Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit

28/08/2026

Growing up within Stockport, Niall has faced his own challenges and understands the barriers facing young people growing up in Greater Manchester. Niall discovered a love for boxing through local sessions and, through years of discipline and commitment, has forged himself a path of formidable success within professional boxing.

Niall recently spent time with connecting with the young people on the Stockport County Trust boxing programme, offering up a wealth of knowledge, encouragement and understanding, injected with a hearty dose of inspiration.

Just like Niall, we know that anything is possible for the young people of Greater Manchester with the right support and opportunities.

25/08/2026

At the 2026 MBacc summit, leaders and education professionals met with local communities to discuss the best ways to support young people in accessing education and careers.

Lee-Ann Igbon is the strategic lead for The Hideaway who deliver the VRU-funded 'We Can Work It Out' programme. Lee-Ann spoke about the challenges that young people face and contributed her insight on the best ways to support them past individual barriers.

Technical education pathways, proactive protection of young people at risk of violence, and local business engagement are central to providing young people with a promising future.

18/08/2026

This year, a new public mural "The Power of Change" showcased in Darnhill. The mural by The Butterfly Effected and Culture Coop was shaped by conversations with those locally who have found belonging through community safe spaces.

"The hooded figure represents someone pausing between darkness and light, deciding to reflect rather than react. Flowers illustrate growth and healing; the transformation of difficult experiences into something positive. The figure holds a glowing light representing hope, understanding, and the power to make better choices”

11/08/2026

The biggest question surrounding knife crime is often 'why?'.

To mark Knife Crime Awareness Week this year, we worked in collaboration with PeerScroller to create a short film addressing this very question. Check it out here: https://orlo.uk/GUrV8

Let us know, what do you think is the biggest pressure facing young people when it comes to knife crime?

The GMCA VRU commissioned Peerscroller by Yipiyap to create a bite size video to help young people make the positive choice to walk away from a knife related incident and avoid a life changing fatal consequence.

05/08/2026

Kameela is a talented young professional who found success in her career through the We Can Work It Out Programme delivered by The Hideaway.

After years of studying and attending her local youth club, Kameela took this programme in her stride.

Through engagement with the programme, Kameela developed tools for growth and a strong professional insight that assisted her in landing a fantastic job with Sisk, of which she has just finished her first year of employment delivering social value initiatives organisation wide.

We can't wait to see what lies ahead for Kameela!

16/06/2026

We are immensely proud that Michael Phipps MBE, the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise Sector Strategic Lead for the VRU, has been named among the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2026 as an outstanding contributor to his community.

Michael is employed by Bolton CVS, on behalf of 10GM, and has been deservedly recognised for his hearty and driven contributions in supporting young people access services and lay strong foundations for their future. The team are beyond proud of Michael’s achievement and remain grateful for his enthusiastic and generous provision of support, expertise and hope for the young people of Greater Manchester.

Read more here: https://orlo.uk/vYf7G

15/06/2026

A statement from the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities:

26/05/2026

In our May bulletin, we’re reflecting on the work of Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit that has led to real impact across the years.

We are proud to fund incredible projects that support young people on a pathway that does not involve violence.

Don’t miss out on our monthly updates, sign up for sector insight here: https://orlo.uk/0X8uK

23/05/2026

Worried about someone carrying a knife but don’t want to talk to the police?

Fearless enables young people to pass information on about crime without having to give any personal details.

Fore more information, visit: https://orlo.uk/K5Hte

20/05/2026

Do you know someone who carries a knife?

Are you worried somebody is going to get hurt?

Young people can pass information to Fearless anonymously. They will not ask for any of your personal information.

Be fearless and speak up about knife crime to help keep your community safe.

For more information, visit: https://orlo.uk/S4zjE