A series of murals, designed and painted by young people, have appeared across Greater Manchester with the words ‘violence isn’t me…. I am greater.’
There are three murals across Greater Manchester – The Beacon Youth Centre in Salford, Bury Market in Bury, and Hyde Youth Centre in Tameside.
Funded by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the murals are a physical display of young people’s commitment to being greater than violence, as part of the I am greater campaign. Launched in 2021 and led by young people, the campaign encourages young people to be greater than violence by thinking about what’s important to them in life – their values – and when this will be important to them in their future – their aspirations.
The campaign also teaches young people how violence can escalate and encourages them to be an active bystander by intervening safely when violent language is used among their peer group. Young people are encouraged to take one of three actions; be direct – ask their friend to stop, distract – encourage their friend to leave the situation, or ask for help from another friend, teacher, youth worker or appropriate person.
A series of workshops were held with young people to inform them about the campaign and consider their own reasons for being greater, they were also taught how to use paints and stencils and had the opportunity to contribute to the mural design by adding their reasons for being greater to make their own personal commitment and inspire other young people.
The VRU teamed up with street artist Oskar with a K, a muralist and artist based in Manchester, to design and paint the murals.
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Fire, Bev Hughes, said: “The I am greater campaign is the Violence Reduction Unit’s flagship campaign for young people. Young people have shared their stories in a series of powerful videos, including individuals who have personally experienced the impact of serious violence. To date, the campaign has achieved over 11 million impressions.
“The campaign also includes resources for schools and youth groups, and videos for parents.
“The murals are a fantastic display of young people’s commitment to being greater than violence and serve as a reminder of the bright future young people in Greater Manchester can go on to achieve.”
