As part of monitoring the projects and interventions which form the VVU work programme – and gaining insights into the challenges being faced – team members regularly visit projects. In October we visited Southend Vineyard in Warrior Square, Southend.
Southend Vineyard Youth Café in Warrior Square is one of the projects funded through the 2024/25 VVU community grant and it was great to be able to see the project in action.
The grant from the VVU is funding youth worker time, so that young people in the area have trusted adults they can talk too. The funds have also helped in the transformation of a former charity shop to a youth friendly café.
On a Wednesday evening two open access youth work sessions are run in partnership with Southend YMCA, with the first session for young people aged 11-15 and a later session for 15 to 17-year-olds.
During the sessions young people join in activities and spend time with adults who will listen and talk. While we visited there were some young people who were calling in for the first time and who were keen to join in the activities, welcoming the opportunity to get involved in a youth friendly space.
Warrior Square residents
We know that there are challenges around Warrior Square, and concerns have been raised by residents who live in the immediate area. Feedback shared with us from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner recent public meetings, tells us more needs to be done to address crime and anti-social behaviour and make this space family, young people and community friendly.
Both Southend Vineyard and Southend YMCA are sharing ideas and talking with local young people and Southend police about other targeted youth work and positive opportunities for young people in this area.
The VVU and the PFCC are actively working together with Essex Police and other local agencies to support the community of Warrior Square and introduce measures to help residents feel safer in their local area.
