In a borough as vibrant and diverse as Newham, collaboration is key to creating lasting, positive change for young people. The Newham Youth Partnership (NYP) gathered for its quarterly meeting this September, bringing together over 30 local youth organisations working with young people and families across the borough. Representatives from Newham Council and the NHS were also in attendance, underscoring the cross-sector commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
From grassroots community groups to borough-wide service providers, NYP is building a strong, skilled, and well-connected youth sector, one where resources are shared, knowledge is exchanged, and young people are equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive.
The latest meeting offered an empowering and collaborative space for organisations to network and share updates on training, funding, and partnership opportunities available through the NYP. Despite challenges such as recent London Underground strikes, attendance remained strong- a testament to the sector’s resilience and commitment.
Led by Newham Youth Partnership Manager Josh Thomas, these sessions are more than just catch-ups. They are strategic, action-focused forums where partners learn from one another, access vital opportunities, and work collectively to improve outcomes for young people in Newham.
“It’s inspiring to see such a strong and collaborative group constantly evolving,” Josh shared.
“These sessions show the power of coming together, even virtually. When we collaborate, we amplify and support each other’s work, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for the young people of Newham.”
“By having access to training, funding opportunities, and support, partner organisations are better equipped to work together and drive meaningful, systemic change across the borough.”
One highlight of the meeting was an engaging and practical talk by Sarah Capewell, an expert in bid writing and funding strategy. She shared key insights into current grant opportunities relevant to NYP members and offered guidance on crafting compelling applications that stand out to funders.
Attendees also heard from Royal Docks Community Engagement Officer, Rawnak Jassm, and Elena Nicolaou, Newham Council’s Safeguarding Children Workforce Development Lead who introduced a range of free training programmes and personal development opportunities for young people across the borough – initiatives championing skills-building, employability, and confidence.
Senior Implementation Manager at UCLPartners, Sophie Bulmer, also joined the session after first becoming involved with the NYP through research work in Newham, collaborating directly with Fight for Peace and several other NYP organisations.
“Although our direct involvement with the NYP has ended, we want to keep a level of involvement in case we can be of any further support,” she shared.
Sophie’s ongoing engagement reflects how NYP’s collaborative spirit continues to resonate even beyond the lifespan of individual projects.
“We know that cross-sector collaboration is essential for delivering positive change in communities for children and young people, and the NYP is a great example of this.”
Having worked closely with youth groups to explore the many factors affecting young people’s mental health and wellbeing, Sophie praised initiatives like Health Spot – a GP service based at NYP partner Stratford Youth Zone, aimed at giving young people greater autonomy over their healthcare in a trusted, youth-focused setting.
These enduring relationships not only strengthen the fabric of the youth sector in Newham but also ensure that knowledge, insight, and momentum are not lost when individual projects come to an end.
By fostering a culture of openness and continued collaboration, the NYP enables organisations, researchers, and public services to stay connected and aligned around a shared mission. This long-term approach is essential for tackling complex challenges like youth mental health where consistency, trust, and accessibility can make a lasting difference in young people’s lives.
With over 40 member organisations now part of the network, and as the partnership continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: by investing in connection and collective action, Newham is not just supporting its young people – it’s empowering them to shape the future of their borough.
Want to find out more about how to get involved? Drop Josh an email at josh@fightforpeace.net, follow the NYP on LinkedIn and Instagram, or check out their website.
