YOUNG people in Tameside schools have been watching a hard-hitting play aimed at reducing violence against women and girls, as part of an initiative funded by cash seized from criminals.
Breaking Barriers conducted a 20-minute monologue performance followed by a 30-minute facilitated workshop, encouraging pupils to look into deeper understanding of what violence against women and girls means, and how it can be supported by creating safer spaces.
The organisation spent time speaking to the younger generation about violence against women and girls, to learn what is concerning them and what can be done. These conversations were then worked into the script of the informative production, to ensure that the tour targets areas that were shown as a concern.
The work was commissioned by both Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Police, as part of their joint commitment to tackle violence against women and girls in the borough’s communities.
It’s the latest initiative helping to benefit the local community through cash recovered from criminals by police and distributed to forces via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).
Among the schools that the tour has visited is Fairfield High School For Girls – the only all-girls school in the borough – where Chief Inspector Claire Galt and School Engagement Officers, Police Constables Tony Lawton and Greg Howard, were in attendance.
Chief Inspector Galt, of GMP’s Tameside Neighbourhood Team, said: “We understand the importance of educating young people of these behaviours and it is more engaging when the information is presented as a play to students.
“It is really great to see criminals’ finances being invested into communities across Greater Manchester to fund good causes that benefit our local communities.
“The activities must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe, and care for victims.
“We need to continue to work hard alongside our partners to combat these issues that are present in our communities, and we feel the best way to do this is to prevent, and by engaging with our younger generations we are closer to achieving this.”
Councillor Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health, commented: “Helping to educate and support young people in challenging violence and harassment against women and girls is a huge step in starting to change behaviours now and in future years.
“I hope the young people come away from the sessions feeling informed, heard and empowered.”