Safer Stronger

Violence Reduction Unit programme in Tameside reduces school suspensions and expulsions by over 60%

National charity, SHiFT, has released a report showing the success of its programme based in Tameside, part-funded by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
Known as SHiFT Tameside, the programme has reduced school suspensions and exclusions amongst its participants by over 60% and reduced their proven offences by over 20%.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester joined the VRU and SHiFT in meeting young people supported by the programme at an event held in Manchester on Tuesday 10 December.

An innovative programme supported by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and delivered by national charity, SHiFT, has helped reduce and prevent youth violence through tailored, intensive, one-to-one and relationship-based support.

The initiative, known as SHiFT Tameside, was rolled out to young people from February 2023, and a new report has shown that it has improved school attendance, reduced missing episodes, and decreased risks of exploitation and experiencing violence.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

"The success of the SHiFT Tameside pilot highlights the dedication and innovative approach of our Violence Reduction Unit.

“Too often services are taught to fix a problem rather than to see the persons affected. By focusing on the individual needs of young people and their parents and carers, providing consistent and compassionate support, we are making a real difference to people’s lives. This programme has shown that with this approach, we can break the cycles of crime and exploitation and empower our young people to take positive action. It demonstrates how Greater Manchester can provide the best opportunities for young people to live well.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work done by the VRU and all our partners in delivering this initiative for Tameside and in our city-region."

Of the 16 participants interviewed as part of evaluating the programme, it was found that:

Proven offences had decreased by 23% equating to 10 fewer offences, enabling young people to live more safely, causing less harm to themselves and others, and saving significant costs for multiple agencies and services.
Missing episodes had reduced by 39% preventing 88 incidents and the vulnerability to criminal and sexual exploitation that is often linked to children going missing from home and saving approximately £99,600 in investigation costs.
Child exploitation concerns had decreased by 61%, helping to safeguard at-risk young people.
63% fewer school suspensions and exclusions, promoting better educational outcomes and life chances, and keeping children in school, safe and part of a community.

Chair of SHiFT, Professor Martin Griffiths, said:

"By working with rather than doing to, investing time to really listen and understand what the young person and family want rather than doing only what professionals think is needed, and by putting the relationship at the centre of everything, SHiFT has created the right context for young people in Tameside – the young people who professionals were most worried when our work began - to live safer, happier lives. SHiFT Tameside has operationalised hope and I’m really proud, listening especially to the stories of young people and their families today, of what the Practice has achieved.”

“Since starting work in Tameside, SHiFT Manchester has launched and this Practice is also making profoundly positive impacts, particularly in preventing children being remanded to custody. We share the mayor’s vision for systems change and determination to make Greater Manchester a place where all children, young people, and families can live well. SHiFT is committed to playing its full part in making that happen.”

One young person whose life has been helped by SHiFT Tameside is Chris. Chris faced numerous challenges from a young age: family instability led him to miss and be excluded from school which in turn exposed him to criminal exploitation, from taking drugs to being attacked with a machete. After being invited to take part in SHiFT, it took time for Chris and his Guide to build a trusting relationship, Chris and his family felt that they’d been let down previously by other professionals. The breakthrough came when his Guide attended court and spoke on his behalf helping him to avoid being remanded to custody. , The trust between them grew and Chris began to open up to his Guide. Through their work together Chris reduced his drug use, he began to access mental health support, and identify positive interests for him to take part in. It resulted in him making positive decisions, such as learning to drive, living back safely with his family and working to find the right job for himself.

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green said:

“Providing young people with positive opportunities for their future is the key to helping them to live well and be diverted away from a possible life of crime and violence.

“This is a vital part of SHiFT’s programme and of the Violence Reduction Unit. This is one of many initiatives we support across Greater Manchester through the VRU to reduce and ultimately prevent violence, as part of our 10-year Greater Than Violence strategy, and I’m delighted to see the positive outcomes the programme has delivered detailed in this report.”

The programme was a collaboration between Tameside Council, Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit, and the national charity SHiFT. Tameside was the first area outside of London to partner with SHiFT, with Manchester launching a subsequent programme in November 2023.

Notes to Editors

Picture: (L-R) Chair of SHiFT, Professor Martin Griffiths, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Sophie Humphreys OBE, Co-Founder and Trustee SHiFT, and Damian Dallimore, Director of Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit

Further information from SHiFT Tameside report: Alongside Chris’ story, other child and family stories referenced in the SHiFT Tameside report include:

Lucy's Story: Lucy experienced significant trauma and instability, including the sudden death of her father and subsequent school exclusion. Her SHiFT Guide played a crucial role in rebuilding her self-esteem and supporting her return to mainstream education.

Key moments in Lucy's journey include:

Family Support: Lucy's Guide arranged a family holiday to Blackpool, helping to strengthen family bonds and provide a much-needed break.
Educational Advocacy: The Guide worked closely with Lucy and her school to develop a plan for her return to mainstream education, advocating for increased support and understanding of her needs.
Building Confidence: Through activities like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and exercise, Lucy's guide helped her build confidence and achieve academic success. Lucy is now back in mainstream school, feeling more confident and proud of her achievements.

Aiden's Story: Aiden faced multiple challenges, including frequently going missing from home and involvement with various agencies. His SHiFT Guide provided consistent support, helping Aiden navigate complex situations and make positive changes.

Key moments in Aiden's journey include:

Court Advocacy: Aiden's Guide supported him during court appearances, challenging negative narratives and highlighting the risks he faced from others in the community.
Family Engagement: The Guide worked with Aiden's parents to improve their parenting strategies and strengthen family support.
Positive Changes: Aiden stopped going missing, began attending college regularly, and is now focused on creating a safe and happy future for his child.

Find a link to the full report here (PDF, 6.9mb)

Article Published: 17/12/2024 16:39 PM