Launched in May 2021, the Greater Manchester Navigator Project works with young people aged 10-25, to help them to cope and recover from their experience of violence and assist with access to local support networks to prevent the potential of further violence.

Initially rolled out in four hospitals across Greater Manchester (Royal Bolton Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital), due to the success of the project, scope has been expanded to include referrals from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and community referrals.

It is vital that Navigators build trust with young people, who may not otherwise engage with other services. The Navigator project is completely independent and confidential, young people are entitled to receive support regardless of whether they report an incident to the police or not.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit, Oasis UK have been commissioned to deliver the service. Oasis have a wealth of experience in delivering violence reduction programmes in other hospital settings and across their educational academies.

The Navigators have now received over 1,000 referrals from across Greater Manchester (figure correct as of 26th March 2024), with 77.5% of young people referred accepting the offer of support.  To make a community or self-referral, please visit: Navigator | Oasis Greater Manchester (oasis-gm.org).

Watch the short animations below to hear about the impact of the service on young people: