COMMUNITY Archives - Youth Unity

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Views Case Management

01/12/2025

by admin News & Updates Uncategorized

Investing in Better Safeguarding and Smarter Systems

At Youth Unity, young people are at the heart of everything we do. Safeguarding, trust and accountability are not just responsibilities we talk about they are built into our daily practice.

That’s why we’ve recently invested in a new case management system through Substance. This system allows us to securely log our sessions, record the support we provide, and ensure that important information is kept safe, accurate and consistent. Most importantly, it strengthens our safeguarding processes and helps us respond more effectively when young people need us.

We also know that our mentors’ time is best spent building relationships, supporting young people and being present, not completing endless paperwork. This system has been chosen to make recording information simpler, faster and more meaningful, allowing our team to focus on what matters most.

In addition, the system enables us to produce more in-depth case studies and structured reports. This is essential in helping us demonstrate impact clearly, meet the requirements of our funders, and ensure transparency and accountability across our work.

While there is a learning curve, this investment is about long-term impact. It will help us track progress more clearly, identify concerns earlier, and evidence outcomes more effectively.

This change reflects our ongoing commitment to improving our services and ensuring that every young person we work with is supported safely, responsibly and with care.

Youth Space Romford

30/11/2025

by admin London Borough of Havering The Battis

Transforming a Forgotten Space into a Place for Young People to Thrive

For years, a side section of ATIK Nightclub in Romford has sat unused and forgotten after the venue closed its doors. Now, that space is about to begin a new chapter — one that puts young people and the community first.

“Urban Sketch, have generously made this enclosed area available to Youth Unity whilst their planning application of the ATIK site is decided and redevelopment is readied. Once their new mixed-use development is complete, we hope to work with them further by opening up the building to the community”.

Today, with the incredible support of the Community Payback Team, the area was cleaned and cleared, marking the first step toward bringing this space back to life.

A Safe Space for Young People

For a long time, Youth Unity has been talking with local young people about what they truly want and need. The message is clear and consistent:
They want a safe place to come together, to socialise, to have fun, and to feel supported by trusted adults.

Romford has faced challenges with young people gathering in shopping areas and public spaces. This is often misunderstood as “bad behaviour,” when in reality it is young people doing what young people do — trying to find somewhere to belong. The problem isn’t the young people. The problem is the lack of welcoming, safe spaces.

Youth Unity aims to change that.

Our Vision

We want to turn this enclosed space into a vibrant, inclusive hub where young people can:

socialise safely
play sports and games
express creativity through art
connect with positive role models
build confidence and community

But we can’t do it alone.

How You Can Help

We are calling on local businesses, builders, tradespeople and community partners to help us make this project happen.

Here are just a few ways you can support:

Donate materials or labour to help build a simple roof / shelter
Sponsor equipment such as:
- table tennis tables
- basketball hoop
- seating and tables
Sponsor creative installations (murals, artwork, lighting)
Sponsor or donate skills and time

Youth Unity is also actively seeking funding to provide trained staff and youth workers to run the sessions so we can ensure the space is safe, supported, and well-managed.

This space isn’t just for young people, it’s for the whole community. We welcome conversations with anyone who would like to collaborate and help shape this into something special.

Everything has to start somewhere.
And this is our beginning.

If you’d like to support or get involved, please contact us today.

Supporting Medway Council to Engage Young People in Gillingham

29/10/2025

by admin Medway Council

Supporting Medway Council to Engage Young People in Gillingham

Youth Unity CIC is partnering with Medway Council’s Youth Services Team to deliver a bold new mobile outreach programme designed to reach young people where they are on the streets, in parks, and in the heart of their communities.

From December 2025 to March 2026, our mobile outreach van will roll into key areas of Gillingham, transforming public spaces into hubs of creativity, connection, and support.

Led by trauma-informed youth workers, each session provides young people with a safe space to talk, take part, and try something new from gaming to music production and creative workshops.

This work focuses on:

Reaching and supporting vulnerable young people early, before issues escalate.
Reducing anti-social behaviour through meaningful engagement and trust-building.
Offering creative alternatives that build skills, confidence, and belonging.
Strengthening connections between young people, local services, and their wider community.

By bringing opportunity directly to Gillingham’s streets, we’re helping young people find their voice, channel their energy, and see their potential.

Our partnership with Medway Council is about more than outreach it’s about changing the story for young people, one conversation at a time.

City Airport

21/10/2025

by admin London City Airport New Projects

Empowering NEET Youth in Greenwich & Bexley:
A New Digital Training and Mentoring Initiative

Youth Unity CIC is proud to announce a new project aimed at empowering young people across Greenwich and Bexley, supported by the London City Airport Community Fund. The initiative focuses on helping NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people unlock their potential through online skills training and one-to-one guidance.

Tackling Local Challenges Head-On

Both Greenwich and Bexley face significant socio-economic challenges, from youth unemployment and educational inequality to the impacts of serious youth violence and anti-social behaviour. Many young people in these boroughs lack access to positive opportunities and pathways into meaningful employment.

At Youth Unity, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive. Our new project seeks to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by offering digital access to accredited training courses, supported by personalised mentoring designed to help participants find direction and build confidence.

Our Vision: Reducing Risk, Raising Aspirations

The project’s key goals include:

Reducing vulnerability Engaging NEET youth in structured training to divert them from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Creating pathways into employment Offering courses aligned with local job markets and connecting participants with local employers.
Enhancing community safety Empowered, confident young people contribute to safer and more resilient communities.

Through targeted online learning and one-to-one mentorship, participants will gain not only practical job skills but also access to mental health resources, financial literacy training, and personal development tools.

Collaboration and Community

Youth Unity’s strength lies in its partnerships. We work closely with local schools, youth offending teams, community safety partnerships, housing associations, and social care services to reach young people most in need. This collaboration ensures that the right support reaches the right individuals, making lasting change possible.

We’re also inviting those who complete the program to stay involved as Youth Unity Ambassadors, supporting peers, shaping future projects, and giving back to their communities. These ambassadors will gain experience in youth work, develop leadership skills, and help co-design upcoming initiatives.

Measuring Impact

Success will be tracked through participant feedback, skills assessments, and employment outcomes from training completions to real-world job placements and apprenticeships. By combining data with personal stories, we aim to demonstrate tangible improvements in employability, confidence, and community engagement.

Celebrating Local Support

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of the London City Airport Community Fund. Together, we’re investing in the future of East London’s youth building hope, skills, and safer neighbourhoods.

We’ll be sharing updates, stories, and outcomes from the project as it progresses, including interviews with participants and partners.

WhatsApp Image 2025-09-06 at 06.43.21 (23)

The Cage

17/09/2025

by admin Community Development London Borough of Bexley New Projects Peabody Housing

The Cage Summer Programme:
Youth Voice, Art, and Community Impact

This summer, Youth Unity CIC delivered a six-week programme at The Cage in Thamesmead, following strong demand from young people who asked us to return after our first community event in June. Many told us they didn’t feel safe or welcome in the space — but also that they valued the positive, inclusive environment we created.

A Creative Collaboration

Working with C-That.co.uk, the project included a youth-driven art installation. Week after week, young people helped design and paint murals on the outer walls of The Cage, transforming the area into a space they could take pride in. This creative process gave participants a real sense of ownership and visibility.

Consistent Youth Engagement

Over six weeks, we delivered a mix of activities including sports, music recording, podcasting, and gaming. These sessions provided safe, structured alternatives and encouraged young people to return week after week. Attendance was strong across all age groups and backgrounds, showing clear demand for this kind of consistent, positive provision.

What We Found

Our engagement also highlighted some important safeguarding concerns:

Many younger children on the estate are often left unsupervised, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and grooming.
A significant number of young people have become desensitised to gang culture, seeing it as “just a way of life.”
This underlines the urgent need for trusted role models and safe, supportive spaces.

Recognition at the Highest Level

The programme concluded with a visit from the Deputy Mayor of London, who recognised the importance of this work and the value of investing in young people locally. Their presence reinforced that the voices of Thamesmead’s youth matter at both a community and city-wide level.

Impact and Outcomes

Reduced community tensions during a sensitive period.
Engagement of young people most at risk of anti-social behaviour.
Strengthened collaboration with schools, residents, and statutory partners.
Increased awareness of key safeguarding issues including vaping, littering, and weapons.
Six well-attended sessions that promoted wellbeing, community pride, and ownership of The Cage.

Partnership and Support

This programme was made possible through the ongoing support of Peabody Housing, whose funding and partnership ensure that vital community projects like this can continue to make a difference.

Safer Neighbourhood Havering Summer

25/06/2025

by admin Essex County London Borough of Havering New Projects Outreach

We’re excited to announce that Youth Unity has been awarded funding to deliver a 14-week Detached Outreach Programme in Romford, launching on 4th July.

This project marks a return to the heart of the borough, where we’ll be delivering targeted mobile youth work through our Mobile Intervention Outreach Service, designed to engage young people directly within their communities.

Working in partnership with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council, our outreach will take place in key areas identified as priorities, offering trusted, street-based support that is both responsive and proactive.

What We’re Delivering:

Our sessions will feature a mix of positive activities, including:

Table Tennis
Music
Gaming
Street Chess

These activities are more than just recreation they’re powerful tools for engagement, relationship-building, and early intervention, proven to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide safer spaces for young people at risk of isolation or exploitation.

This programme offers not just structured support, but a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect with positive role models.

We’re proud to return to Romford with this vital work and with the support of this funding, we’re ready to make a real, lasting impact.

A behind-the-scenes look at a video production setup, featuring a camera and studio lighting in a professional setting

Southeastern Railway Fiming

20/06/2025

by admin New Projects South Eastern Railway

Path leading to Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) Bridge, Greenhithe, Dartford.

Stone Parish Council

12/06/2025

by admin New Projects Stone Parish Council

Exciting New Youth Services Launch at Stone Recreation Grounds

Youth Unity is proud to announce a new partnership with Stone Parish Council, bringing exciting new youth services to the heart of the community.

We are now delivering vibrant, free youth sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 3:15 PM to 5:30 PM at Stone Recreation Grounds.

What’s On Offer

Our programme offers a variety of engaging activities designed to promote physical wellbeing and teamwork. Young people can take part in:

Football
Table Tennis
Basketball

These sessions encourage young people to get active, develop skills, and enjoy positive social interaction in a safe and welcoming environment.

Beyond Sports: Mentoring and Support

What makes this programme unique is our commitment to holistic youth development. Our experienced youth workers will be on-site at every session to provide:

Positive guidance
Mentoring and emotional support
A trusted presence in the community

This initiative offers a valuable space for young people to grow, connect, and feel empowered in their everyday lives.

Join Us

We welcome all young people to come along, get involved, and discover something new. Whether it’s trying out a new sport, talking to a youth worker, or simply spending time with friends, there’s something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there and building something great together.

Crucial Crew
Workshops for Vaping

07/06/2025

by admin New Projects Uttlesford County Council

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.

Youth & Community Event at The Cage, Thamesmead

02/06/2025

by admin London Borough of Bexley Peabody Housing

Community in Action: Youth Unity Brings Thamesmead Together at The Cage

On a sunny afternoon during half term, Youth Unity proudly hosted a dynamic community event at The Cage, Thamesmead, drawing over 80 young people from across the local area. The event, which took place in partnership with Peabody, was a celebration of youth, community spirit, and positive engagement.

The turnout was a testament to the deep connection we continue to build with young people in the area. Throughout the day, attendees took part in a variety of engaging activities, with an atmosphere that was both safe and uplifting. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of investing in safe, structured spaces for young people — particularly during school holidays.

We were honoured to welcome Councillor Larry Ferguson and Councillor Zainab Asumramu, who both spent time talking with young attendees, local residents, and our team. Their presence demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to the community and being actively involved in youth-focused solutions.

This event forms part of Youth Unity’s wider strategy to support prevention, intervention, and empowerment offering alternatives to negative influences while building trust and resilience. With the invaluable support of Peabody, we were able to provide not just activities, but real connection and opportunity in a space often marked by challenge.

As always, we are inspired by the energy, honesty, and potential of the young people we serve. The feedback from parents, residents, and partners was overwhelmingly positive, and we are already looking ahead to future events in Thamesmead and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the day such a success. We remain committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

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Youth Space Romford