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Young people posing on a rock after a hike

RCT Hike to Kinder Scout Peak District

Over the Easter break, we partnered with Your Trust to deliver an inspiring outdoor experience for a small group of young people, taking them on a hike to Kinder Scout in the Peak District. Your Trust generously supported the trip by providing transportation and meals, enabling full participation from all attendees. Together, we completed a […]

Large hand-drawn visual summary poster from a SHIFT event in Manchester, titled “SHIFT Manchester: 13th May 2025, Castlefield Rooms” with the slogan “Doing whatever it takes”. The graphic uses blue, red, black and pink illustrations on a pale background and features sketches of speakers, handwritten quotes, symbols and key discussion themes. The left-hand panel is headed “WHY SHIFT?” and includes illustrations and notes from speakers. Text includes: “The path to less harm…” “Let’s pass by… not” “Let’s challenge ourselves” “Stuck in a revolving door?” “SHIFT in Manchester” “We’ve learned from the last 18 months…” “We are missing a vital voice” “Part of my community always been in a difficult corner” “We’ve been blind” “We need to think” “We have a dual tragedy” “We want to end up… not pulling people into the river” The central section contains key discussion points: “My super power is change” “Having a guide but fixing it together” “How do we keep children out of custody?” “Don’t be risk first” “Defy the deficit” “Listen to young people” “Consistency: keep showing up and trusting people” “Work together” “Letter to the Mayor” “We love Manchester & we want Manchester to love us too” A large section titled “In conversation with the Mayor” features illustrations of two speakers and the names: Andy Burnham Tom Baldwin Speech bubbles read: “Talking” “To” Additional themes include: “Let’s see the human side of policy” “People as problems, not numbers” “Don’t make policy by looking at headlines” “Prevention” “Spend money early on” “Before things become a problem” “And fund things long term” “This is Manchester’s big moment!” “Yay!!” The right-hand panel is headed “WHAT NEXT…” with the subtitle: “Strategic aims for the second SHIFT programme…” Quoted statements include: “Let’s be ambitious for young people in Manchester” “Let’s stop saying things & start doing” “Let’s think about the impact it has on children” “Shift does things that ‘shine’ for every child” “By doing that is what happens in the ordinary, extra-ordinary!” “Education needs to be for everyone not just for those headed for university” “We really shouldn’t exclude people” “Some kids can see the skyscrapers” “We need a path to actually working or living in them” The poster also contains illustrations of handcuffs, envelopes, documents, city buildings, mountains, pathways and several bee drawings, reflecting Manchester-themed civic and social policy discussions.

Press Release

Greater Manchester leaders gather to tackle youth custody and promote lasting change

Last week, leaders from across youth justice, health, education, and local government gathered to celebrate the outcomes of SHiFT Manchester and launch the partnership’s second Programme. SHiFT Manchester is a partnership between SHiFT and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, and Manchester City Council. The event spotlighted the power of consistent, trusting […]

Blog

A game-changer for schools and colleges: how the Education Hive is making a difference

Schools and colleges across Greater Manchester are facing difficulties in finding meaningful support for violence reduction. Wigan & Leigh College, however, have found that by accessing the Education Hive, they have been able to seek the resources, insights, and collaboration needed to respond quickly and effectively. Maxine Mealey, Assistant Principal at Wigan & Leigh College, […]

community

Empowering Year 9 pupils in Stockport

With the help of PIE, a successful drop-down day for Year 9 pupils was arranged at Stockport Academy to provide students with the knowledge and skills to foster positive relationships, develop emotional resilience, and understand the impact of their actions on themselves and those around them. Hear from the organisations involved about their experiences on […]

Two young men stand in front of a lake smiling at the camera.

community

Community Spotlight: Reece’s story – Another Chance

“This is the first time I’ve had support that actually helps and doesn’t judge me.” We provide 1:1 mentoring support to young people aged 14-25 involved in group-based serious violence. Our dedicated team support young people to reach their full potential, building on their strengths, and rediscovering their passions and interests. One of our Programme […]

community

Community Spotlight: Empowering the Next Generation at Newhouse Academy

Over six inspiring weeks, Maverick Lab CIC delivered its Young Leaders Course to a group of male pupils from Newhouse Academy in Heywood. The program, designed to foster personal and professional growth, left a lasting impression on participants, school staff, and employers alike. A Pathway to the Future Funded by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction […]

Press Release

Violence Reduction Unit programme in Tameside reduces school suspensions and expulsions by over 60%

National charity, SHiFT, has released a report showing the success of its programme based in Tameside, part-funded by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). Known as SHiFT Tameside, the programme has reduced school suspensions and exclusions amongst its participants by over 60% and reduced their proven offences by over 20%. The Mayor of Greater Manchester […]

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