Earlier this month, Darnhill Library hosted an event bringing together local professionals for a day of learning, sharing, and connection. The event was led by Active Creative Darnhill Communities (ACDC), an alliance of seven organisations working collaboratively with the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to support and uplift the Darnhill community. The ACDC alliance includes Your Trust, Rochdale Connections Trust, Maverick Lab, Culture Coop, Cartwheel Arts, Theatre In Flow, and Create Rochdale. 

The event was a chance to highlight the breadth of VRU-supported projects taking place in Darnhill. These include sports sessions such as girls’ jujitsu, football, basketball, boxing, and general ball games; art and craft workshops with local artists; 1:1 mentoring for young people; and outdoor activities in partnership with the Youth Service, including hiking, a girls’ sports festival, and local trips. 

 Attendees also heard from David Gilbride of the VRU, who shared insights into the broader strategy behind the Community-Led programmes across Greater Manchester. 

The day began with a powerful introduction from local young people, who spoke candidly about their experiences with VRU-supported projects. A particularly moving moment came when Jess read a heartfelt poem she had written for the Youth Service, reflecting on how the support she’s received has positively shaped her life growing up in Darnhill. 

The young people who attend the VRU sessions at The Yard spoke about how engaging and welcoming the sessions are, which has been especially helpful for those who’ve never been involved in youth activities before. Since they began, there’s been a noticeable increase in attendance and a growing sense of community among the group. 

Leah Curran introduced the ACDC Alliance members and gave an overview of the fantastic work each organisation is doing in Darnhill. She highlighted the wide range of activities currently on offer, including: 

• Your Trust – Doorstep sports like football, basketball, jujitsu, and dance 

• Cartwheel Arts – Resident artist sessions and the Young Producers programme 

• Maverick Lab – Mentoring sessions at New House Academy 

• RCT – Girls’ jujitsu, one-to-one support, and joint activities like hikes and day trips 

Helen then led a conversation with ACDC partners, reflecting on the different strands of the programme, what’s been learned so far, and hopes for the future. 

The discussion focused on how working in partnership has opened up new opportunities for young people in Darnhill. Many are now trying things they might not have considered before, thanks to the variety of sessions available through the VRU. Attendance is growing, and young people are beginning to connect with different providers, helping them progress and explore new interests. 

The collaborative setup at The Yard has made it easier for partners to refer young people between services, offer tailored support, and create pathways for skill-building and volunteering. The Alliance also shared how the VRU funding has felt different, especially for the arts organisations. Unlike other funding streams, it’s allowed them the freedom to focus on meaningful delivery without the pressure of producing a specific end product. This flexibility has made it easier to prioritise the needs and development of the young people they work with. 

 The group also reflected on some of the challenges they’ve faced along the way. One of the main issues early on was getting young people engaged, particularly with one-to-one sessions, where attendance and commitment were initially low. In response, providers adapted their approach to better meet the needs of the young people, offering more flexibility and personalised support. 

Another shared challenge was encouraging young people to feel positive about Darnhill and the surrounding area. Factors like poor housing, limited street lighting, substance misuse, and negative portrayals on social media have all contributed to a lack of local pride. The Alliance is working closely with young people to shift this narrative, helping them feel proud of where they’re from and empowering them to make positive choices in their community. 

Feedback from the young people themselves was incredibly encouraging. They spoke about how impactful the sessions have been, not just because of the content, but because of how they were delivered. Key highlights included: 

• The County Lines session, which opened their eyes to the realities of grooming and exploitation. Many said it helped them understand how easily someone can be drawn in without realising it. 

• The Bleed Kits and knife crime awareness session, which had a strong emotional impact and changed the way they think about carrying knives. 

• The setting at The Yard, which played a big role in the sessions’ success. The young people said they felt safe and supported there, and that the strong relationships they have with staff made the sessions more meaningful. 

The day wrapped up with a group discussion about what people had taken away from the event and what they’d like to see from the Alliance in the future. Feedback was collected and will help shape the delivery of Year 2. 

To top it all off, the day included fun, hands-on activities led by Maverick Lab and Your Trust keeping everyone engaged, entertained, and learning throughout. 

Article posted on: 31/07/2025 06:07pm