A summer visit to Teen Talk Harwich

Essex VVU Community Grants works with a wide range of amazing groups across Essex, delivering activities and support which help young people stay safe, feel supported and thrive in their local communities.

This programme responds to what young people consistently tell us matters to them – safe spaces, trusted adults and positive activities that help them feel safe and supported.

One of these amazing groups is Teen Talk. Essex VVU recently visited one of Teen Talk Harwich’s summer holiday Pop In sessions, one of the activities the VVU Community Grants supports.

It was inspiring to see first-hand the difference this service is making for local young people. Teen Talk’s Pop In sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm to 2pm during the school holidays, providing a welcoming and supportive space where young people can relax, connect and simply enjoy being themselves.

A significant number of the young people who attend the Pop In sessions are neurodivergent. All of the Teen Talk sessions are tailored to support individual needs.

During Essex VVUs visit, young people were happily drawing, playing UNO, chatting with friends and enthusiastically making, and eating, hot dogs. There was certainly no shortage of ketchup!

Alongside crafts, games and food preparation, the sessions provide invaluable opportunities to build friendships and social skills. Staff told us that for many attendees, this is the only activity they choose to come to during the holidays.

Seeing the Pop In session in action made it clear why it has been such a success. Teen Talk is providing far more than activities; it is creating a safe, supportive community where young people feel valued, understood and empowered to thrive.

VVU support for Teen Talk extends beyond the school holidays, also supporting the Teen Talk team to deliver weekly mentoring and outreach sessions for young people at two local secondary schools – Lift Academy’s Frinton Upper and Thorpe-le-Soken sites. These sessions focus on building resilience and coping strategies through mentoring, providing a trusted adult and a safe space where young people can talk through challenges and receive practical support that help young people develop the tools to navigate everyday life and manage challenges.