Moves Different: April Round-Up

We’re back with another Moves Different monthly round-up, highlighting the latest events, visits, and community engagement activities delivered by the team over the past month as the programme continues to grow and build momentum nationwide.

Youth Action Group Meetings in Fairwater & Splott, Cardiff (Wales)

Our Welsh Project Lead, Francesca Allen, recently attended a Youth Action Group meeting in Cardiff alongside local headteachers, PCSOs from South Wales Police, representatives from Safer Communities, and Cardiff Youth Service.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the positive impact Moves Different is making within local communities, while also raising awareness of how young people can be referred into the programme.

Francesca is now looking forward to attending future meetings regularly to continue strengthening relationships and supporting discussions around improving opportunities for young people across the area.

NASAP Supported Accommodation West Midlands Network Event (West Midlands)

In the West Midlands, supportive accommodation providers and key stakeholders came together to discuss the needs of young people aged 16-18 transitioning from care into independent living.

Regional Project Lead, Michelle Butler, attended on behalf of Moves Different and was able to introduce the programme to a range of organisations supporting young people with complex needs.

Following the success of the event, Michelle will also attend the East Midlands network event and continue promoting the programme to supported accommodation providers across other regions.

High Storrs Careers Fair (South Yorkshire)

Dynamic duo, Dominic Chesterton and Holly Boden spent the day at the High Storrs Careers Fair speaking to students from different ages about the opportunities available through Moves Different.

The pair also hosted a fun activation challenge, encouraging attendees to land as many punches as possible in 10 seconds for the chance to win some exclusive merchandise.

The event proved to be a fantastic way to engage a new age group and introduce young people to the programme in an exciting and interactive way.

Youth Collaboration Meeting (London)

Southern Project Manager Kirsty McMahon attended the Youth Collaboration’s monthly networking meeting, which brought together a variety of organisations providing opportunities and support for young people across London.

The session featured a talk from Sharon White, Baroness White of Tufnell Park DBE, who discussed how the Government’s new Schools White Paper, ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’, could impact local school provisions.

Kirsty also contributed feedback during the session, helping ensure the voices and experiences of community-based programmes like Moves Different are considered as part of the ongoing consultation process.

South Bank College Visit (London)

London-based apprentice Allen Kabanda visited South Bank College during Stress Awareness Month to deliver a talk to students and staff about how boxing can support stress relief and emotional wellbeing.

The session highlighted the positive impact physical activity can have on managing emotions, with Allen set to return soon to deliver a practical boxing session with students.

Knife Reduction Round Table (London)

To round off the month, Kirsty attended a Knife Reduction Round Table hosted by Lambeth Council, bringing together organisations focused on tackling knife crime and supporting young people across the borough.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss local challenges, share ideas, and build new relationships with youth services in the area – helping to create future collaboration opportunities for the programme.