In 2018, we raised a phenomenal £37,053 for The Manchester Youth Zone, enabling them to develop and sustain their ‘Junior Choices’ programme.

This was the 6th year that the Ball has been held for the Manchester Youth Zone, during which time we have raised £192,580 for their incredible work.

‘Junior Choices’ is a ten-week preventative programme, designed to target young people vulnerable to child exploitation. The aim of the programme is to instil confidence and self-worth in to these young people to build their resilience - they use positive role models, sports, arts and adventurous activities to do this.

Evidence has shown that children between the ages of 9 and 12 are particularly vulnerable to child exploitation, so Junior Choices concentrates on this age group. Within this age group, they focus on young people at high risk, such as those with family members or siblings already involved in serious or organised crime.

The ten-week preventative programme is designed to build the young peoples resilience. It consists of four weeks of one-to-one sessions and small group sessions with project staff. This is followed by six weeks of sports and other activities which engage young people, teach them key leadership skills and empower individuals to make positive choices in their lives.

For more information about the Manchester Youth Zone please visit their website www.manchesteryz.org