MAKING CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE MATTER
The main aim of Mothers Against Violence is to work with young people to ensure they are safe sound and secure in their local communities. We also work to provide then with the support they need to establish themselves as fully integrated young people with the ability to enrich others. We believe children and young people matter now more than ever.
Young MAV — Children & Young People Matter
Delivered by Mothers Against Violence UK (MAVUK)
*Safe. Sound. Secure. Empowered.*
Our Commitment to Young People
The main aim of MAV UK is to work with young people to ensure they are safe, sound, and secure in their local communities.
This is not simply a statement of intent — it is the beating heart of everything MAVUK does, every single day. Born out of heartbreak, shaped by resilience, and driven by an unshakeable love for community, MAVUK has stood firm in its commitment to young people for over 25 years.
Since August 1999, Mothers Against Violence (MAV) have supported the inner-city communities of Greater Manchester — birthed at a time when gun violence was at its worst in the inner city.
A meeting was held, and mothers from across the South Manchester area met to discuss how, as a community, they could stop these senseless killings and deter their children from the illusion of gang culture and gun crime.
From that moment of collective courage, a movement was born — and young people have remained at the very centre of it ever since.
MAV UK is a Manchester-based charity dedicated to supporting communities affected by violence, promoting peace, and empowering young people.
We believe, now more than ever, that children and young people are not just the future — **they are the present**, and they deserve to be treated as such.
Why Young People Matter ? — The Context
To understand the depth of MAVUK's work with young people, one must first understand the environment from which it emerged.
There were several gangs operating in the area; street violence, which sadly included a high volume of gun crime murders, was at an alarming level — leading to the area being dubbed **"Gun-Chester."** In 2002, the inner city of Manchester was recorded to have nine unsolved gang-related murders at one time.
The police were finding it hard to manage problems; much of this was due to the fear of gangs and, at times, a fear of the police. As a result, witnesses often failed to come forward — leaving many victims of such crimes feeling fear and shame, and leading them to suffer in silence.
A study by UNISON reported that a total of 1,243 council-run youth centres closed between 2010 and 2023, highlighting the critical decline of safe spaces that young people rely on for social interaction, skill development, and wellbeing. A recent report highlighted that **93% of young people that attend a youth centre say it has made a positive difference to their lives.** The loss of so many youth hubs places young people at risk of isolation and loneliness, making them vulnerable to being swept into gang culture or taking part in anti-social activities on the streets.
It is within this landscape that [MAVUK]'s work with young people becomes not just valuable — but **vital.**
Our Mission for Young People:
MAVUK's work with young people is guided by a clear, compassionate, and comprehensive mission:
- To ensure that every young person in our community feels **safe, sound, and secure**
- To provide young people with the **support, tools, and opportunities** they need to thrive
- To establish young people as **fully integrated members of their communities**
- To nurture the capacity of young people to **enrich the lives of those around them**
- To actively **challenge and dismantle** the conditions that draw young people into violence, crime, and exploitation
- To celebrate young people's **identity, creativity, culture, and potential**
- To relieve poverty, advance education, and to promote social inclusion — in particular the social inclusion of young people within the community — by relieving their needs and working with them towards the eradication of violence
Full Integration — More Than Just Safety
At MAVUK, we understand that keeping young people safe is only the beginning. True success means supporting young people to **grow into their full potential** — as individuals, as community members, and as leaders.
We work to provide young people with the support they need to establish themselves as **fully integrated young people** with the ability to enrich others. This means going far beyond crisis intervention. It means investing in:
- **Identity** — helping young people understand who they are, where they come from, and what they are capable of
- **Relationships** — building the social skills and emotional intelligence needed for healthy, meaningful connections
- **Opportunity** — opening doors to education, employment, creativity, and civic participation
- **Voice** — ensuring young people are heard, respected, and involved in decisions that affect their lives
A key part of young people's experience is how they see themselves and their environment, including what is happening in school and how they experience law enforcement.
MAVUK recognises these realities and works deliberately to ensure that young people's experiences are **affirming, safe, and enriching** across every domain of their lives.
Our Work in Schools & Education:
Education is one of the most powerful protective factors in a young person's life.
Mothers Against Violence have built strong relationships with schools, colleges, police, local churches, and Manchester City Council.
MAV developed a project called **"STOP & REACH,"** which provided one-to-one mentoring support sessions in the local area, delivered by qualified counsellors and mentors. These sessions engaged young people, providing free weekly sessions of support, addressing issues related to improving overall mental health and wellbeing. Sessions explored issues related to anti-social behaviours, which often led to the sharp increase of knife crime experienced in the local area and nationally.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, MAVUK lost some of its connections within schools and with Greater Manchester Police. As an organisation, [MAVUK] is committed to improving its commitment to working with the police and with local schools — recognising that schools and police were key to the early years of Mothers Against Violence, 25 years ago.
MAVUK works directly within school settings to:
- Deliver **awareness workshops** on gun crime, knife crime, and anti-social behaviour
- Provide **one-to-one mentoring** for young people at risk of exclusion
- Support young people who are **not in education, employment, or training (NEET)**
- Work alongside Greater Manchester Police, providing workshops that contributed to the training of new police officers.
Mentoring & One-to-One Support:
At the heart of MAVUK's work with young people is a deeply personal, human-centred approach to mentoring and individual support.
The project offered alternative solutions to problems which prevented violence and encouraged a more socially acceptable outcome. The young people who engaged with the project experienced resettlement and rehabilitation, evidenced by **enhanced life skills** and an increased preparation for employment or training. The young people reported that hearing stories from victims and their families was most beneficial.
One of MAVUK's team members is a highly respected youth mentor, FA-qualified football coach, and creative practitioner with over 15 years' experience working in pupil referral units (PRUs) across Greater Manchester. Known for a calm, encouraging approach, they have supported hundreds of young people to build confidence, stay engaged in positive activities, and reach their potential. Alongside work in education, they deliver community-based football programmes and run music events designed to bring young people together in safe, supportive environments. Their passion for youth development, combined with the ability to connect with young people from all backgrounds, makes them a valued member of the [MAV UK] team — leading on football, music production, and mentoring within the [MAV UK] Youth Enrichment Programme, helping young people develop discipline, creativity, and real opportunities for progression.
Youth Enrichment — Creativity, Culture & Expression:
MAVUK firmly believes that young people flourish when they are given **space to create, express, and discover themselves.** Cultural and creative activities are not extras — they are **essential tools** for building identity, resilience, and belonging.
At MAVUK's Hulme Hall, activities are provided for young people on a regular basis. A dedicated space on a Monday evening allows young people to actively participate in **pro-social activities, including regular dance sessions for young people from as young as 5 years old.** Sports holiday camps are organised, and cultural events such as **Kwanzaa celebrations** are curated. With a BA in Dance and a passion for community, team members inspire young people through creativity and encouragement — ensuring better opportunities are given in the local community for all young people.
MAV's aim is to continue putting on programmes and events which will give the youth of our city the **time and space to engage in community programmes** and to focus their energies on doing positive things in communities.
Creative and cultural activities offered through [Young MAV] include:
- **Music Production & Performance** — developing artistic talent and discipline
- **Football & Sports Programmes** — building teamwork, confidence, and physical health
- **Dance & Movement** — promoting self-expression, joy, and physical wellbeing
- **Art & Creative Projects** — processing experience and building pride in identity
- **Cultural Celebrations** — honouring heritage and building a sense of belonging
Safeguarding & Violence Prevention:
Protecting young people from the devastating impact of violence — whether as victims, witnesses, or those at risk of involvement — is central to everything MAVUK does.
Children and young people impacted by adverse childhood experiences often don't know what it's like to live in a safe and secure environment, so they may seek safety in inappropriate places. Studies have shown that children who have experienced adverse childhood events are much more likely to be both **victims and perpetrators** of violent crimes.
MAVUK responds to this reality with urgency, care, and expertise. Through its network of services, MAVUK:
- Provides **early intervention** before young people reach crisis point
- Offers **trauma-informed support** for young people affected by violence or bereavement
- Delivers **gang exit support and mediation** for those seeking a way out
- Works with **Youth Offending Teams** and schools on referrals for young people needing additional behavioural support
- Supports **young girls** increasingly drawn into gang involvement and anti-social behaviour
- Funds all counselling and supervision of staff working on projects which help address issues related to **knife crime**, through the **STOP & REACH** Knife Crime Prevention Project
The Making Children & Young People Matter (MCYPM) Project:
Mothers Against Violence (MAV)] hosts its annual **Making Children and Young People Matter** event in Manchester City Centre. The event's theme, **"Making a Positive Contribution,"** is drawn from one of the five outcomes of the *Every Child Matters* framework for children in the UK.
[MAV] ensures they pay tribute to those in the community who have made a positive contribution, helping to guide children in the local community towards making a positive difference.
This flagship event serves as a powerful annual reminder that young people's contributions to society deserve to be **celebrated, honoured, and amplified.**
From Victims to Changemakers:
MAVUK's deepest aspiration for the young people it serves is transformation — not just survival, but **genuine flourishing.** We do not see the young people we work with as problems to be managed. We see them as **assets to be nurtured, voices to be amplified, and leaders in the making.**
MAV has worked tirelessly and fiercely to raise awareness and bring together communities and agencies in an attempt to address these issues.
Through this unwavering commitment, young people who once felt invisible are finding their voice. Those who were once defined by the trauma of their environments are rewriting their stories — becoming mentors, advocates, and community builders themselves.
The vision is clear: **"People who have been affected by violent crime in Greater Manchester are able to fulfil their potential and play a full role in society."**
A Safe and Welcoming Space — Hulme Hall:
MAVUK now has a **25-year lease for Hulme Hall Centre** and is committed to working with Manchester City Council's Estate Team to ensure positive changes are made at Hulme Hall Centre, increasing positive movement and opportunity for the community.
This community hub is more than a building — it is **a home for young people** where they can arrive as they are, be supported where they stand, and leave with a stronger sense of who they are and what they can become. It is a space where:
- Every young person is **welcomed without judgement**
- Support is **culturally sensitive and community-rooted**
- Programmes are **designed around the real needs** of local young people
- The environment speaks the message: **"You matter. You belong. You are valued."**
Summary — Our Promise to Young People:
MAVUK's work with young people is a **living promise** — renewed every day through every session, every mentoring conversation, every creative workshop, and every act of community care. It is a promise that says: We see you. We hear you. We believe in you аnd we will not stop until every young person in our community is truly safe, sound, secure — and free to shine.*
MAV UK is proud to have been supported by the **National Lottery** for the past 10 years, and looks forward to this support continuing as [MAVUK] enters its 25th year of working in the community.
Children and young people do not just matter — **they are the reason [MAVUK] exists.** Every service we deliver, every partnership we build, and every barrier we break down is done with one simple truth in our hearts:**When young people thrive, whole communities are transformed.**