Broadleaf Police Youth Club launched to support peace and youth mentorship in Manchester

A newly launched police youth club in Broadleaf, Manchester, is being positioned as part of the community's effort to keep young people away from crime and preserve local peace. Police say the initiative comes as Broadleaf has gone five years without recording a murder, even as nearby Land Settlement has faced a recent rise in killings.

The Broadleaf Police Youth Club was formally launched at a recent community event. Deputy Superintendent Melicia Morrison, speaking on behalf of the Area 3 Commander, said the club should be more than a place for young people to meet, arguing that youth engagement must be treated as a central part of crime prevention.

"True community security doesn't begin when the locks are on our doors. It begins when we open our hearts and we extend our hands to our community members, those that are struggling, those that are in need," Morrison said. She added that communities must help young people find safe spaces where they can grow, speak and take on leadership roles.

Morrison said the Broadleaf club should develop into a space where young people can find opportunity, respect, encouragement for their talents and support in building character. She also urged residents and youth club members to think about safety beyond police response and physical protection of property.

Using examples such as family conflict, emotional distress, anger, depression and hopelessness, Morrison said some threats to personal safety are internal or social, not only external. In those circumstances, she said, people must also learn to seek protection and solutions within themselves and through the support around them.

Police also pointed to mentorship as a major purpose of the youth club, especially at a time when too many young people are being pulled toward violence and other harmful influences. Morrison said the club could also strengthen trust between police and residents.

She told members that if someone in the club shows signs of struggling or may pose a risk to themselves or others, they should speak up, even where confidentiality would normally be expected.