The Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) Youth Team stands as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation for the young people of Wythenshawe. As part of WCHG’s broader mission to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of the community, the Youth Team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the next generation. This biography chronicles the journey, achievements, and impact of the Youth Team, highlighting their unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all youth.
At the heart of the WCHG Youth Team lies a mission rooted in social impact. The team is dedicated to creating opportunities, building strong relationships, and nurturing the potential of every young person they encounter. Their work transcends traditional youth services by integrating personal development, community engagement, and holistic support. The team’s values—respect, inclusion, empowerment, and resilience—guide every initiative and interaction.
Established over 12 years ago in response to the growing need for youth services in Wythenshawe, the Youth Team began with just three open-access sessions. Recognising the increasing number of young people under 16 in the area, the team expanded its reach and services. Today, they operate four open-access sessions, engaging between 35 and 240 children and young people per session. In 2024 alone, the team worked with over 2,500 young individuals, with projections indicating a 50% increase in 2025.
The Youth Team operates 51 weeks per year, ensuring consistent and reliable support for young people. Their services include:
Ability Group for SEND youth aged 11–25
Youth Forum for youth voice and social action
Four open-access sessions for ages 11–18
School-based personal development programmes
After-school clubs for ages 8–11
Detached street-based youth work
1:1 Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) support
These programmes are designed to meet the diverse needs of young people, offering everything from sports and arts to mental health workshops and career planning.
The Youth Team provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where young people feel valued and respected. Through structured activities and informal interactions, youth are encouraged to develop new skills, build confidence, and form meaningful connections. The team’s youth centres are equipped with facilities for gaming, 3D printing, baking, and outdoor adventures, creating a dynamic space for exploration and growth.
Empowerment is a cornerstone of the Youth Team’s approach. By supporting young people in gaining qualifications and volunteering as junior leaders, the team fosters a sense of ownership and pride. Informal interventions address critical issues such as mental health, substance misuse, and sexual health, while promoting real-world connections and teamwork. Youth Workers serve as mentors and advocates, ensuring every young person feels heard and supported.
The Youth Team’s impact has been widely recognised through numerous awards and accolades:
The Ability Group won Project of the Year at the Manchester Buzz Awards and received the British Youth Citizen Award.
Pride in Wythenshawe, a revived LGBTQ+ initiative, attracted over 600 attendees in its first year.
The Bike Safety Project distributed over 1,500 safety kits, promoting road awareness.
The Chester Zoo SEND Family Day provided 35 families with an inclusive, fully funded experience.
The first Youth Connect Event engaged over 350 young people and launched a new music studio.
Open Access Youth Sessions consistently attract over 180 participants, offering diverse activities and personal development opportunities.
The Youth Team’s work extends beyond individual development to community transformation. By addressing anti-social behaviour, digital pressures, and social isolation, the team contributes to a safer, more connected Wythenshawe. Their efforts inspire civic responsibility and foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.
WCHG’s recognition as an Investors in People Silver Health & Wellbeing Award recipient and a Top Employer UK for three consecutive years reflects the organisation’s commitment to a supportive workplace. The Youth Team embodies this ethos, championing diversity and inclusion in every programme. As a Disability Confident Employer, WCHG ensures that all young people, regardless of background or ability, have access to opportunities and support.
The future of the WCHG Youth Team is one of continued growth and innovation. With plans to expand services, deepen community partnerships, and enhance youth leadership opportunities, the team remains steadfast in their mission. Their vision is clear: to inspire, empower, and uplift the young people of Wythenshawe—now and for generations to come.
