WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER
Empowering young people and vulnerable adults from ethnic minority communities to reach their full potential
About On Your Side
On-Your-Side, founded in 2021, is a not-for-profit organization. We believe every individual deserves to succeed in life. We stand with those who are often overlooked and underestimated – young people and vulnerable adults from ethnic minority communities.
Our Story: Building a brighter future, together
The journey of On-Your-Side began with a simple yet powerful belief; everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to reach their full potential. We saw first-hand how marginalisation and low educational expectations were holding back talented young people and vulnerable adults in our community. We established On-Your-Side to change that narrative.
Maryann Wareke founded On-Your-Side in 2021 to provide services and support to ethnic minorities. Maryann's deep understanding of systemic challenges and the need for cultural awareness, borne from her own experience, drives the organization's mission. As a mentor and advocate with a degree in social work she leads the effort to help children/young people and vulnerable adults navigate barriers occasioned by language difficulties, poverty, cultural difference and social and professional isolation.
Our Approach
At On Your Side, we believe in a compassionate, human-first approach, not a political or institutional one. We are dedicated to transformation. We focus on young people and vulnerable adults from ethnic minority backgrounds, offering the support they need to overcome marginalisation and low expectations.
We believe in the power of potential, and through our work, we build confidence, foster a sense of belonging, and empower individuals to become active, valued contributors to their communities. We build long-term relationships, providing holistic and intensive support based on each person needs, from a listening ear to practical interventions.
What We Do
We are committed to nurturing the potential within every young person we serve. We empower young people from ethnic minority backgrounds to dream big, overcome adversity, and embrace their futures with confidence and self-awareness.
Supporting Young People
Mentoring
Offers peer and professional mentoring to build skills and confidence in young individuals, make positive choices and avoid dangerous paths.
Advocacy
Represent young people in school meetings, addressing issues such as bullying allegations or threats of exclusion.
Workshops
Educational workshops and arts and crafts sessions that empower young people with practical knowledge and confidence.
Well-being Support
We concentrate on mental health and managing expectations to foster emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Youth Group
Provides a safe space for young people to meet for discussions, homework support, and expert assistance for applications.
English Conversation
Basic English conversation workshops to help with integration and communication skills.
Family and Adult Support
We understand and respect cultural differences, engaging and supporting families to reflect and support integration within the community while respecting their identity.
Family Support
We assess and mediate tensions within families with culturally sensitive support.
Mediation
Facilitating communication, especially where communication barriers exist.
Signposting
Connecting individuals and families with additional information, advice, and guidance.
Support for Newcomers
Providing targeted assistance to help newcomers find their footing and thrive.
1:1 Support and Guidance
Personal one-on-one support tailored to individual needs, providing guidance, advocacy, and practical assistance to help overcome barriers and achieve personal goals.
- Personalized support plans
- Goal setting and achievement
- Barrier identification and removal
- Ongoing guidance and mentorship
Challenges We Address
We understand the complex challenges faced by young people and vulnerable adults from ethnic minority communities:
Academic Disadvantages
The attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils has grown since the pandemic. In 2024 it was the widest in a decade for 11–16-year-olds. Vulnerable students from ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionally affected.
Risk of Exclusion
We address the factors that contribute to a higher risk of school exclusion for some young people by holding discussion groups with them.
Institutional Misunderstandings
A lack of representation and understanding within school management can create friction and miscommunication for ethnic minority students and their families.
Cultural Navigation
We see young people facing challenges in coping with different cultural expectations and norms.
Economic Hardship
Economic downturns can lead to higher rates of job losses, additional parental stress, and poverty for ethnic minority youth.
Risk of Exploitation
Systemic issues leave many ethnic minority young people at higher risk of substance abuse and criminal exploitation.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated people behind On Your Side
Maryann
Founder, Facilitator & Safeguarding Lead
Maryann is the facilitator, the safeguarding lead and the site manager. She is on-hand whenever the need arises. Her compassionate nature and lived experience puts the clients at ease and helps to build a trusting fruitful relationship. With a degree in social work, she founded On-Your-Side driven by her deep understanding of systemic challenges.
Peter
Treasurer
Provides book-keeping and administrative support. 20+ years charitable sector experience and Royal Society of Chemistry mentor.
Yvonne
Digital Inclusion Specialist
Independent entrepreneur and community champion providing digital inclusion assistance and empowering ethnic minority women.
Gillian
Wellbeing & Career Advisor
NHS Mental Health background and level 6 advisor in career guidance, providing well-being support and career advice.
Our Volunteers
Our organisation relies on a team of volunteers from all walks of life. They bring a wealth of experience and their willingness enables the smooth running of the organisation - we could not manage without them.
Volunteer with OYS Family and Make a Difference
We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our compassionate team. Connect and help us build a stronger, more vibrant community together. Your contribution is priceless.
Our Impact
Together, we're making a real difference in our community
Community
Supporting families and individuals from diverse ethnic minority backgrounds across Great Yarmouth
Compassionate Care
Providing human-first, culturally sensitive support that respects identity while fostering integration
Empowerment
Building confidence and belonging, empowering individuals to become valued community contributors
"We believe in the power of potential, and through our work, we build confidence, foster a sense of belonging, and empower individuals to become active, valued contributors to their communities."
— On Your Side Mission
Get in Touch
Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or have questions about our services, we're here to help
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.