Tameside Youth Justice Service empowers young people through sport and activities

YOUNG people in Tameside are finding new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect as a result of projects led by Tameside Youth Justice Service (YJS).

Over the past year Tameside YJS engagement workers have partnered with local sports providers to create accessible activities for young people that encourage positive – or pro-social behaviour.

This collaboration includes Dukinfield Town and Youth Junior Football Club and Eighty-Four CIC, who secured funding to deliver tailored sports sessions.

Tameside YJS works with young people aged 10 to 17 who have previously been involved in crime, helping them make positive choices and supporting their families to understand the justice system and access other services.

There were a range of opportunities available to the young people such as cycle-ops bike building, a chance to attend a Manchester City football game, water adventure centre girls group, gaming-based engagement at We Are Gamerz Lounge, weekly open sessions at Astley Sports Village, professional training sessions with Manchester Top Team MMA and boxing and a six-week intensive support with Samson Boxing Gym Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) programme.

Young people took part in the Urban Arts Project, a collaborative initiative that brought together Tameside YJS and the Tameside Leaving Care team to co-create two unique pieces of artwork. These artworks are now proudly displayed in the Youth Hub in Ashton-under-Lyne.

As part of the project, participants also joined the Clean Kicks programme, delivered by The Rio Ferdinand Foundation and funded by Tameside Futures. This hands-on experience taught young people how to refurbish and customise old trainers, giving them the skills to resell their creations for a profit.

Other activities included kayaking, funded by Tameside Futures, free weekly football sessions, rock climbing, bowling, a charity hike and crazy golf with Eight-Four CIC.

One highlight was a charity hike to Wild Bank Hill in Stalybridge, raising over £500 for The Anthony Seddon Fund, a local mental health charity. Three young people planned and led the hike, choosing the route and guiding the group—building confidence and teamwork along the way.

One of the young people who took part, who was age 13 said: “I had never been on a hike before and did not know places like this were near Stalybridge.

“I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. My feet and shoes got all muddy, but it was fun looking back on it.”

Whilst another, who was age 18 said: “I enjoyed it and think it went good. I liked that everyone came out and did the walk, elder people and younger people. The scenery and surrounding areas were well nice.”

This project has allowed young people to build trusting relationships, develop personally and explore new opportunities, as well as foster a sense of belonging whilst making new friends.

They’ve broken down barriers, encouraged pro-social behaviour, and created safe spaces for young people—challenging stigmas often attached to those involved in the justice system.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “Giving our children and young people the best start in life but also the opportunity to learn are two of our key corporate priorities and it’s great to see this strong partnership of our Tameside Youth Justice Service and local sports providers helping to steer young people, who may be vulnerable to negative influences, into more positive choices and activities. This in turn has positive benefits for the wider community.

“Seeing local young people get involved in opportunities they may not have experienced before and giving them the chance to build friendships and relationships is truly uplifting. Well done and thank you to all that took part and took the time to organise it!”

For more information about Tameside YJS visit www.tameside.gov.uk/yjs