We REACH, ENGAGE & SERVE (RES)
WHAT WE DO
đđ  Church
đŹđ§   Men, Women & Youth Mental Health Support
đ„«đ Community Food Bank
âœđââïžÂ Community Football
âđ” Soup, Coffee, Tea, and Snacks
đ¶đžÂ Music Lessons
đȘđ«Â No More Knives Awareness
ââ€ïžÂ Hate Crime Awareness
đŠđźââïžÂ County Lines Awareness
The acronym of âRESâ is: âReachâ, âEngageâ, and âServeâ. These action words reflect the strategy that is foundational to all our community work. We âreachâ out to our local community by offering services that they need and want to see. We âengageâ people by creating a space that is welcoming and that offers something that can make a tangible difference to their lives. Finally, we âserveâ the needs of the whole person through relationship, by equipping and empowering them to overcome the challenges or difficulties they are facing. We believe that serving in this way reflects the position that Jesus modelled in the Bible as our Servant King.
COUNTY LINES
County lines is not a new thing. You may have heard about it on the news or in TV shows like Hollyoaks. But beyond the headlines and scripts, it’s a stark reality for many young people. Here we unpack the truth about county lines and how we work to restore the hopes of children being forced to carry drugs across the country.Â
County lines is a form of criminal exploitation. It is when criminals befriend children, either online of offline, and then manipulate them into drug dealing. The ‘lines’ refer to mobile phones that are used to control a young person who is delivering drugs, often to towns outside their home county.
Young people aged 14-17 are most likely to be targeted by criminal groups but there are reports of seven year olds being groomed into county lines.Â
Primary school children are seen as easy targets because they’re less likely to get caught. The grooming might start with them being asked to ‘keep watch’ but it soon escalates to them being forced to stash weapons, money, or become drug couriers.Â
It doesnât matter where youâre from or your social background, children from any community can be groomed into county lines. However, those from poor households, who regularly skip school or have problems at home may be more at risk.
NO MORE KNIVES
Knife crime and the devastating impact it has on lives is never far from the headlines. Something must change, so the No More Knives tour is heading into high schools to show young people there is another way.
We partnered with local churches combining music with powerful stories and teaching, we deliver lessons and assemblies that equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to say no to knives and start to discover their full value and identity.
And all this is done in partnership with the local police force and Councils.
COMMUNITY FOODBANK
We have been running a Community Food Bank for 15 years and when the announcement came in March 2020 that the UK had to lockdown, we had a previledeg that we reached over 2500 families in North Manchester patnering with Manchester City Council and our goal was to support families, the poor and vulnerable in our communities who had been hit hardest by the financial impact of Covid-19.
We need urgent action on hunger in the UK. That’s why we work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive.Â
Until that happens, we provide emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments. And work with partners and local communities to ensure everyone gets the right help long before they need a food bank.Â
Support us
One in seven people in the UK are facing hunger. We will not stop until everyone has enough money for the essentials, and the distribution of emergency food can end for good.
How can we help you?
Get emergency food
If you need help, a food bank can provide an emergency food parcel containing at least three days of meals.
In order to get help from a food bank you’ll need to be referred for a food voucher. The voucher is then exchanged at the food bank for a food parcel.Â
You can get a food voucher from a number of local community organisations, who can ensure you get the right support.
SOUP, Coffee, Tea and Snacks  Drop In
We are excited to say that we have resumed our Coffee Drop In again. We meet in our building Hall at 451 Victoria Avenue, Blackley, M9 8PJ every Wednesday. This will be from 11am -3pm so feel free to come and join us for a coffee/tea and chat. If there is anything you think we can help you with come along and ask we will always try to answer, there and then but if not will find out for you. If you just want some company, again come along.
Musical Instrument Schools
We are excited to say that we provide guitar lessons, Keyboard lessons, drum lessons in Higher Blackley Manchester! We really believe that anyone can learn how to play the a musical Instrument. This is why we offer these lessons to everyone from beginners to advanced players. We tailor our lessons to fit around your age and level, consequential making sure the lesson is pitched perfectly for you.
Improving confidence is just as important as improving technique. Thatâs why we continuously give encouragement and advice to all our pupils to enhance their skills, therefore providing them with an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, while also building their confidence.
We pride ourselves on being a community-based music school. CRM strives to demonstrate a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere to everyone who walks through our door. Additionally we believe this is the ideal environment for any budding musical Instrumentalist to boost their skills and learn something new, and our fantastic team will be on hand to give you the correct guidance whenever you need it.
MEN, WOMEN & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
We have found many of the people we know in our community struggling with Depression, Anxiety, stress, and other disorders.
Sometimes it is difficult to know if someone is struggling, as it can be hard for people to open up to others about their mental health, even if they want to. But you might have noticed changes in a friend, family member or colleague, or know that they have gone through a hard time recently.
Whether youâve noticed that they are struggling or theyâve opened up to you about their mental health, it can still be hard to know what to do or say. Here are some simple things that could help:
Initiating the Conversation
Starting a conversation about mental health can be a big, daunting step. If youâre not feeling confident, starting small with a âhow are youâ or sending a funny video and letting them know youâre thinking of them can be helpful. Checking in with them often can encourage them to share how theyâre feeling.
If youâre feeling up for it, find a calm and comfortable environment to talk, and say something like, âHey, Iâve noticed youâve been going through a tough time. Do you want to talk about it?â Opening up can be a relief, and knowing youâre there to listen can mean the world to your friend or family member.
Practicing Active Listening and Empathy
When your friend or family member opens up, be an active listener. Put away distractions and show youâre listening and that you care by paying attention.
Sometimes, even if you donât fully understand what theyâre going through, it can make a huge different just to let them speak without being judged. You can say things like, âThat must be so difficult,â âI really get why it made you feel that way,â and âIâm here for youâ. Remind them that itâs okay to feel the way they do and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Focusing on Self-Care
Supporting someone you care about can be emotionally intense, so make sure you take care of yourself too. Set boundaries for when and how you can support your friend if it gets overwhelming. Remember to make time for things you love and to recharge yourself too. Speaking to a trusted adult or a mental health professional yourself can also be helpful.
Sharing Personal Experiences
Sometimes, sharing your own experiences can make others feel more comfortable opening up. It helps to know that weâre not alone in our struggles. At the same time, as the conversation is about supporting them, remember to focus on listening to them and avoid turning it into a discussion about yourself.
Itâs important to remember that while you can do all of this perfectly, it is your friend or family memberâs choice if they want to open up to you, and when and how they wish to do it. Be patient with them and know that all you can do is provide them with the space and time.
CRM FOOTBALL CLUB
Is our flagship project in Greater Manchester and gives an opportunity to reach 100 young people every week through football. We are an FA registered football Club and we play in the South Manchester and North Manchester football Leagues.
We understand the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds and bodies. Football, in particular, stands out as an activity that offers an array of physical, mental, and social benefits for young people. We have seen the advantages of giving young people an opportunity to play football from a young age and how participating in our team and playing competitively with other teams can amplify these benefits.
Engaging in football from an early age offers a multitude of physical health benefits. The game involves constant movement, which promotes cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and agility. Running, dribbling, passing, and shooting â all these actions require a combination of strength, balance, and coordination, contributing to the overall development of motor skills.
Football is a full-body workout, promoting muscle growth, bone density, and joint flexibility. Regular participation also aids in weight management and reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues. Additionally, playing football helps improve spatial awareness, enhancing the playersâ ability to anticipate movements and react swiftly, both on and off the field.
Beyond the physical advantages, football plays a vital role in nurturing mental well-being among youngsters. Team sports like football teach important life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management. As players collaborate to achieve a common goal, they learn to value individual strengths while acknowledging the significance of collective effort.
Football is a game of strategy and critical thinking with players required to make quick decisions under pressure, enhancing their cognitive abilities. Coping with wins and losses also teaches resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. The game also boosts self-confidence as players witness their skills improving over time, ultimately translating into greater self-esteem.
Football acts as a bridge that connects individuals from diverse backgrounds. It promotes social interaction, allowing young players to form friendships, bond over shared interests, and build a sense of belonging. These relationships extend beyond the field, fostering a strong sense of community among players, coaches, and parents alike.
By participating in local leagues young people learn the value of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. Football nurtures a sense of respect for opponents and referees, teaching participants how to handle success and failure graciously. These social lessons are invaluable as they prepare young athletes for the challenges theyâll face as they grow.
CRM Football Club understands the extent of footballâs benefits, and we take it a step further by offering sports tours that amplify these advantages. Our tours expose young players to different playing styles, cultures, and environments, broadening their horizons both on and off the field. Immersing themselves in new experiences helps players develop adaptability and cross-cultural understanding.
Through Football and participating in local leagues young people have the opportunity to test their skills against other teams in a setting of healthy competition while creating lasting memories. Travelling to new places , exciting team also introduces players to different training methodologies, coaching techniques, and perspectives on the game, enhancing their overall football education.
Well, why not encourage your young people and adults to come and play some football every week.