About Us: 'Encouraging Positive Social Values In Youths'...
Community services
Our vision
About James Ross Hunter Youth Support
James Ross Hunter Youth Support is a non-profit organisation launched in July 2014 with a mission to encourage positive social values in young people and communities. We are based at TNG Youth and Community Centre, 111 Wells Park Road, Sydenham, London SE26 6AD.
All our activities are community and family-focussed, designed to nurture and promote positive values in our youth. Through community fundraising efforts and generous donations, we create visual awareness campaigns including our annual anti-knife crime poster competition, events, and educational projects.
Every pound raised goes directly back into our community. We run ongoing workshops in schools that promote mindfulness, respect, emotional wellbeing, and understanding of the serious consequences of carrying knives. Our yearly events bring together diverse organisations to tackle social isolation and share pathways for growth and support across all age groups.
Our Story
The organisation was founded in memory of James Ross Hunter, whose life was cut short bravely saving another from a gang attack. His drawing showing the time and manner this happened paved the way with vigour and strength from his mother to keep visual awareness and connectivities ongoing to sensitise families and the public of the consequences and support available, as this was not readily viewed on her arrival in the UK. Her knowledged gain after the loss of her son James was through her visual awareness campaigns and colloberative workshops with the lewisham police team.
In 2019, Five Years Later: Memoirs from a Mother's Diary (available on Amazon) was published and is used by Collet in her workshop deliveries on 'realistic optimism', along with the launch of her 'WFC' programme (Waking Moments, Following Through and Closures) through her lived experience of loss of her son to knife crime five years after moving from the Caribbean.
Our Impact
Nominated for the Lewisham Mayor Award, we are recognised for our dedication to community service and youth support. A report on serious violent acts, exploring what more can be done to reduce violence in the borough of Lewisham, was requested and submitted to Lewisham Council.
The "Daisy" pin serves as our symbol of victim awareness. The 'white' in the daisy pin represents our memories, 'yellow' for each sunrise and sunset, and 'green' was added to the flowers in 2024 for hope and prosperity for our precious generations.
On JRHYS' 10th anniversary, a visual awareness monument was unveiled, designed by founder Collet Hunter and created by Carl Gabriel. On the 10th anniversary of James Ross Hunter's passing, as part of Civil Society Consulting's initiative 32 Steps to Togetherness, JRHYS brought the conversation about trauma to the table, contributing to the passion of care for self and others. The event featured keynote speakers and Q&A sessions, where attendees heard from their experiences working in healing and with civil society. Alongside the conversations, there was a music therapy session and a 'healing market' which included stalls offering acupuncture, sound healing, and crystal healing, open to all.
Get Involved
Volunteers are always welcome to join us in making a caring difference in our communities. Throughout May, National Knife Crime Awareness Month, we run our awareness campaign including May Days Yellow Day to educate the public about the consequences of carrying knives and amplify the voices of victims. On 31st May at 11:00am, we observe a minute of silence in unity, and we invite schools and organisations to participate through creative sessions leading up to this day.
Reviews From School Workshop most recent January 2026
"Having the question and answer section with the children" - More Workshop on reducing Knifecrime" - Year 6 St. Bartholomews Primary
"The Children were interactive throughout the session, Recommended. Year 6 St. Michael Primary-Sydenham
"This was a deeply successful workshop where the children were engaged and entertained throughout. The workshop really looked at issues related to young people that supported the children in making choices and understanding consequences.Thank you so much for coming in"
"The workshop was very engaging, current and age appropriate.The students enjoyed it very much and find the information given relevant since it relates to their wellbeing and appropriate strategies to deal with societal challenges"
"I will suggest that more time should be given to hands on collaborative activities"..
"A child in year 6 who was chosen to take part in the suggestions section and was able to demonstrate the conversation. He found the assembly incredibly engaging and usually struggles around bigger groups of people.
The book presented to each child was very inspirational. I was approached by a parent who read the book their child took home and was very impressed with its contents".
"I believe there were already some follow up workshops available but maybe these could be done with individual classes on the day after the assembly.
I enjoyed the positive and honest interaction. Also, the opportunity to ask questions and helping the children understand the importance of peace when faced with challenges in your honest answers".
"We will be publishing a small article in our term newsletter to parents and will be referencing the brilliant work that the James Ross Hunter Foundation do. Colett - it really is testament to the impact you have that so many of our boys (and indeed our staff) vividly remember hearing you speak before at previous events and I hope that we can work with you again in the future."...Forest Hills Schools
"To see the children sitting so quietly and listening so intently is a testament to the strengths and delivery of the workshop .... what a positive experience it was and that they defiantly have more understanding of stop and search procedures."..... New Woodland School
"The workshop was very effective and was pitched at an appropriate level for the children. I like the way Collette used interactive activities to get the children thinking about managing their emotions. The children were clearly moved by her personal story, sensitively told". St Michaels CE School, Sydenham London
Sharing the big news-'Daisy 4 Victims UK Campaign' #1min4lives
November 2020 JRHYS virtual vision awareness month #daisyforvictimsuk
Estb 2014, JRHYS support on-going workshop in schools, across Lewisham borough here in London. Young people were reminded of their rights during a stop and search exercise by the police and the support mechanism in place for their safety at home and on the streets.
Yearly Events
Our Yearly events includes the following
*Community Spring Event bank holiday end of May which falls on the 4th Friday.
*Annual Community Community Christmas Social for families which falls on 3rd Friday in December.
*JRHYS Healing 1-2-1" 'SIP n TALK" Community Workshop (ongoing)
List of Activities
*JRHYS annual anti knife-crime poster competition. This is ongoing and is use for visual awareness in schools and communities.
*"Daisy4victimsuk" fundraiser. Wear a daisy pin and support JRHYS "Visual awareness matters "project.
We believe maintaining visually awareness opens up ways to communicate and support vulnerable children. This platform was created to highlight safety on the streets and share the consequences of carry knives.
*Life Journey travel scheme for young people. Help with travel expense to college and apprenticeship.
*Personal challenge fundraiser, highlight your passion and raise funds for us. Your choice your time!
*JRHYS Quarterly Community Birthday Club
*JRHYS Healing 1-2-1 "SIP n TALK" Community Workshop for families
*JRHYS pOt 'O LuV choose the time and place, cook up a treat and fundraiser for us!!
*Socking for charity wear "Mix mAtcH sock, stockings or gloves to show visual awareness
Testimonials
" Another pleasure to support my dear friend Collet with amazing charity @jamesrosshunteryouthsupport . I created a winter wonderland stage competed with falling snow effect for an amazing show of talent. The show was a true demonstration of people’s positivity, hope and a communities response to the terrible knife crimes on the streets affecting our youths. Colette told me a very moving story of when she first moved to London from Jamaica with her sons and James, who sadly is no loner with us, saw snow falling for the first time said “mum is it dangerous” a few later he was to become a victim of knife crime whilst trying to save someone else " .... Neil Ellis (Brillant Neon Ltd)
"Loving the family vibe ...happy to help whenever possible, keep your light shining"..Bright Johnson
"Full of heart"...Vima Rowe (Jazz Singer Extraordinare)
"Your commitment, work and mission to challenge knife crime is quite an inspiration" Cllr Liam Curran ... (Labour Counselor)
"Beautiful, just beautiful...blessed people" ...Trixie Lea (Entertainer)
"Keep up with the great work"...LaShawn Durden
"Very energetic and good breath of fresh air" ...Sydenham Communnity feedback
"Collet was very clear in her words and explanations and I love the fact you involved even the younger children...and loved my hug from your son"...TSimpson
"Quite informative. Learnt a lot"...
"Mindful practices for children"...
"An honor to interview one of the toughest but most loving woman I know"...Aimy Agginie
Our Journey
How We're Helping
Volunteer with us!
Volunteer with us!
We are a nonprofit organization focused on helping make the world around us a better, happier place. With the help of our tireless staff, we organise fundraisers, community-building events, and in-depth training sessions for our volunteers.
Volunteer with us!
Volunteer with us!
Volunteer with us!
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team!
To join our volunteer team please contact us on info.jrhysfoundation@gmail.com or call us to arrange an inter
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team!
To join our volunteer team please contact us on info.jrhysfoundation@gmail.com or call us to arrange an interview. Our telephone number is 02086983150/07436946988.
Hello Community Changer!!
Trauma mentor
No one knows the pain felt by families and friends after a loss. As a bereavement volunteer you are more than likely to find satisfaction in knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life.
Anyone can apply to make a positive difference. No qualification is needed only your time or your previous experiences. All gender, age, race, culture from all background is welcome. You will receive specialist training in bereavement awareness that will help you with the skills required.
Multiple volunteer roles also includes the following criteria
· Project coordination which includes tasks such as creating, coordinating, controlling and monitoring progression
· Volunteer coordinator for parent mentorship
· Maintaining and organising data in relation to contacts and administrative duties
· Contribute to the running of activities at events
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wanting to share their passion or further develop their community engagement skills. Full training, support and uniform are provided.
JRHYS has a long history of working in Lewisham borough from its inception established 2014-2021
Volunteers are expected to attend four workshop inductions which include individual training sessions on listening skills, working with young people, safeguarding and mentorship.
Thank You
Volunteer with us!
Thank You
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
Thanks you for your support.
Collet Hunter
Founder
Photo Gallery
Site Content
Daisy Pin Campaign
Dear Friends connecting with every home at this time is vital, stay home, stay safe and keep the beauty of spring within us.
Its the first time our annual poster competition is held at home via online.
Fresh with beautiful thoughts. Remembering and embracing memories of our precious children lost to knife-crime and rising each day to encourage families who continues to bring light and life on their path as life journey continues.
A daisy in memories of lives taken too soon continues. A reminder that victims struggle with healing every second #visualawarenessmatters. Thanks for your support.
All are welcome to participate. No age limit.
What's your favourite dAiSy moment?
Paint draw or share via link
https://jamesrosshunteryouthsupport.org/
info.jrhysfoundation@gmail.com
In the meantime please #staysafe
Our Community Partners worked with...
Announcement
- ALL OF MAY AWARENESS #1min4lives
- WEAR YELLOW/YELLOW DAYS
Youth violence, Wellbeing, Legacies, Victim support "Waking moments, Following through & Closures"
Motto:- "Encouraging positive social values in youths and communities"