Labour councillors have welcomed £100k to fund various community-led projects geared to end violence amongst young people across Gorse Hill and Cornbrook ward.
The exciting initiative aims to better understand the main issues that lead to violence – and uncover what can be done to minimise and reduce such action.
Funding was granted by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit – and the work will be delivered by Gorse Hill Studios.
Plans for the project also include getting as many people involved as possible by creating a YouthBank panel, in addition to the creation of Gorse Hill Youth and Community Alliance, whose members consist of city-region and local project leaders.
Their help, knowledge and skills will be called on to support the delivery of each successful project in addition to managing the YouthBank group.
This innovative scheme aims to attract ambitious young people aged 14-19, who are interested in joining the team.
Successful local applicants will benefit from training by YouthBank International, be financially reimbursed for their time as well as receiving support to attend meetings.
Panellists will be heavily involved in assessing the funding applications in addition to deciding which projects receive financial support.
Cllrs George Devlin, Fianna Hornby and Dave Acton, have thrown their weight behind the scheme hailing it as an ‘unique’ way to work with young people while uncovering the reasons why some engage in violence.
Cllr Devlin, who was introduced to the scheme through his work with Trafford Community Collective, welcomed the project with open arms.
He added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage and learn from young people – and it is a chance to better understand some of the reasons why certain situations end-up violent.
“This is a unique project that will offer young people the chance to work alongside organisations and gain skills and experience that will inevitably benefit themselves and their community.
“I also want to encourage any local community groups to come forward with their ideas on how they may benefit from the funding and how their vision supports the work we are delivering within the community.”
For further information on the YouthBank or to enquire and submit a funding application please contact: [email protected]