Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit

07/10/2026

Jasper began working with Salford Foundation after struggling to engage at school and make healthy friendships.

The BLOCKS programme mentor worked with Jasper on discussing emotions, building relationships with peers on the programme and providing behavioural support for his aggression. Now, Jasper has a positive relationship with his mentor, has found joy in regularly attending his local football and choir clubs, and has worked hard at school after bettering his understanding of healthy relationships and consequences.

Learn more about the work of the Salford foundation here: https://orlo.uk/qFgkz

30/09/2026

Ten young people, aged 17 to 19, had the exciting opportunity to spend two days learning a new sport this summer, choosing either skiing or snowboarding.

Snow Camp develops skills, confidence, and understanding around wellbeing , while opening up paths to follow on with work experience and apprenticeships through the programme.

Congratulations Snow Camp 2026!

24/09/2026

Our September bulletin is live!

From partner-led safety events to shared learning, we can all strive towards a safer future for our young people.

Sign up for our monthly bulletin here: https://orlo.uk/di0YO

17/09/2026

This August, GMFRS colleagues hosted their annual TAKEOVER event, where partners from across Greater Manchester spent time with young people, providing a day of activities around personal safety.

This year, our friends StreetDoctors - Manchester showcased their Fatal Question campaign, which aims to dispel myths surrounding there being a "Safe Place To Stab" .

Read more here: https://orlo.uk/tjXce

28/08/2026

Growing up within Stockport, Niall has faced his own challenges and understands the barriers facing young people growing up in Greater Manchester. Niall discovered a love for boxing through local sessions and, through years of discipline and commitment, has forged himself a path of formidable success within professional boxing.

Niall recently spent time with connecting with the young people on the Stockport County Trust boxing programme, offering up a wealth of knowledge, encouragement and understanding, injected with a hearty dose of inspiration.

Just like Niall, we know that anything is possible for the young people of Greater Manchester with the right support and opportunities.

25/08/2026

At the 2026 MBacc summit, leaders and education professionals met with local communities to discuss the best ways to support young people in accessing education and careers.

Lee-Ann Igbon is the strategic lead for The Hideaway who deliver the VRU-funded 'We Can Work It Out' programme. Lee-Ann spoke about the challenges that young people face and contributed her insight on the best ways to support them past individual barriers.

Technical education pathways, proactive protection of young people at risk of violence, and local business engagement are central to providing young people with a promising future.

18/08/2026

This year, a new public mural "The Power of Change" showcased in Darnhill. The mural by The Butterfly Effected and Culture Coop was shaped by conversations with those locally who have found belonging through community safe spaces.

"The hooded figure represents someone pausing between darkness and light, deciding to reflect rather than react. Flowers illustrate growth and healing; the transformation of difficult experiences into something positive. The figure holds a glowing light representing hope, understanding, and the power to make better choices”

11/08/2026

The biggest question surrounding knife crime is often 'why?'.

To mark Knife Crime Awareness Week this year, we worked in collaboration with PeerScroller to create a short film addressing this very question. Check it out here: https://orlo.uk/GUrV8

Let us know, what do you think is the biggest pressure facing young people when it comes to knife crime?

The GMCA VRU commissioned Peerscroller by Yipiyap to create a bite size video to help young people make the positive choice to walk away from a knife related incident and avoid a life changing fatal consequence.

05/08/2026

Kameela is a talented young professional who found success in her career through the We Can Work It Out Programme delivered by The Hideaway.

After years of studying and attending her local youth club, Kameela took this programme in her stride.

Through engagement with the programme, Kameela developed tools for growth and a strong professional insight that assisted her in landing a fantastic job with Sisk, of which she has just finished her first year of employment delivering social value initiatives organisation wide.

We can't wait to see what lies ahead for Kameela!

16/06/2026

We are immensely proud that Michael Phipps MBE, the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise Sector Strategic Lead for the VRU, has been named among the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2026 as an outstanding contributor to his community.

Michael is employed by Bolton CVS, on behalf of 10GM, and has been deservedly recognised for his hearty and driven contributions in supporting young people access services and lay strong foundations for their future. The team are beyond proud of Michael’s achievement and remain grateful for his enthusiastic and generous provision of support, expertise and hope for the young people of Greater Manchester.

Read more here: https://orlo.uk/vYf7G