Location

Youth Charter met with The Cheetham Hill Collective on the 24th June 2025 for a community consultation. The consultation was prompted by escalating safety concerns in the area, including the tragic death of Ibrahima Seck, threats to local community members, and ongoing violence affecting local youth. Participants consisted of young people, social workers, housing officers, youth workers, and of course, families and local residents.

The recent meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to express their concerns, and it was clear that they felt heard and understood. A primary focus of the discussion was the collective concern regarding safety and the notable increase in violent crime within the area.

Geoff Thompson has prepared an issue report that further highlights the key points and outcomes from this meeting.

Key issues identified from the community consultation

• Escalating youth violence and safety concerns

• Inadequate institutional response

• Systemic disempowerment of the community

• Lack of youth provision and facilities

• Breakdown in inter-agency coordination

Recommendations for immediate action

• Protection and intervention

• Empowering local leadership

• Infrastructure and policy

• Accountability and transparency

A follow up meeting took place on Thursday 24th July 2025, at the New Testament Church of God, which is also hosts to the local youth club. During the meeting, we discussed the upcoming Youth Charter Social Coach Leadership Programme Workshop on August 5th, 2025, and the process of registering to become a Social Coach. I was delighted to see so many participants express excitement about collaborating with Youth Charter.

It was wonderful to reconnect with Keshia Jacobs, Sharon Thomas, and Chloe Nuttall (pictured) from Iziko Youth Next Gen and the New Testament Church of God. They are currently running a summer playscheme at the church, and hearing about it brought back such fond memories of my own time attending the youth club there when I was younger. Summer playschemes were always a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends and participate in fun, engaging activities, truly embodying traditional youth work

On Tuesday 5th August members of the Cheetham Hill Collective attended the Youth Charter Manchester Community Campus SCLP Workshop at the Manchester Communication Academy where they contributed to in group activities that highlighted both the ongoing need and the renewed potential for a sustainable, coordinated, and holistic approach to youth engagement.