A PROGRAMME led by a national charity has helped to reduce the number of pupils suspended or excluded from Tameside schools.
SHiFT has released a report showing the success of its programme, which was part funded by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
Known as SHiFT Tameside, the programme – supported by Tameside Council – has reduced school suspensions and exclusions amongst its participants by over 60 per cent and reduced their proven offences by over 20 per cent.
According to the report, the initiative – rolled out to young people from February 2023 – has improved school attendance, reduced missing episodes and decreased risks of exploitation and experiencing violence through tailored, intensive, one-to-one and relationship-based support.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham joined the VRU and SHiFT in meeting young people supported by the programme at a recent event in Manchester.
“Too often services are taught to fix a problem rather than to see the persons affected,” said Mr Burnham.
“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.”
Tameside was the first area outside of London to partner with SHiFT – a systems change organisation – whose programme has helped young people including Chris.
He faced numerous challenges from a young age, as 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.
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 to live safer, happier lives.”