VRU

Collaborative mural launched in the latest phase of campaign tackling youth violence

Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit launches interactive art installation in celebration of the positive activities available to children and young people in Greater Manchester on evenings and weekends, or during the school holidays.
The event is part of the I Am Greater campaign, which aims to reduce the risks of young people experiencing violence by championing their aspirations, positive opportunities, and promoting their wellbeing.
Children and young people, sports and arts organisations, and social media influencers came together to 'be greater than violence' at the event held in Trafford on Thursday 17 April.

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.

Find more information, all campaign materials, and resources to download and join I Am Greater on the campaign’s website.

More information about the Violence Reduction Unit can be found on its website, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Article Published: 23/04/2025 10:55 AM