I’ve recently visited two Brentwood-based organisations which are doing amazing work to support young people in the town and surrounding villages.
DRCC Youth in Brentwood is led by Aaron Watts, an ex‑engineer who now fronts up this growing and vital youth service. Aaron explained how DRCC works closely with schools to provide one‑to‑one support for vulnerable young people, particularly those at risk of unsafe or risky behaviour.
Funded in part by the PFCC Violence and Vulnerability Unit, the team works across multiple contexts, walking alongside young people and engaging them in schools, communities, and holiday activities. Some case studies were concerning, involving issues such as county lines, unhealthy relationships, and substance use, including THC and spice vapes. However, issues such as county lines activity remains relatively low compared to larger towns, and DRCC Youth works closely with Essex Police.
Currently supporting around 600 young people, the service has two full‑time staff and 19 volunteers. DRCC Youth continues to expand into surrounding villages and is actively seeking a permanent base to sustain its important work.
Renew Counselling in Brentwood is a multi-layered and far-reaching counselling charity, supported by a group of dedicated professionals that specialise in everything from counselling adults, young people and children to delivering training and supervision.
People can refer themselves for counselling, as can GPs, schools and families. The majority of their clients are young teenagers who are struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, and even domestic violence.
It’s a tough old time for charities at the moment – they have been hit by the increase in the minimum wage and employers’ national Insurance payments – but if you think you could help, Renew is looking for trustees for its board at the moment. Anyone with a background in finance, funding, education or law would be very welcome to apply.
Pictured: Alex Burghart MP with Nicky Schuster and Lisa Brown at Renew Counselling and Alex Burghart MP with Aaron Watts at DRCC Youth
