Free mentoring, wellbeing sessions and enterprise support for young people and families in Barking and Dagenham.
Free support for young people across Barking and Dagenham to build confidence, skills and a real sense of belonging. Start this week.
JDS Strive for Excellence has been part of the Barking and Dagenham community for over a decade and a half. In that time we have supported several hundred people through our programmes, events and community activities, including more than 100 young people through mentorship, career advice, wellbeing sessions and the confidence to start something of their own.
We believe support is about more than advice. It is about creating safe spaces where young people can talk openly, build confidence, develop social skills and learn life lessons that stay with them.
Sometimes the most powerful learning comes from simply having the right conversation. That is what we do, every week.
Get in touch →Make It Barking, on Linton Road. A building full of rooms JDS fills every week with young people, mentors, wellness sessions and people working out what they want to do next.
Everything is free, friendly and on your doorstep. Just turn up, or send us a message first if that feels easier.
A sense of communtiy and new connection with people in the same position as you and of the same background.
See the details →Scroll Less, Move More: a B&D MOVES test and learn run by JDS. A fun, youth-led programme combining physical activity and movement with simple conversations around wellbeing, healthy routines, personal hygiene and self-care, exploring what actually motivates young people to spend less time on screens and more time active.
See the details →Scroll Less, Move More: a B&D MOVES test and learn run by JDS. A fun, youth-led programme combining physical activity and movement with simple conversations around wellbeing, healthy routines, personal hygiene and self-care, exploring what actually motivates young people to spend less time on screens and more time active.
See the details →No staged photos. A real evening at Make It Barking, from the first conversation to the food at the end.
Strangers to Friends is a free life-skills workshop for anyone 16 and over. Qualified guest speakers cover the things nobody teaches you: council tax, housing and voting, driving licences, car insurance, budgeting, saving and mortgages, university prep, and how London actually works.
The life skills are the reason people come. The friendships are what they stay for.
Run with Barking & Dagenham Winning Hearts and LifeLine Projects.
Getting back into a routine after illness, injury or a tough few years is hard. Our Creative Active sessions are a gentle way back: crafts, conversation, chair exercises and a cup of tea with people who get it.
Wednesdays, 11am to 1pm at John Smith House, Barking. Free. Just turn up.
Ask about Creative Active →Jeorgina!!! The biggest angel in Barking!
Truly a great platform!
Youth work is about being present, creating a safe space and letting young people know they always have somewhere they belong.
Young people in Barking and Dagenham are facing real pressures. The right conversation at the right moment changes everything, and that takes people, spaces and funding.
Refer a young person, partner with us, volunteer your time or offer a space. Every bit of support goes straight into the community.
Email Jeorgina →Call or message Jeorgina during the day for a fast, friendly answer. Or email any time and we will get back to you.