In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, young people come together to share honest and powerful reflections on their lived experiences, exploring how everyday pressures, personal challenges, and difficult situations can shape choices, confidence, and wellbeing.

Through

open conversation, the group talks about what it is really like to navigate

issues such as peer pressure, mental health, and making decisions in

environments where support is not always easy to access. The discussion

highlights resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of having safe spaces

where young people can speak openly without judgement.

This

episode is part of Youth Unity’s commitment to creating youth-led platforms

that amplify real voices, challenge stigma, and encourage positive

conversations across communities.

⚠️ Content Notice & Disclaimer

This

podcast discusses drugs, alcohol, and related personal experiences. While the

aim is to educate, encourage reflection, and support safer choices, some

content may be sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

The

views expressed in this podcast are those of

the young people and contributors speaking about their own experiences and

perceptions. They do not represent the views or opinions of Havering Council, CGL Havering, or Youth Unity

CIC, and should not be interpreted as professional, medical, or legal

advice.

This

project was created to hear and understand

what young people in Havering know, feel, and experience around drugs and

alcohol, not to promote or normalise substance use.

If

you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please

seek professional support.🤝 Support & Signposting (London-Based)

If

you are a young person in London and need support, the following services can

help:

NHS 111 (Mental Health Support):

Call

111 and select the mental health option

for urgent support.

Shout Crisis Text Line:

Text

SHOUT to 85258

for free, confidential support 24/7.

Kooth (Ages 11–25):

Free

online mental health support and counselling

👉 https://www.kooth.com

Childline (Under 19s):

Call

0800 1111 or visit https://www.childline.org.uk

London Youth Information:

Find

local youth services and support near you

👉 https://londonyouth.org

If

you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

More

Information:

https://youthunity.org/beyond-the-buzz/

🔎 About Youth Unity

Youth

Unity CIC works across Havering, London and surrounding areas delivering

early-intervention youth work, mentoring, creative programmes and community

outreach. We support young people to build confidence, make informed choices,

and access positive opportunities.

Find

out more at:

👉 www.youthunity.org

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up