STUDENTS at a Dukinfield secondary school were given a powerful lesson in resilience and community action when a leading anti-violence campaigner visited to share her story.
Professor Erinma Bell, whose name is already a permanent fixture at Rayner Stephens High School, met the very students who represent her legacy through the school’s Erinma House.
Professor Bell, a councillor and Deputy Lieutenant, is widely recognised for her work tackling violent crime in Manchester, particularly in Moss Side and Longsight.
She co-founded CARISMA, now part of the Chrysalis Foundation, helping young people find positive alternatives to street and gun crime.
Her impact has also been immortalised at Manchester Town Hall, where a portrait bust created from metal taken from 50 seized guns stands as the first sculpture of a woman displayed there in 150 years.
During her visit to the Yew Tree Lane school, she was welcomed by headteacher Martin Davies before speaking directly to students from Erinma House.
Drawing on her own life experiences, Professor Bell delivered a thought-provoking talk, encouraging young people to think about their role in creating safer communities.
She stressed that change begins at a local level, within families, schools and neighbourhoods, before reaching a wider global stage.
After the assembly, a smaller group of students met her in the library for a more personal discussion, where they raised issues including knife and gun crime in Manchester. Students described her as approachable and inspiring, with many visibly moved by her honesty about both the challenges she has faced and her achievements, including being awarded an MBE.
Headteacher Martin Davies said: “It was a privilege to welcome Professor Erinma Bell to the school, particularly as one of our houses proudly bears her name. Her visit brought the values of Erinma House, and our school, to life, inspiring our students to reflect, aspire and continue striving to make a positive difference in their communities.”
For many pupils, the visit helped bridge the gap between the name of their school house and the real-life story behind it – offering a reminder that positive change is not only possible, but can start with individuals in their own community.