On Friday 13 June, Dan Diamond, our Partnership Lead at the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) joined other partners at a national showcase event hosted by StreetDoctors, an award-winning national charity.

Held in Greater Manchester, Making the Streets Safer brought together leaders and changemakers from across the public, voluntary and youth sectors to explore how strong partnerships can empower young people to be part of the solution to youth violence.

From youth justice services to healthcare professionals, VRUs to youth workers, this national showcase highlighted how collaboration, community engagement and lived experience are critical to building safer, stronger communities.

Who are StreetDoctors?

StreetDoctors is a national charity that trains over 13,500 young people every year in emergency first aid and the physical and psychological impact of violence. What makes their approach unique is that they deliver this training through young healthcare volunteers like trainee doctors, nurses and paramedics who partner with youth workers to reach young people directly in communities.

Their message is simple and powerful: young people aren’t the problem; they are the solution. With the right support and belief, young people can become lifesavers, leaders, and changemakers in their own communities.

Why this matters in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is proud to be leading the way in public health approaches to violence reduction. We know that early intervention, prevention, and giving young people the tools to thrive are key to long-term change.

That’s why we’re thrilled to be funding the brand-new Young Leaders Project alongside the Hiscox Foundation and Islamic Relief.

Announced at the event, this new programme will build on StreetDoctors’ national model and tailor it for Greater Manchester. It will offer accredited training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities to young people across the region. Participants will not only learn lifesaving first aid but also gain the confidence and skills to co-design and deliver peer-led training in schools and youth clubs. It will also explore public health approaches to youth violence and develop employment pathways into careers in youth work and healthcare.

Partnership Lead Dan Diamond said:

“StreetDoctors is a brilliant example of what happens when we work together with purpose — not just across agencies, but with young people at the centre. This partnership gives young people knowledge, confidence, and trusted relationships that can change the direction of their lives. The power of a whole-system approach brings hope, trust, and opportunity.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Safer and Stronger Communities said:

“We must move beyond seeing young people as simply vulnerable or at risk. They are key to reducing violence, shaping safer streets, and building stronger, more hopeful communities. When we invest in their skills, confidence and leadership, we don’t just prevent harm, we inspire a generation of changemakers who can lead their peers with courage and purpose.”

Article posted on: 07/07/2025 10:07am