Manchester charity working to transform our communities in partnership with police and fire services

Date published: 27 June 2010

Redeeming our Communities will be hosting a Community Showcase on Wednesday 30 June at Manchester Velodrome from 7.30pm. The showcase, held in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, will be an evening to celebrate local success stories from across the region and inspire us to work towards a safer future. Confirmed guest include County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk (GMFRS) and Chief Constable Peter Fahy (GMP).

Redeeming our Communities, a Charity set up in 2004, aims to be a catalyst for community transformation by promoting partnerships which open up more opportunities to reduce crime and improve community cohesion. Since 2004 the Charity has been building links between churches, and the public sector for the good of the community.

Debra Green, Director and founder of Redeeming Our Communities said: “The church is a huge untapped resource with many thousands of members who all share a commitment to serve people and communities and already deliver a vast range of community projects from youth work to the care of vulnerable people.

“This is a great time to be forging partnerships so that people of goodwill can work together towards a safer, kinder community. We have found working with Greater Manchester Police and other Police forces across the UK has proved to be a partnership which significantly benefits people and communities. June 30 will be a great opportunity to see some examples of this good work.”

Peter Fahy Chief Constable of GMP agrees that the partnership has been fruitful, he said: “Purposeful engagement with the community should be at the heart of everything that we do, especially so during these difficult financial times. Whilst crime in Manchester is at a 10 year low, we’re not complacent and are determined to continue to drive this down.

”Greater Manchester Police has been successfully working with the ROC team for a considerable number of years, we share common goals to reduce crime and support communities. Every day my officers face the challenges posed by alcohol and drug misuse and the impact of broken relationships.

“ By working in partnership we can improve relationships and change lives and communities, that's why this is such an important initiative.

"Faith groups are already making a difference in local areas, it’s important that we recognise this and link into the ongoing good work. By working closely with churches and Faith groups, Neighbourhood Policing Teams can combine their efforts and resources and offer more hope to the people that need us, supporting them through difficult times and making a real difference to their lives.”

The initiative has been so successful that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have recently come on board and Local authorities are also getting involved. The model has now begun to spread from Manchester to Liverpool, Birmingham, London and other parts of the UK.

County Fire Officer, Steve McGuirk, said: “Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been involved with partnership working for many years in Greater Manchester and has achieved much success, particularly in working with young people.
“Redeeming our Communities is exactly the sort of partnership we want to develop, to help inspire young people and reduce the number of fire related crimes within the community.”

Redeeming Our Communities aims to support existing projects and start new initiatives for the good and benefit of the community. One example of a new project is the ROC Cafe which recently opened in Reddish, Stockport.

Come along on June 30th and see how you can make a change in your community or for more information visit www.redeemingourcommunities.org.uk/showcase