Gillingham Marina From Above

Supporting Medway Council to Engage Young People in Gillingham​

by 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.

Panoramic view of the London skyline with Canary Wharf district and the runway of the City Airport in front during sunset time

City Airport

by London City AirportNew 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.

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Kent PCC Outreach

by KentNew Projects

Free Youth Activities in Dartford Town Centre this October

Youth Unity, in partnership with the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, is delighted to be offering free youth sessions in Dartford Town Centre during the October school break.

These sessions are designed to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging space for young people aged 10 and above. Our team will be delivering a wide range of activities, including sports, gaming, music, and performing arts. Each session offers young people the chance to try new things, meet new friends, and enjoy positive experiences in a welcoming environment.

Session Dates and Times

  • Tuesday 21st October: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

  • Wednesday 23rd October: 12.45pm – 3.30pm

  • Tuesday 28th October: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Venue

Dartford Town Centre

Why Attend?

We know that school holidays can sometimes feel long or isolating for young people. Our aim is to provide a safe space that encourages creativity, connection, and confidence. These sessions are completely free of charge and open to anyone aged 10 and above, so no young person is excluded.

Youth Unity has a proven track record of delivering youth-led projects across the community, focusing on building resilience, wellbeing, and skills. With the support of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, we are committed to offering opportunities that help young people thrive.

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The Cage

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody 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.

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The Cage

by London Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

🏀 The Cage Summer Programme – Empowering Thamesmead Youth

This summer, Youth Unity CIC is returning to The Cage, Thamesmead, for a powerful 6-week outreach programme – built on real feedback from local young people and backed by community support.

After the success of our June 2025 event, we heard loud and clear that many young people avoid The Cage because it doesn’t always feel safe or welcoming. So we’re coming back to change that – together.

🎯 What’s the Goal?

We’re here to make The Cage a place where young people feel safe, included, and proud to be. Through weekly sessions, we’re bringing:

  • 🌱 Positive engagement

  • 🗣️ Trusted role models

  • 🎨 Creative expression

  • 🏀 Fun activities shaped by youth voice

This isn’t just a drop-in programme – it’s part of a long-term commitment to build trust, reduce antisocial behaviour, and help young people reclaim their space.

📍 What’s Happening Each Week?

Every Tuesday | 3:30pm – 6:30pm | The Cage, Thamesmead
From sports and games to creative workshops and mentoring, our outreach van will be on-site with trained youth workers providing support and safe spaces.

🎨 We’re also launching a collaborative mural project with a local artist and Peabody – giving young people a chance to shape the space visually and take ownership in a powerful, visible way.

🌟 What We’re Aiming For:

  • Make The Cage a space where young people feel welcome

  • Offer consistent, trusted presence through experienced youth workers

  • Provide positive alternatives and mentoring

  • Improve wellbeing, connection, and pride in the local area

  • Reduce low-level anti-social behaviour through positive visibility

💬 Why It Matters

Too often, spaces like The Cage become overlooked or underused – not because they lack potential, but because they lack positive, consistent engagement.

This programme is about changing that narrative. With support from Peabody and local partners, we’re creating a platform for youth-led transformation.

🚀 What’s Next?

We’re ready to hit the ground running:

✔️ Staffing and planning underway
✔️ Art mural logistics in progress
✔️ Outreach van and kit on standby
✔️ Local promotion and school outreach launching soon

Together, we’re activating The Cage – not just for the summer, but for the future.Wolve

Commencing: 30th July 2025

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New Youth Hub Opens in Romford to Support Young People

by London Borough of HaveringPartnership working

This week (29th January) marked the official launch of our brand-new youth hub in Romford, a vital initiative made possible thanks to the generous support of Transport for London (TFL) and the Havering Community Service Partnership Team, with funding provided by the Violence Reduction Unit (MOPAC). This space has been created to offer young people a safe and welcoming environment, where they can access mentoring, guidance, and support.

At the hub, we provide 1:1 mentoring for young people aged 14 to 25 through referrals. Our professional youth workers are dedicated to creating a positive and engaging space, offering support on a range of topics, from education and career advice to personal development and well-being. Whether they need a listening ear, help navigating challenges, or just a space to feel safe, we are here to support them.

However, the long-term success of this project relies on the involvement of local businesses and community members. By working together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact, steering young people away from negative influences and towards opportunities that empower them to succeed. We invite local businesses and organisations to support this initiative and help us provide the best possible future for young people in our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the launch and showed their support. Your involvement makes all the difference.

If you would like to learn more about our mentoring program or explore ways to support the hub, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can create a safer and brighter future for our young people.

For more information, please contact shirley@youthunity.org

 Artwork: Cize-one

Photos: The Havering Daily

Youth Unity

Romford Outreach

by London Borough of HaveringOutreach

At Youth Unity, we’re proud to be working on a new project funded by the Community Recovery Fund (CRF). This initiative is all about creating safer spaces, preventing issues before they happen, and building stronger relationships between young people and their communities.

What’s Happening in Romford Town Centre?

Romford is a busy town with lots going on, but it’s also an area that faces challenges. Over the past few years, we’ve been running activities that have made a real difference to young people and local businesses.

What We’re Doing:

  • Continuing our Wednesday afternoon youth sessions until March 2025.
  • Chatting with young people and businesses to build relationships and make the area feel safer.
  • Running fun and positive activities to keep young people engaged and connected.

Why This Matters

We want young people in Romford to feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their goals. This project is about:

  • Giving them opportunities to learn and have fun.
  • Reducing anti-social behavior and violence.
  • Building stronger connections between young people, local businesses, and the wider community.

By working together, we can create spaces where young people feel they belong, where they can thrive, and where the community feels stronger than ever.

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Creating Safer Spaces: Supporting Young People in Hildene

by London Borough of HaveringMetropolitan PoliceOutreach

Youth Unity is proud to be working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police on the Our Harold Hill: Clear Hold Build initiative.

Part of this project is to create safe spaces for young people in Harold Hill, offering them a place to come together, engage in positive activities, and build a sense of community.

By providing support, resources, and opportunities, this initiative aims to empower young people, reduce anti-social behaviour, and foster a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. Together, we are committed to making Harold Hill a place where young people feel safe, valued, and inspired to thrive.

Read this full article regarding the The Clear Hold Build project.

Are you interested in being part of the Henry project? Booking form

An inspirational coaching concept image showcasing a mentor giving personal growth and development advice, with a focus on career advancement, skill improvement, and achieving life goals.

MyEndz Redbridge: Your Pathway to Support and Success

by Essex CountyLondon Borough of RedbridgeMentoringNew Projects
REFERRAL LINK

Empowering Young People Through Mentorship: Youth Unity's Impact in Redbridge

Collaboration with the London Borough of Redbridge

Youth Unity is proud to collaborate with the London Borough of Redbridge and other local partners through a structured approach. 

At Youth Unity, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the London Borough of Redbridge. Each year, our mentorship program engages young people aged 11-25, providing them with the tools, guidance, and support they need to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.

Our Approach: Tailored Mentoring for Lasting Change

Our program is built on a foundation of personalised mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to address the unique needs and circumstances of each participant. Through one-on-one guidance, we help young people develop essential life skills, improve their emotional well-being, and find positive pathways in education and employment

A Community-Driven Solution

This program is more than just a series of mentoring sessions—it’s a community-driven initiative that focuses on giving young people the support they need to flourish. Our commitment to collaboration ensures that we are continuously adapting and responding to the evolving needs of the young people in Redbridge.

Together, we are building a brighter future—one session, one conversation, and one young person at a time.

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Bexley Council commission Youth Unity to deliver Outreach Work in the borough

by with No Comment London Borough of Bexley

Youth Unity will be working in the Bexley area over the next year giving support and reassurance to the local residents.

Our aim is to promote the positive benefits of community participation and social activism and to empower vulnerable young people with practical ways to remove violence from their lives.

Our aim of is to ensure, whether identified through formal (e.g., schools) or informal (e.g. outreach) routes, that when young people need safeguarding against serious youth violence, exploitation and other forms of vulnerability they can find support easily and to be able to trust it.

Central to building trust is ensuring a child’s need is met by the right response from parents and professionals alike so the project uses workshops to ensure they are prepared to identify and respond.

If you would like to know more please get in touch