Our impact & the difference we make
Since 2012, MYZ continues to be a safe space to go when the school gates shut for young people from across North Manchester to discover their talents, fire up their aspirations, and enjoy healthier, happier lives.
The need/challenge in numbers
The actions we take
The outcome & impact of our work
Impact Stats FY 24/25
Our members face real and complex challenges
Many come from communities experiencing high levels of poverty, with 94% of our young people living in one of the most deprived areas in the UK and Harpurhey, where we’re based, is the sixth worst area for mental health in England. 60% of our members come from a BAME background, often facing additional systemic and social barriers, and 11% of 16 – 18-year-olds are not in education, employment or training leading to increased risk of social isolation, exploitation or involvement in criminal activity.
Manchester Youth Zone exists to raise aspirations, build confidence and create pathways to positive futures for our young people - especially those experiencing disadvantage, exclusion or hardship.
The Stories
At Manchester Youth Zone, our impact is reflected in the journeys of the young people who walk through our doors. Many arrive facing challenges and limited opportunities, but through the support, guidance, and opportunities we provide, they discover new pathways to brighter futures.
Every young person’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when they’re given access to a safe space, positive role models, and the chance to believe in themselves. Together, we’re not just helping young people grow, we’re empowering them to shape stronger communities and a better Manchester for the future.
The background
This young person was funny and smart but was struggling with education and was at risk of losing a place at college due to their attendance. The rigid structure of education proved challenging, and when this became overwhelming, their behaviour often declined. Eventually they fell into a negative peer group who had a poor influence of their behaviour and attitude.
It was clear that traditional approaches were simply not going to work, and that a more bespoke support for this young person.
The young person first attended Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ) & came to the attention of the Safeguarding team shortly after following concerns that they may be a victim of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
The challenge
The young person came to the attention of Police, Children’s Services, and Manchester Youth Zone due to frequent missing-from-home episodes. This escalated in months following, leading to the young person being recognised by local support services.
It was agreed that Manchester Youth Zone would work with them through a youth work approach, as this was deemed more appropriate than statutory intervention. The young person had been independently travelling to across the country for reasons unexplained by the individual with local concerns around potential exploitation. Leading to an arrest and a Youth Justice Order.
Engagement at first was extremely difficult; there was little trust in professionals, and they did not recognise the concerns being raised. Their missing episodes continued, cannabis use increased, and having been withdrawn from education, their unstructured days further exacerbated the challenges.
The action
The young person was placed on Manchester Youth Zone’s Health Impact Programme, a mentoring initiative that empowers young people through goal setting and aspiration building. Due to safeguarding concerns, they were allocated to the Safeguarding Team. Engagement required persistence; they were reluctant to attend and maintained limited contact. Recognising their need for reassurance and consistency, the team began calling daily, even when sessions were missed, to show care and reliability rather than a “tick-box” approach.
This consistency paid off. The young person progressed from avoiding engagement to voluntarily visiting MYZ whenever they needed support. For six months, they attended almost daily to speak with trusted adults (youth workers). While still under the supervision of Complex Safeguarding and Children’s Services, their relationship with Manchester Youth Zone became more open and honest, allowing difficult conversations to take place.
They disclosed that during the period of going missing, they had been pressured into selling cannabis for an adult in the community but no longer wanted to be involved. They also expressed a wish to return to education, though they understood this might not be manageable at that time.
Despite progress, community influences remained strong. Due to their peer group’s involvement in local incidents, they were included in police operations targeting Serious Youth Violence. This increased scrutiny led to further behavioural issues and, ultimately, a short custodial sentence in a Young Offender Institution.
This experience proved pivotal, it gave them a clear sense of the path they were heading down and motivated them to change. Upon release, they demonstrated a renewed determination to turn their life around and engaged consistently with support, maintaining positive contact with trusted staff thereafter.
The outcome
When they turned 18, other services stepped back, but Manchester Youth Zone continued providing support. The Youth Zone remains a vital safe space where they can seek advice, share daily challenges, and connect with trusted adults.
This young person is a clear example of how consistent, compassionate youth work can transform lives. They have navigated every level of intervention, from safeguarding plans to youth detention, yet emerged as a respectful, caring, and hopeful young adult.
They are now in stable employment, take pride in their work, and consistently attend their shifts. Their peer circle has shifted to include positive, aspirational friends who encourage healthy choices, the kind of support network that reinforces lasting change.
The background
This young person began attending Manchester Youth Zone around the age of 11 and during the summer sessions, youth workers noticed concerning behaviour, they could be aggressive and have a bad attitude. This shocked staff as the young person was also often very kind and caring. Initially, cooling-off periods were used, but these proved ineffective, prompting a change in approach.
The youth work team began offering one-to-one sessions to set clearer boundaries and expectations. Through these meetings, concerns emerged around involvement in anti-social behaviour within the community alongside peers.
The challenge
The young person was permanently excluded from school due to escalating behaviour both in and outside the classroom. The timing, close to the half-term break, meant they were without a school place for an extended period. During this time, they began attending Manchester Youth Zone daily, often seeking food, warmth, safety, and someone to talk to.
The action
To provide structure, the team moved one-to-one sessions to daytime hours and included some of the young person’s close friends, recognising the wider issues around peer influence and potential exploitation. For several weeks, they arrived at 9:30am and stayed until closing, often between 7:30pm and 9pm.
A trusting relationship was formed with the safeguarding lead with the young person opening about challenges at home and in the community. It became clear that the Youth Zone had become their safe space, a place where they could access meals, clothing, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.
Staff ensured the young person was fed and supported each day. One memorable moment came when they joined the staff for a Christmas dinner and shared that it was the first time, they had ever had one.
The outcome
The simple act of sharing meals became an opportunity for connection and change. Through these daily interactions, staff identified adults who were criminally exploiting the young person, helped secure a new school placement, and encouraged them to engage positively with their social worker.
Today, they continue to attend Manchester Youth Zone, where they are supported, listened to, and reminded that they are cared for. This story demonstrates the power of consistent relationships, practical support, and a safe space in helping young people rebuild trust and stability.
The background
Passionate about basketball and eager to build a successful future, they have been studying at college.
Having moved several times during childhood, including periods in care and with extended family, they eventually returned to live with their mother in North Manchester. Initially, this arrangement worked well, but over time the relationship became strained and emotionally volatile. Manchester Youth Zone was determined to find out the issues that this person was facing and to give them the correct support.
The challenge
Difficulties at home would cause them to leave the family home and seek support from Manchester Youth Zone and partner services. However, whenever semi-independent accommodation was arranged, their family would apologise and promise change, leading them to return home, only for the pattern to repeat.
Tensions also arose between the parent and professionals, with hostility directed at those trying to support the young person.
Following an incident that involved property damage and physical aggression, the young person made the difficult decision not to return home. Now legally an adult, they sought advice from homelessness and adult services, while Manchester Youth Zone acted as their trusted point of contact, bridging communication with agencies and offering emotional and practical support.
Without access to their belongings, they missed several days of college and, as a result, lost their place despite professionals advocating on their behalf.
The action
Manchester Youth Zone worked closely with homelessness services to help secure safe, semi-independent accommodation. MYZ Youth Workers supported the young person with essential tasks, from applying for new college placements to attending interviews, ensuring they could continue their education and work toward their goals.
Alongside this, the young person gained part-time employment and passed their driving test, rebuilding confidence and independence.
The outcome
Living in a stable, supportive environment allowed the young person to focus on their wellbeing, education, and future ambitions. With space and security, they were also able to rebuild their relationship with their mother in a healthier way, one that acknowledges boundaries and mutual respect.
This story highlights the critical role of Manchester Youth Zone in providing consistent, trusted support for young people navigating complex family circumstances, helping them move from crisis to stability and hope.