YOUNG people are finding new ways to learn, grow and connect, thanks to a year-long programme led by Tameside Youth Justice Service (YJS).
Over the past 12 months, YJS engagement workers have partnered with local sports clubs and community organisations to create accessible activities that encourage positive, pro-social behaviour.
The work supports young people aged 10 to 17 who have previously been involved in crime, helping them make better choices while supporting their families to understand the justice system and access wider services.
Key partnerships with Dukinfield Town and Youth Junior Football Club and Eighty-Four CIC helped secure funding to deliver tailored sessions across the borough.
Young people were offered a wide range of opportunities, including cycle-ops bike building, a trip to a Manchester City football match, a water adventure centre girls’ group, and gaming-based engagement sessions at We Are Gamerz Lounge.
Weekly open sessions at Astley Sports Village in Dukinfield ran alongside professional training with Manchester Top Team MMA and boxing, and a six-week intensive anti-social behaviour programme with Samson Boxing Gym.
Creativity also played a central role. Through the Urban Arts Project, Tameside YJS worked with the Tameside Leaving Care team to co-create two unique artworks, now displayed in the Youth Hub in Ashton-under-Lyne.
As part of the project, participants joined the Clean Kicks programme, delivered by The Rio Ferdinand Foundation and funded by Tameside Futures. The scheme taught young people how to refurbish and customise old trainers, giving them practical skills and the chance to resell their designs for a profit.
Other activities included kayaking funded by Tameside Futures, free weekly football sessions, rock climbing, bowling, a charity hike and crazy golf with Eighty-Four CIC.
One highlight was a charity hike to Wild Bank Hill in Stalybridge, which raised more than £500 for local mental health charity The Anthony Seddon Fund. Three young people planned and led the hike themselves, choosing the route and guiding the group, helping them build confidence, leadership and teamwork.
One 13-year-old participant said: “I had never been on a hike before and did not know places like this were near Stalybridge. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. My feet and shoes got all muddy, but it was fun looking back on it.”
YJS says the project has helped young people build trusting relationships, develop personally and feel a sense of belonging, while breaking down barriers and challenging the stigma often attached to those involved in the justice system.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith, said: “Giving our children and young people the best start in life but also the opportunity to learn are two of our key corporate priorities and it’s great to see this strong partnership of our Tameside Youth Justice Service and local sports providers helping to steer young people, who may be vulnerable to negative influences, into more positive choices and activities. This in turn has positive benefits for the wider community.
“Seeing local young people get involved in opportunities they may not have experienced before and giving them the chance to build friendships and relationships is truly uplifting. Well done and thank you to all that took part and took the time to organise it!”