HARLOW charity Rainbow Services was proud to be a guest speaker at the Essex Youth Voice Day at Anglia Ruskin University this week. Organised by Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services and Essex Boys and Girls Clubs, and funded by the VVU and Essex Police, the day was a chance for young people to share ideas about what would help them feel safer in their communities and feed these ideas back to decision-makers across the county.

Members of Rainbow Services award-winning Youth Project provided insight to delegates, about the types of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity that vulnerable young people can become involved in when they don’t know the dangers.

Rainbow Services Youth Workers held a workshop to teach the group how to recognise signs that young people might be involved in criminal activity and how to help them remove themselves from it.

Every year Rainbow Services works with around one hundred and seventy young people who have disengaged from school. Many of these young people are at risk of getting involved in antisocial behaviour. 

The Rainbow Services Youth Project provides young people with a safe space to talk about their experiences, reconnect with positive models, reengage with education, and work towards carpentry qualifications. At the same time, they build woodwork projects for community groups and public spaces – most recently wooden planters and benches for Princess Alexandra Hospital. 

Young people also have the opportunity to join further courses with Essex Fire and Rescue, as well as attend residential activity trips, and get involved with other local community activities such as the police and fire cadets. 

If you know a young person who would benefit from attending the Youth Project at Rainbow Services, please contact [email protected] or call 01279 308150.