Two weeks ago (November 23), Salford Lads club hosted the launch of the next phase of the I Am Greater campaign, designed to reduce violence and knife crime amongst young people across Greater Manchester.
The project was designed in collaboration with over 100 young people, offering a mix of creative opportunities and sports development.
The collaboration between youth radio station, Unity Radio, helped to bring this to life. The station represents underground music across Manchester, whilst providing young people with opportunities to expand their musical abilities.
Marley Lucas, 17, started her journey with Unity Radio at 14 years old, learning how to develop her skills as an MC.
“I was at a point in my life where I didn’t know what I wanted to do, what I wanted to be or how I could get out of a situation, and then I found music. Then I realised, it’s not even about just making music or for the fame or for the money, it’s really about being authentic, making a jam and making a profile for yourself that other people don’t usually get to see.
“I did a school tour last year and it was really, really cool, I did 9 schools in 3 days, and for the kids it was just so good for them.
“I feel like everything’s so academic, and schools don’t always show a lot of creative stuff to do, they don’t show music or photography, like that’s never an option it’s just maths and English. I just feel like they should create more stuff like that for kid’s who can’t focus, you know, I think it’s really helpful for kids as well who are in bad situations who don’t know about these things.”
Salford youth groups such as Bayse and The Den are involved in the ever-growing project that was initially launched in 2021, in association with Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
The event represented local talent, with photography, DJ sets and short-marketing-films- all created by young people directly involved in the project.
The campaign aims to provide a third space, where financial roadblocks are removed and self-expression is encouraged.
Violence and knife crime across Salford and Greater Manchester has been on a steady decline, with reports showing knife crime has reduced by 15% this year.
Campaigns such as this one are vital to the personal development of young people across Salford, keeping them off the streets and away from violence.
