A collaborative mural created by children and young people to
help express their voices, creativity, and vision for a more
positive future has been launched today by Greater Manchester's
Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). The mural was the focus of a day
of activities held in Trafford as part of the VRU's I Am Greater
campaign, aimed at tackling youth violence across the
city-region.
Along with children and young people from Greater Manchester,
sports and arts organisations from across the city-region joined
social media influencers involved in the campaign at today's
launch. The event was hosted at Gorse Hill Studios, an ambitious
youth arts charity based in Stretford. Attendees were invited to
add to the mural, and prizes were awarded for standout
contributions. The event also featured an open music studio
session, showcasing the venue as an example of the positive
spaces and activities on offer across Greater Manchester this
Easter.
Damian Dallimore, Director of Greater Manchester's VRU,
said:
“School holidays are an exciting time for children and young
people, but we know how difficult it can be for parents and
carers to find things to keep them entertained and engaged. And
we know that whilst many activities are available, they can often
be expensive and require travel.
“That is why the VRU works with a range of sports and arts
organisations across our city-region, including charities like
Gorse Hill Studios, to ensure that there are activities available
in Greater Manchester which young people want, are accessible,
safe, and help to build their ambitions and resilience.”
Launched in March this year, this phase of the I Am Greater
campaign celebrates the activities available for people aged
14-25 in Greater Manchester, from sports and creative activities
to youth clubs and community projects.
Caroline Greaves, Chief Officer, Gorse Hill Studios
said:
“It's been great to be able to host today's event and be part of
the I Am Greater campaign.
“Whilst we offer arts and creative projects all year round, we
find schools holidays an important opportunity for young people
to have the space to challenge themselves, to step outside their
comfort zone and try different things, and meet new people from
all sections of their community.
“The school holidays play a huge role in young people's lives,
particularly in the transition from primary to high school, and
from high school to further education. The learning outside of
school is just as important and beneficial as learning in school
in building a young person's social skills and confidence.”
George Bailey, Facilitator of Trafford's Community
Alliance said:
“Having safe spaces for young people to go and express themselves
is vital. It helps improve their mental health, education, and
overall development into more rounded people.
"Partners like Gorse Hill Studios are a lifeline to young people
and their communities, and that is why the VRU's community-led
approach is so important. By supporting our partners, the VRU can
better understand what young people want and need, and
effectively reduce violence. This is the pin that keeps
communities together.
"Today's event and mural will serve as a living reminder for
young people that their opinions and views matter, that they
aren't alone, and that they have a place in building their own
legacy in their communities.”
The campaign is part of the wider Greater than Violence Strategy,
which commits to working together with individuals and
communities to understand their strengths, challenges, and ideas.
The strategy builds on work led by the VRU since 2019 and sets
out an ambitious 10-year journey to prevent and reduce violence.
We know that being out of school during the holidays can increase
the risk for some young people to experience violence. We hope
that by promoting the brilliant spaces and different activities
available across our city-region will make young people more
likely to get involved and spend their time outside of school
beneficially.
The VRU is a multi-agency team that seeks to tackle violence by
addressing the underlying causes. Its work provides positive
opportunities to those at risk and supports those affected.
Violence has a devastating impact on victims and their families,
as well as local communities. Over the last three years, the rate
of violence against the person offences has fallen by 9% in
Greater Manchester. However, in 2024 alone, more than 18,000
people aged under 18 years were victims of violence.
