local services what we offer
Youth Services
Since 1977, we have invested years of experience and expertise in our youth programme to make it what it is today. We are proud to say that our team now works all across Newham to provide a wide range of opportunities for thousands of young people aged 11 – 25, every year.
If you are a young person, please visit our dedicated youth section in this website
Great spaces for young people
Our aim is that all our youth spaces are well-attended, well-staffed and well-equipped. They offer lots of activities for young people in a vibrant, fun and inclusive environment. Located close to home, they offer safe spaces for young people, in the evenings and during holidays.
Second Chance at Education
We have provided specialist alternative education for young people excluded from school since 1978. Students attend the programme full time or part time. Some return to mainstream education. Others take their exams at a Community Links centre. We are an approved exam centre and offer a range of qualifications/accredited achievement from Entry Level to GCSE or Level 2.
Employment Support
Our support and training opportunities for young people aged 16-24 help them to find local jobs. Programmes develop skills and confidence, offer workshops and work placements with major businesses and provide counselling and job search activities.
Youth Advice
We have years of expertise (including partnership working with Connexions) in enabling 13-19 year-olds to use local services. We offer information and guidance on education, training and employment, benefit entitlements, housing, health, legal issues, debt and also offer specialist support and counselling.
Sports and Sports Leadership
A wide range of youth sports opportunities in and around youth projects and housing estates. Young people get involved in team sports as well as Sports Leadership training to enable them to develop their skills and pass them on to others.
Youth Participation and Leadership
All our young people are given opportunities to influence their project. Some are supported to attend neighbourhood forums and run our in-house learning and innovation grants fund. We also offer volunteering opportunities – many of our youth staff started as youth volunteers. Participation and leadership is rewarded, with our young people achieving Jack Petchey Awards every year
Specialist work with young people ‘at risk’
For young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, we offer a range of positive and inclusive activities. At the heart of these is team work but we also develop individual skills and confidence to help everyone reach their full potential.
Youth Inclusion Programmes (Y.I.P.’s) are neighbourhood based projects, working intensively with 13- 17 year olds who are at risk of offending, engaging in crime, truancy and/or being socially excluded. The aim of the Youth Inclusion Programme is to ensure that the most at risk young people within the defined area are included in mainstream activities by offering support to help them overcome a variety of social problems. This support takes the form of one to one support and tailored interventions, group work and issue based programmes. At the heart of the project, is a commitment to a multi agency approach. Reflecting this is a range of partner agencies that share in delivering the work programme. The Youth Inclusion Programmes are working to make a difference in the Canning Town and Forest Gate Community.
If you would like to speak to someone about accessing support from Community Links Youth Team, contact Mark Steer or find out more through our dedicated youth section.
Work with us!
- If you are a youth organisation, we would like to discuss ways of working together
- Contact us if you would like to be involved with our programmes
- Visit us to see our work in action!
Contact Carol Jackson, Head of Youth Work, 020 7473 9670