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.
