Beacon Invicta Youth Groups

Beacon youth groups are small, welcoming groups for young people aged 7–16 in Gravesend and North Kent. They’re designed for children who might find big open-access youth clubs overwhelming, but would really benefit from a safe space, positive activities and a consistent adult team.

Groups are referral-based, not drop-in. This helps us keep numbers manageable and make sure each young person is properly supported.

Our youth groups are particularly suited to young people who:

• Struggle with confidence

• Find large or noisy youth spaces difficult

• Are at risk of becoming isolated or disengaged

• Would benefit from positive peers and role-models

• May already be linked with a mentor, school support or other services

As with mentoring, groups are not open to the general public - all young people attend via a simple referral process so we can keep the environment safe and predictable.

Each group session is a mix of:

• Games and chill-out space - board games, consoles, cards, Lego, crafts

• Active time - football, simple sports or movement games

• Creative projects - art, design, challenges and themed activities

• Space to talk - informal chats and gentle check-ins with trusted adults

We keep things low-pressure. Young people can join in at their own pace and there’s always a quieter option for those who need it.

Where funding allows, we’ll also run occasional trips and holiday activities for group members.

We aim to run groups in accessible venues in and around Gravesend / North Kent, such as community centres or sports halls, close to public transport and parking.

Session times and days may change as we grow; the most up-to-date information will always be shared via:

• Our website

• The Beacon Invicta Facebook page

• Information sent directly to referring professionals and families

All Beacon mentors:

• Hold an enhanced DBS check

• Complete safeguarding and youth work training

• Follow our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct

Mentoring sessions are risk-assessed, supervised by the Project Lead, and recorded using our secure contact logs. Any concerns are followed up quickly with parents / carers and, where necessary, other professionals.

If you would like to talk about a potential mentoring referral, please get in touch via our contact form or email and we’ll be happy to discuss whether Beacon is the right option.

How referrals work

Referrals can be made by:

• Parents / carers

• Schools and alternative provisions

• Social workers and early help teams

• Other local services working with children and families

When we receive a referral we will:

1. Review the young person’s needs and whether a group is appropriate.

2. Arrange a conversation with the parent / carer.

3. Offer a place when there is a suitable group and space available.

There is no cost to families for attending our youth groups. Places are dependent on funding and volunteer capacity.