Girls come together at Bar ‘n’ Bus (Nov 2023)
Every Wednesday evening a group of young females meet in Basildon to spend time together and build friendships. The ‘Being Me’ project, run by Bar n Bus, brings together 16 females of secondary school age for two hours to chat, be creative, talk to trusted adults, laugh and have fun – all in a safe […]
Youth Voice conference (Oct 2023)
(write up by Essex Boys and Girls Clubs) This year’s Youth Voice Conference was held on Saturday 21 October 2023 at Writtle University College Chelmsford. More than 100 people gathered together to help continue a conversation to enable change for a better future with one question in mind, how do we keep young people safe […]
Southend Enrichment Programme (Oct 2023)
This week the VVU visited Silver Birch Therapy Farm and Riding School who are one of the organisations the Southend Enrichment Programme work with through VVU funding to support students attending alternative educational provision in Southend. The Southend Enrichment Programme is organised and run by the sport and leisure team at Southend-on-Sea City Council, who […]
October 2023: Essex Knife Bins
There are 16 knife bins in towns and cities across our county where you can safely deposit knives and other bladed articles. They are funded jointly by the VVU, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Essex Police. The knife bins are available so the public can deposit knives and other weapons safely and are […]
Outreach at the Olive Academy (Oct 2023)
We’d like to share with you the success of one of the projects the VVU has recently supported with funding. The Olive Academy in Thurrock offers alternative education provision for young people who have been excluded from secondary school. Schools can refer into the Academy. This is the only provision of its type in Thurrock […]
Learning Outdoors with the Respect Project (Sept 2023)
We were invited by Essex Boys and Girls Clubs to attend their outdoor learning facility at Layer Marney Tower in Essex and meet a group of young people who were possible candidates for the Respect Project. The Respect Project, is a targeted programme that supports students who are struggling with mainstream education within identified schools. […]