About

 Introduction: As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we project a year of growth, impact, and resilience for GREATER MANCHESTER YOUTH OFF STREETS (GMOYS) C.I.C. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the environment, our commitment to serving the youth of Greater Manchester remains unwavering Always ready to be your host, gladly looking forward to welcoming you!  Mission and Vision: Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and opportunities for the youth of Greater Manchester who are at risk of or experiencing street life such as being involve in knife crime homelessness, drugs, alcoholism. 

Especially Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) youth face a range of challenges that can impact their well-being, opportunities, and overall quality of life. Some of the main issues facing BME youth include:

1. Systemic Racism and Discrimination: BME youth often encounter discrimination and racism in various aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and the criminal justice system. This can lead to disparities in access to opportunities and resources.
2. Educational Inequality: BME youth may face barriers to educational attainment, including lower attainment levels, higher exclusion rates, and limited access to quality education. This can hinder their academic and career prospects.
3. Economic Disadvantage: BME youth are more likely to experience economic disadvantage, including higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and underemployment. Economic inequality can exacerbate other social issues and limit opportunities for advancement.
4. Mental Health Challenges: BME youth often face unique stressors related to racism, discrimination, cultural identity, and community expectations, which can impact their mental health and well-being. However, they may be less likely to seek help due to stigma or cultural barriers.
5. Criminalization and Policing: BME youth are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement and experience higher rates of police stop and search, arrest, and incarceration. This can contribute to a sense of alienation, distrust of authorities, and trauma within BME communities.
6. Health Inequities: BME youth are more likely to experience health inequities, including higher rates of chronic health conditions, limited access to healthcare services, and poorer health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, discrimination, and cultural barriers can contribute to these disparities.
7. Cultural Identity and Belonging: BME youth often navigate complex identities shaped by their cultural heritage, immigration experiences, and integration into society. Balancing multiple cultural identities can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, or disconnection from mainstream society.
8. Family and Community Pressures: BME youth may face pressure from their families and communities to conform to cultural norms, expectations, and traditions. Conflicts between individual aspirations and cultural expectations can create tension and challenges in identity development and decision-making.
9. Access to Support Services: BME youth may encounter barriers to accessing support services due to cultural and language differences, lack of awareness, or mistrust of institutions. Culturally competent and accessible services are essential to meeting the diverse needs of BME youth.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Efforts to promote equity and inclusion should involve policy changes, community engagement, culturally sensitive programming, and ongoing dialogue to amplify the voices and experiences of BME youth.

We envision a community where every young person has access to safe housing, education, employment, and support networks, empowering them to realize their full potential.