Set up in 2019, SHiFT is an organisation that works to break the destructive cycle of crime and offending by offering targeted support and opportunities for young people.

It has already been successful in some other areas of the country and first came to Greater Manchester in the Tameside borough. It has now come to Manchester itself thanks to a partnership with Manchester City Council and the Violence Reduction Unit.

The launch itself took place at the Castlefield rooms on Castle Street, Manchester and involved an introduction to the aims of SHiFT and great words from Manchester City Council , representatives of SHiFT and Manchester Children’s services.

The event was extremely well attended by representatives of the Youth Justice Teams, Greater Manchester Police, Safeguarding Officers, Children’s Services, education providers and other concerned parties.

Rob said,

“I was delighted to attend the Launch of SHiFT in Manchester. It was fabulous to see the passion and commitment of the ‘Guides’ who will work with the young people, and I sensed a real optimism that there can be change for the better in working to reduce remand in custody rates and reduce the over-representation of black and ethnic minorities in the youth custodial estate”.

Last mentioned but by no means least was the thought provoking dramatisation by Odd Arts which stimulated discussion amongst all those present.

This is a real positive to Manchester and I look forward to working with those involved in the coming months.”

To read more about SHiFT and the work that they do, see the SHiFT website here or click here to donate to this extremely worthwhile charity.