AdsBridge Youth Connection
A community led approach to violence reduction
in Stockport
What is AdsBridge Youth Connection?
In 2023 Stockport was allocated funding for a community-led programme by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (GM VRU). The community-led programme in Stockport started with a period of co-design with residents of Adswood and Bridgehall to produce a set of priorities. Local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations were asked to apply to receive part of the fund to deliver provisions for young people aged 10- 25 and form an alliance that work collaboratively to fulfill the priorities set.
The community-led approach to violence reduction, means the violence reduction unit works closely with communities to understand the strengths, challenges, and needs of the community and determine how local investments will be made with communities at the heart of decision making.
Who are the Alliance partners?
The alliance partners of the Stockport Alliance are:
““Two months ago I didn’t know what Chloe was going to do after the summer. Now she has direction and something to feel excited about.”
— Parent
Highlights from Year 1
Discover the achievements and learnings made in year 1 of Adsbridge Youth Connection.
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169 sessions delivered
313 individuals supported
Relationships with schools, police, and local stakeholders strengthened
Trauma-sensitive safe spaces created for vulnerable youth
Cross-estate friendships encouraged and community cohesion has improved
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The alliance approach has created a unified, holistic support system, amplifying positive outcomes for vulnerable youth and families across Adswood and Bridgehall, setting a strong foundation for future growth and deeper impact.
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enabled members to deliver joint events offering diverse, tailored activities that boost youth engagement and empowerment
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created between partners ensured families accessed trauma-informed support and domestic abuse services seamlessly
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The Alliance rebuilt relationships between young people, families, schools, and local police, creating safer and more inclusive environments
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Shared use of underutilised venues expanded access to sports, creative, and social action projects, making activities more accessible and visible
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Shared calendars, resource pooling, and regular attendance at each other’s sessions improved communication and alignment across partners, strengthening impact
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Joint funding bids and appointment of a dedicated facilitator are laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term delivery.
What’s on for young people in Adswood & Bridgehall
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Transforming Lives Together have engaged a CYP Using Harm Worker who will run the Respect Young People’s Programme, the TLC: Encouraging Healthy Relationships Programme, as well as offering counselling. The first of their programmes is RESPECT, aimed at improving relationships between young people and their parents/carers.
The second of their programmes is Encouraging Healthy Relationships, aimed at improving relationships between young people and their partners or siblings.
More information or refer: Young People’s Programmes - TLC: Talk, Listen, Change (talklistenchange.org.uk)
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Stockport County Community Trust delivers three evening youth engagement football sessions a week. One of these sessions is a girls-only group designed to give girls a voice and choice, allowing players to input into the session’s structure, and ensuring their needs and preferences are catered for. In the winter months, they will deliver a twelve-week social action project, bringing together the community to design a project which will have a benefit for young people living in Adswood and Bridge Hall.
Stockport County also run boxing sessions focusing on sports and inclusion
To book contact communitytrust@stockportcounty.com
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PIE delivers transition projects supporting cohorts of young peoplesupporting them as they transition from primary to secondary school or from secondary school to further education/ employment/ training:
Step Up programme – supporting Year 6 students through the last two months of primary school, the summer holidays and the first 4 months of secondary school.
Peer mentors – Supporting step up students for an additional six months, providing leadership opportunities and additional support through their first year of secondary school.
Moving On – Ongoing sessions throughout the school year supporting young people ages 11-18 who are struggling to engage with education. Sessions aim to help build up confidence, resilience and skills, and if appropriate, support to their next destination (education, workplace, training as appropriate).
To book contact beth@pie.org
Feedback
Young person
“There’s not been anything like this before so it makes me feel good when I’m here and I can meet people and play.”
Young person
“I am nervous about going to secondary school but I know people now and that’s nice.”
Parent
“You see people out here playing that you don’t usually see and that’s great, it keeps them out of trouble and they can build connections between eachother. ”
Stockport VRU Mini Grants
This grant programme supports Voluntary, Community, Faith-Based, Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations working in and around Adswood & Bridgehall, Stockport, to deliver activities for young people that ultimately contribute to a reduction in anti-social behaviour locally.
Get in touch
Sally McFerran-Davenport
Stockport Violence Reduction Alliance Facilitator
sally.mcferran-davenport@sector3sk.org