GMCA: Successful Violence Reduction Unit programme in Tameside reduces school suspensions and expulsions by over 60%
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An innovative programme supported by Greater Manchester's Violence
Reduction Unit (VRU) and delivered by national charity, SHiFT, has
helped reduce and prevent youth violence through tailored,
intensive, one-to-one and relationship-based support. The
initiative, known as SHiFT Tameside, was rolled out to young people
from February 2023, and a new report has shown that it has improved
school attendance, reduced missing episodes, and decreased risks of
exploitation and...Request free trial
An innovative programme supported by Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and delivered by national charity, SHiFT, has helped reduce and prevent youth violence through tailored, intensive, one-to-one and relationship-based support. The initiative, known as SHiFT Tameside, was rolled out to young people from February 2023, and a new report has shown that it has improved school attendance, reduced missing episodes, and decreased risks of exploitation and experiencing violence. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The success of the SHiFT Tameside pilot highlights the dedication and innovative approach of our Violence Reduction Unit. “Too often services are taught to fix a problem rather than to see the persons affected. By focusing on the individual needs of young people and their parents and carers, providing consistent and compassionate support, we are making a real difference to people's lives. This programme has shown that with this approach, we can break the cycles of crime and exploitation and empower our young people to take positive action. It demonstrates how Greater Manchester can provide the best opportunities for young people to live well. “I'm incredibly proud of the work done by the VRU and all our partners in delivering this initiative for Tameside and in our city-region." Of the 16 participants interviewed as part of evaluating the programme, it was found that:
Chair of SHiFT, Professor Martin Griffiths, said: "By working with rather than doing to, investing time to really listen and understand what the young person and family want rather than doing only what professionals think is needed, and by putting the relationship at the centre of everything, SHiFT has created the right context for young people in Tameside – the young people who professionals were most worried when our work began - to live safer, happier lives. SHiFT Tameside has operationalised hope and I'm really proud, listening especially to the stories of young people and their families today, of what the Practice has achieved.” “Since starting work in Tameside, SHiFT Manchester has launched and this Practice is also making profoundly positive impacts, particularly in preventing children being remanded to custody. We share the mayor's vision for systems change and determination to make Greater Manchester a place where all children, young people, and families can live well. SHiFT is committed to playing its full part in making that happen.” One young person whose life has been helped by SHiFT Tameside is Chris. Chris faced numerous challenges from a young age: family instability led him to miss and be excluded from school which in turn exposed him to criminal exploitation, from taking drugs to being attacked with a machete. After being invited to take part in SHiFT, it took time for Chris and his Guide to build a trusting relationship, Chris and his family felt that they'd been let down previously by other professionals. The breakthrough came when his Guide attended court and spoke on his behalf helping him to avoid being remanded to custody. , The trust between them grew and Chris began to open up to his Guide. Through their work together Chris reduced his drug use, he began to access mental health support, and identify positive interests for him to take part in. It resulted in him making positive decisions, such as learning to drive, living back safely with his family and working to find the right job for himself. Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green said: “Providing young people with positive opportunities for their future is the key to helping them to live well and be diverted away from a possible life of crime and violence. “This is a vital part of SHiFT's programme and of the Violence Reduction Unit. This is one of many initiatives we support across Greater Manchester through the VRU to reduce and ultimately prevent violence, as part of our 10-year Greater Than Violence strategy, and I'm delighted to see the positive outcomes the programme has delivered detailed in this report.” The programme was a collaboration between Tameside Council, Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit, and the national charity SHiFT. Tameside was the first area outside of London to partner with SHiFT, with Manchester launching a subsequent programme in November 2023. Notes to editors Picture: (L-R) Chair of SHiFT, Professor Martin Griffiths, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Sophie Humphreys OBE, Co-Founder and Trustee SHiFT, and Damian Dallimore, Director of Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit About Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit: The VRU is a team of subject leads and experts from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester National Probation Service, Public Health, NHS, Education, Community Voluntary Sector, Victim's Voice, Youth Justice, and Local Authorities. The VRU addresses the underlying causes of violence and works together with communities to prevent it. Overseen by the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, the VRU delivers the Greater than Violence Strategy, which focusses on preventing violence and responding swiftly and appropriately when it occurs. The strategy aims to improve lives by preventing violence, supporting victims, families, and communities affected, and providing positive opportunities to those at risk of violence. The VRU's community-led approach ensures that local investments are made based on the strengths, challenges, and needs of the community. About SHiFT: SHiFT is a systems change organisation that exists to break the destructive cycle of crime; a charity that partners with public services to demonstrate the benefits of working differently, with a consistent, intensive relationship between a child or young person and a highly skilled practitioner for at least 18 months. SHiFT is demonstrating its approach by scaling high impact ‘insider-outsider' Practices across England, showing that it is possible for practice, including within statutory services, to be delivered differently to secure better, long term, safeguarding, public protection, and fiscal outcomes. Through practice, and evidence of its impacts, we seek to influence policy and practice locally, regionally, and nationally so that SHiFT becomes business as usual within existing teams and structures. Our aim is to become the way of working with vulnerable adolescents across all services relevant to their lives. Since SHiFT was founded in 2020, we have worked alongside children, young people, and their families in seven SHiFT Practices. Evidence of impact in this work to date includes a 41% reduction in proven offences, 58% reduction in reported missing episodes, and 51% reduction in arrests. Further information from SHiFT Tameside report: Alongside Chris' story, other child and family stories referenced in the SHiFT Tameside report include: Lucy's Story: Lucy experienced significant trauma and instability, including the sudden death of her father and subsequent school exclusion. Her SHiFT Guide played a crucial role in rebuilding her self-esteem and supporting her return to mainstream education. Key moments in Lucy's journey include:
Aiden's Story: Aiden faced multiple challenges, including frequently going missing from home and involvement with various agencies. His SHiFT Guide provided consistent support, helping Aiden navigate complex situations and make positive changes. Key moments in Aiden's journey include:
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