Youth Unity · Impact Report 2025/26
Supporting young people, strengthening communities and creating positive change across London, Essex and Kent.
Who we are
Youth Unity CIC supports vulnerable young people and adults affected by group violence, drug abuse and exploitation — including trafficking, child sexual exploitation and extremism. We work alongside statutory partners, schools, police and communities to deliver mentoring, workshops and training that build resilience and informed choices.
Our work is rooted in prevention and early intervention: building trust, creating opportunities and standing alongside young people before challenges escalate.
Education, positive activities, outreach and media that steer young people away from violence and exploitation — and build a sense of belonging and purpose.
Training and safeguarding consultancy that equip educators, youth workers and organisations to spot vulnerability early and respond effectively.
Building emotional and cognitive resilience so young people and adults are better able to say no to violence, drugs, crime and exploitation.
Leadership
Over 20 years across policing, safeguarding and strategic leadership, with deep expertise in tackling criminal exploitation, serious youth violence and county lines through coordinated, partnership-led responses.
“Our work makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we work alongside.”
Over 25 years across corporate banking, project management, marketing and branding — combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to build Youth Unity into a credible, sustainable and impactful organisation.
“Every young person deserves to feel valued, supported and given the chance to thrive.”
Our impact · Year 6
Impact beyond intervention
Outcomes reported by young people themselves, before and after working with us.
Based on pre- and post-programme self-reported evaluations with young people across our mentoring, outreach and school-based programmes, March 2025 – February 2026.
Why this work matters now
of police-recorded knife-enabled offences involve robbery — the second largest driver after assaults.
children in London are at risk of, or are being, exploited through criminal networks such as county lines.
young people aged 8–25 in England experience a mental health condition — around 1.2 million young people.
of young people say they feel overwhelmed or unable to cope at least occasionally.
Cuts to youth services, reduced early intervention and the cost-of-living crisis are leaving many young people without the support, safe spaces or positive opportunities they need.
To be present, to listen, to support, and to provide real alternatives before challenges escalate — and to give every young person a reason to believe in their future.
Sources: ONS Crime in England & Wales (year ending June 2025); Mayor of London / MOPAC; NHS England Mental Health of Children and Young People (2023); Mental Health Foundation; YMCA England & Wales (2024–25).
How we work
We know that risk doesn't only sit within the home. We respond to the peer, school, online and community environments where harm can occur — identifying vulnerabilities, intervening early and strengthening the protective factors around every young person.
Strong staff retention — many of our team have been with us for four years or more — means consistent, trusted relationships for young people.
Creating physically and emotionally safe spaces.
Building consistent, reliable relationships over time.
Giving young people voice, control and ownership.
Working alongside young people, not “doing to”.
Focusing on strengths, identity and potential.
Recognising lived experience, identity and community context.
What we do
Our mentors bring over 100 years of combined experience across youth work, education, policing and social care, supporting young people aged 8 to 24 — from early help through to targeted intervention, before challenges escalate into exploitation, violence or exclusion.
Dedicated 1:1 mentoring with trusted female practitioners, helping young women build confidence, safety and self-worth. 93% improved confidence · 98% felt safer · 95% engaged consistently.
Relationship-led work with young people at the highest risk — initially funded for four years and now recommissioned for a further four years, with over 80% sustained engagement among a complex cohort.
Flagship space
An underused space beside Romford station, transformed with Urban Sketch, TfL, Havering Council and the Metropolitan Police into a vibrant outdoor hub — complete with a professional podcasting studio, creative media and gaming space.
▶ Watch the film
Prevention-focused sessions on exploitation, grooming, gangs, VAWG, school transitions and vaping awareness.
A safe space on wheels — intelligence-led outreach reaching young people who don't engage with traditional services.
Strands including Beyond the Buzz, Girl 2 Girl (with East London Rape Crisis) and Failing Forwards.
Upcycling and redesign that build confidence, creativity and identity — especially for young women.
Opening doors into training, employment and brand-new horizons — with 18 more young people set to take part in 2026.
Residential voyages building teamwork, resilience and a real sense of achievement.
Youth-led consultation across Barking & Dagenham, amplifying voices on safety, wellbeing and belonging.
Short films and documentaries that capture real voices and turn them into meaningful change.
DJ decks, music production and gaming as an accessible first step into trusted support.
Impact spotlight
Names and details are anonymised to protect the young people we support.
Referred amid concerns around criminal exploitation, negative peer associations and disengagement, alongside family instability and ADHD.
35+ hours of one-to-one mentoring, employability support and diversionary activity. A has secured a place on a construction and multi-skills course, with reduced risk and stronger routines.
Subject to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, with serious offences, exploitation and social isolation following a safeguarding relocation.
Intensive mentoring and the Ambition Programme, in partnership with Youth Justice Services. No further offending during engagement, with new pathways into education, training and employment.
A prolonged absence from education and low self-esteem, following recent diagnoses of ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and a history of bullying and trauma.
Weekly relationship-based and creative mentoring rebuilt trust and confidence. C began expressing ambitions to return to education, attend her prom and pursue a career in fashion design.
Recognition & influence
An invitation to Buckingham Palace in May 2025 — a powerful acknowledgement of our team, our partnerships and, above all, the resilience and potential of the young people we support.
Honoured with an invitation to the annual Police Christmas Carol Service at Westminster, reflecting the value placed on collaborative working and the role trusted community organisations play in building safer communities.
Working across Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, Greenwich, Essex, Kent and Uxbridge, with growing relationships across policing and community safety.
“Consistently demonstrated exceptionally high standards of practice, strong safeguarding protocols, and a deep understanding of the needs of Havering's diverse youth population.”
Local Authority“Delivering high-quality programmes and initiatives that engage, inspire, and support young people.”
Metropolitan Police“The programme has had a demonstrable and highly positive impact on our pupils — significant improvements in behaviour, resilience and attitudes towards learning.”
School partner“Havering Council fully endorses Youth Unity CIC as an organisation with a strong track record, professional integrity, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.”
Local Authority“Creates safe, inclusive spaces and provides high-quality diversionary opportunities. Their contribution to our borough has been significant.”
Local Authority“Youth unity is an excellent organisation that gives young people lots of opportunities to grow — a place to be heard and listened to.”
Young personWorking in partnership
…and many more valued partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
None of this would be possible without our partners, funders, supporters and volunteers. Thank you for believing in young people, investing in your communities and standing alongside us — together, we are creating safer, stronger futures.