after broadcaster and entrepreneur Josh Apiafi, identified a barrier to getting new diverse talent into the horse racing media. Following an interview on Sky in January 2021, where Josh called for the sport to increase its equality,...

Harness Your Potential

With A Career In Horse Racing Start a career in horse racing with program for young people from ages 16 to 22, check out their website for more information. Horse racing is all inclusive with pathways towards many opportunities, you would be surprised at how many different careers are...

SCORE AN APPRENTICESHIP

Check out BIA APPRENTICESHIP: It’s an important decision, and getting it right will kick-start your career. If you think an apprenticeship might be right for you, no matter what career path you want to follow, you need to do your research. INVESTIGATE What is the apprenticeship and job role –...

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...

Child Criminal Exploitation CCE

Article is written by Anthony Peltier https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/child-criminal-exploitation-cce-anthony-peltier Cost of living increases will result in more young children being criminally exploited. As we head into a 28% increase in gas prices and 19% increase in electricity prices, low-income households will spend a larger proportion than average on energy and food....

Helping and Talking to Your Child About the War in Ukraine

Helping Children and Young People to Make Sense of Distressing News As a global community, we have faced a turbulent few years, ruled chiefly by the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it brought. Now as we enter Spring 2022, the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has taken over media...

How To Choose Parental Control and Internet Filtering Software

This article was shared to Youth Unity, a great information piece that we hope can help parents in an ever changing world of technology! Author: Carol Gardener www.defendingdigital.com If you’re a parent or guardian of minors, you’re aware of the many digital dangers your kids face. Maybe you’ve heard...

New Study: The More you Hug your Kids, the More Their Brains Develop

Hug:To borrow a phrase: love works in mysterious ways. We are born to love and, as it turns out, love and affection are necessary for both optimal positive emotional and physical development. And to be honest, nothing feels better than giving your loved one a warm embrace –or being...

A mother’s story whose son was recruited to sell drugs

‘I found out my son was dealing drugs, with my middle class mum friends buying cocaine off boys just like him’ The boy bringing cocaine to the door of Lucy’s* friend looked really young. “Thanks for your business,” he’d said as drugs and money were exchanged. It was painful for her to witness....

Mayor invests in positive activities for young people this summer

City Hall is funding hundreds of positive activities to support thousands of young Londoners during the holidays and beyond London’s Violence Reduction Unit, the first of its kind in the country, is investing £3m specifically to support communities and provide a mentoring package for young people through this summer and into new school term The...

Stop and Search

Stop and search has been a controversial feature of policing for decades. You might think it was being reduced, in a post-Macpherson, post-Black Lives Matter world, where people have been talking about how to decrease the grossly disproportionate overpolicing of black communities for so long. But shockingly, provisions in the...

Supervision and effective social work practice

Professional supervision is central to effective social work. I think we can all agree on that. It plays an important role in the wider functioning of any children’s social care organisation. It is good to see the government setting out the role of practice supervisors in its knowledge and skills...

Communicating Change

What is Communicating Change? 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...

Project Hard Graft

The Project Hard Graft is a new initiative designed to help young people gain valuable skills in the events management and Construction industries. Working with young people at risk of offending and training them to be ready for work! It will then be used for training and supporting their...

Schools can tackle bullying by teaching children anger management and empathy, study finds

Source: Will Hazell Education CorrespondentSeptember 2, 2021 4:34 pm(Updated 5:36 pm) About 800,000 children are bullied each year – but research suggests schools can do something about it Schools can effectively tackle bullying by teaching pupils skills such as anger management, conflict resolution and empathy, research has found.   The Early Intervention Foundation charity conducted a...

Pupils face income loss of £46,000 due to Covid disruption

Children and young people face losing thousands of pounds in earnings during their lifetime from the impact of the pandemic on lost learning, according to new research. The figures are based on an analysis by the Education Policy Institute, which was commissioned by the Department for Education, which warns...

Teenage girls mentor top Met officers

Teenage girls mentor top Met officers A ground-breaking ‘reverse mentoring’ pilot that saw three teenagers mentor a trio of the Met’s top women officers was celebrated at a special event at New Scotland Yard yesterday [Wednesday 25 August]. Three young women from disadvantaged communities in different London boroughs joined...

Child Internet Safety

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE ON THE INTERNET It should come as a surprise to no one that the Internet can be a dangerous place. Sure, the Internet allows you to access information at your leisure and connect with people in faraway places easily; however, you never know who may try...

Inclusion Week 2021

Source: 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...

Very moving anti knife crime exhibition opens in Barking

Yesterday Wednesday 29 September saw the launch of the third Ben Kinsella Trust exhibition. Based in Barking, the exhibition is the largest of the three and explains the tragic and heartbreaking story of Ben Kinsella. It also hosts pictures and stories of other local teenagers who have lost their...

Thank YOUth – Romford Town, Havering

Youth Unity are worked with Havering Council to deliver an event which is to celebrate and to say thank you to young people for coping through the lockdown. The event is a mini festival of and for young people living in Havering showcasing young talent focusing on youth performances,...

Summer Mobile Project Mobile – Lambeth

The Summer Mobile Project Mobile – Lambeth working in Lambeth Larkall community in a bid to promote and enable the reduction in Serious Youth Violence.  The bus is also a good visual way of alerting young people that there is a unit placed in a specific area at a...

51st State Festival: What advice would you give your younger self?

The promoters of 51st State supported Youth Unity by giving a stand to promote the work we do to help young people and the community. We asked festival goers “What Advice Would They Give Their Younger Self?” we had some great comments. We had so much fun!! Thank you...

Mind Over Matter – Domestic Abuse

Mind Over Matter – Source: Kerry Mussington Has your past belief kept you in unhealthy circumstances? A school photo but nobody saw this little girl abuse, they never saw her being taken advantage of (groomed by the family friends) They never told her she was living in domestic abuse,...

Youth Unity: Challenging Narratives and Empowering Young People

An interview by YouthTime Magazine Youth Unity are working hard in the UK to change the story of young people and help them with their issues. We spoke to them to find out more. Youth Unity CIC is an innovative space for youth empowerment, and a non-profit organisation established to provide...

HAD IT YET? Film Documentary in the pandemic

This short film highlights some of the concerns and challenges that a community has faced living through a pandemic along with their thoughts on the vaccination. With the increasing demand for an answers to how we can all remain safe in the current climate of COVID-19, and the need...

CODE 1 Community Group

Youth Unity has been working with CODE1 for the last year and are in talks on how we can work in collaboration to deliver more amazing projects Code1 Community Group, are committed to investing their expertise and resources in order to further achieve their causes. They aim to support...

Anxiety and depression: A young man’s experience

In this article I want to reflect on some of the influences and experiences that can impact on young men, that may well trigger feelings of anxiety and depression. I hope to reach out to any young man struggling with their feelings and ways of coping that may not be helping them....

Hard Call Saves Lives Campaign

We are all mothers whose sons were stabbed to death. We know people find it hard to call and report information on knife crime, but when our sons were murdered, we had to make much harder calls. We’re sharing stories of the sons we lost and the calls we...

Life These Days – Young People & Covid-19

Paul McKenzie is part of the Youth Unity team was part of this amazing project and held a series of workshops working with young people who have mental health challenges.  Throughout these workshops Paul coached these young people through expressing their thoughts and feelings through art the outcome, this incredibly...

Bernie Grant Film

During the last year there has been a massive change in most communities across the UK, in fact there has been a massive change globally. These changes have affected the way all of us live and survive. There is no doubt that the world has changed for us all....

Mobile Intervention Vehicle

Serious Youth Violence – ONE STOP SHOP Pop Up Intervention Van to help tackle knife crime by offering educational workshops, help advice and signposting The aim of which is to collaborate with statutory organisations delivery a one stop mobile intervention centre. We will act as a central point for...

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...

Parents’ Guide for Safe YouTube and Internet Streaming for Kids

You work hard to keep your children safe from so many different dangers, but every day they are exposed to countless threats online. Predators, disturbing content, identity theft attempts, and other things you wouldn’t let them experience in real life are all waiting for them. Shockingly, 1 in 5  teenager say they...

VOICE OF COVID – Film Documentary

Voices of Covid was filmed before the second big lockdown we went on the streets of Romford and asked the community how they felt about the pandemic, we had some very mixed opinions and views.  We also heard some pretty sad stories of isolation and loss.

Health Information Champions

CAMHS Mentor Volunteer Coordinator Sinéad Brown talks about “Health Information Champions”, an exciting and innovative project that involved young people collaborating with award-winning artists Mark Chilvers and Paul McKenzie. The project was funded by NHS England and Improvement. “Studies have shown that young people of all communities reported experiencing raised...

#Takeastand

We can all make an individual pledge to #TakeAStand from 3pm today to Monday 11.59 3rd May a social media blackout to make a stand against discrimination in all forms!! So, when you hear discrimination or see it online make a point to #TakeAStand and call it out or...

#BeNiceToYourNoggin

The coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly tough for us all, and it has had a huge impact on our mental health. From lockdown, to furlough, to the loss of loved ones, we’ve all found ourselves under pressure or anxious at times. The pandemic has affected us all in different ways,...

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...

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...

BEATFREAKS

Source: Beatfreaks Young people have been one of the worst affected groups by the events of 2020.⁣⁣ This crisis has hit our older generations hard, but behind the stats and figures we see at daily press conferences are some findings which tell of the difficulties in building the future...

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...

Fostering: Make a difference to a young persons life

Instinctive Behaviour is a UK based music production company representing the collective interests of the UK’s music industry – including artists, songwriters and more.Founded by well known and acclaimed music producer and songwriter Major. http://www.instinctivebehaviour.com/ Major is also a foster carer and has over the years devoted his time to raise...

Tackling violence against women a priority despite criticism

Source: BBC Priti Patel has insisted the government is committed “at the highest level” to tackling violence against women following the death of Sarah Everard. The home secretary also confirmed she had ordered a review after criticism of police actions at a vigil for Ms Everard. Following her statement,...

Sarah Everard: New safety measures after killing

Source: BBC New safety measures after killing “Immediate steps” aimed at improving safety for women and girls in England and Wales have been announced by No 10 after Sarah Everard’s death. Among them is an additional £25m for better lighting and CCTV as well as a pilot scheme which...

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...

Funding cuts hitting UK youth services as demand grows, report says

Survey finds 66% of 1,759 organisations face more demand but 83% say funding has decreased  youth services are failing to meet increasing demand during the pandemic while facing a rapid decrease in funding, a report has revealed. The research from UK Youth, a leading charity for the sector, into...

How the Stigma of Mental Health Is Spread by Mass Media

n the aftermath of an unconscionable act of random violence, many people are inclined to label the perpetrator “crazy.” Although the criminal may have a mental illness, automatically assigning the label “crazy” does a great disservice to people who live with mental illness every day. In reality, somebody with mental...

FREEE

FREEE Is a women’s empowerment group run by Teri George through www.3dom.social where she gives insightful help and advice to help empower women who have been through abuse. Please join her Indeed, disclosing sexual abuse can be a very stressful process for a child, and the reactions of the...

Kafka and the Doll Traveller

‍Kafka and the Doll Traveler written by the Spanish writer Jordi Sierra i Fabra. One year before his death, Franz Kafka saw in one of Berlin’s park, Steglitz City Park,a girl who was crying because she had lost her doll. The writer calms her down by telling her that her...

Parents need their voices to be heard.

Parents, can we talk about the toll our kids’ education has taken on us this year? Article by: Christine Derengowski, Writer We’re home but we’re not really home. It doesn’t feel like it anyway. It’s now a battleground for a few hours every day and it has been for...

Homes schooling – a good perspective

written by Christine Derengowski, Writer I’ve lost a year with my kids battling over school and I’m done.My seven year old and I were in the midst of our usual asynchronous day battle. I had his writing homework in my hand from school. He’d written several full, well-thought-out sentences.But...

County Lines Comic Book

County Lines Comic Book: Liberty Lines Project, Sovereign Comics and Youth Unity are delighted to announce that we are launching a comic book on county lines! Our comic book is the first ever comic book designed to educate and empower children who are at risk of grooming and exploitation...

Youth justice

Source: Why is youth justice a human rights issue? The trial and sentencing of children and young people for criminal offences engages a number of fundamental rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The rights most obviously engaged are Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (prohibition...

Researchers Reveal Kids Who Get More Hugs Have More Developed Brains

There’s nothing like the warmth and security of a loved one being enveloping you in their arms.  The simple act of giving and receiving genuine hugs can completely change your mood.  You feel loved, cared about, safe, and unique.  I’m not sure there is a single action that can...

Navigating Space Under Lockdown

A research study & film documenting the perspectives and experiences of young, racially minoritised adults from across England. Given the relative invisibility of young adults in national discussions and policy approaches relating to COVID-19, The Ubele Initiative has partnered with University College London’s Bartlett Development Planning Unit and Youth Unity, to bring you Navigating...

P.L.A.N.N Wholesome ​Empowerment ​Group

Youth Unity is happy to announce P.LA.N.N are coming back again this year to host an area with her visions boards and workshops. More information on the workshops will be added in due course, but in the mean time check this lady out!! http://www.plannweg.org.uk/ Supporting YOUR journey towards a...

Switch Sports

Another great addition to Youth Unity is a new concept combing FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, NETBALL & HANDBALL in one game … phew yep, it makes you feel tired thinking about it, but Youth Unity was blown away when we first saw this played out and knew we had to...

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Please get in touch with us if you would be able to help us leading up the festival and or on the day SECURITY STEWARDS GENERAL HELPERS ADMIN SOCIAL MEDIA FLYER DISTRIBUTION We will feed and water you on the day <3 and guarantee you will have lots of...

Bow Bells – Fund Raising

Youth Unity would like to give a HUGE HUGE thank you to THE BOW BELLS pub, staff and patreons for their amazing support <3 we are heavily relying on the generosity of businesses and the public to make this project last long after the event. We all do this project with...

MC CKP

Our very own MC CKP will be hosting the live music stage, where he will be bigging up young emerging artists, playing the beats that the young people want to hear … yes we will have grime but it will be conscious music! The Legendary Mc CKP has won...

Youth Unity Day 2020

Due to Covid this event was cancelled. Our hope is to continue this once the restrictions are lifted.

3willmusic

Youth Unity are excite and happy to announce that we will have the amazing and incredibly talented 3Will performing live on stage. Will is an xfactor finalist and has the most amazing voice and is a pretty funny guy too … “The Power Of 3” by yours truly @3willmusic...

MI-SOUL

Great news its confirmed that Mi-Soul will be hosting a music area at Youth Unity … Our very own ambassador JUMPIN JACK FROST will be on the line up joined by other Mi-Soul DJs all giving their time to support the cause … which is all about empowering our...

LONDON UNITY 2017

Where it all began at Hackney Marsh this started as a picnic in the park, bringing organisations together to share ideas etc, and we felt incorporating the football would be a good way to engage the young people along to the event.  It was incredibly well received and this...

Days Like These – Film Project working with the NHS

This project wasrun in partnership with South London & Maudsley Trust, working with a group of young people with high level mental health needs.  The short video and podcast helped to map their voices and journey through the pandemic. Film of the young people and their journey through covid-19...

TIME 1075 fm

Another great supporter of our project is one of ESSEX major Radio stations! Following on from our recent meeting with Lorna Waters, we can now officially announce there supporting our project, so watch out for us with guest shows and appearances.

JUMPIN JACK FROST

YOUTH UNITY Project is building momentum and happy to announce officially that Jumpin Jack Frost the legendary and the original Junglist who still performs to crowds of 30,000 plus and is constantly touring around the globe, will be present on the day and will be working to empower our...

THE CRIB

More exciting news!Youth Unity are now officially working with THE CRIB who will be leading on the main stage with their young people. Frank Sweeney will be leading on the project where we will be engaging young people and offering an accredited training program on how to manage a...

Youth Unity Day 2019 – Barking & Dagenham

Our first flagship festival which attracted over 1700 people from across London.  With over 700 young people taking part in a Football Tournament from ages 11 to 18. On the day West Ham talent scout passed by to see what the day was about and was blown away at...

London Unity 2017 was the starting point of Youth Unity 

TThis project  was organised within seven weeks with no budget, just a passion for change.  We had the support of circuit DJs who donated their time and energy to support such a great cause and local community sponsoring some parts of the day. LONDON UNITY FESTIVAL – 2017 –...

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