Welcome to the website of Voluntary Youth Manchester, better known as VYM
Voluntary Youth Manchester is an independent, inclusive network of small to medium size organisations (neighbourhood based and city-wide) which work with young people and the communities who support them. The activities of the network are also open to Manchester-based staff in projects linked to larger organisations.
With our roots in the practice and values of youth and community work, Voluntary Youth Manchester offers a positive collaborative experience for organisations in the voluntary, community and faith sector developing work with young people during their transition from childhood to adulthood. We seek to work in partnership with others who support young people.
The work of VYM encompasses:
- Independent Network – Mutual support through quarterly meetings together, regular information bulletins and website updates; sharing practice issues, learning together, identifying trends and generating knowledge rooted in the experience of young people and the organisations which support them.
- Capacity Building – Grassroots self-education, training, policy and practice development, rooted in dialogue and relationship with young people, and in an informal and empowering practice of support and education, open to all; partnering with other Manchester infrastructure organisations to strengthen practice and increase capacity and resources.
- Strategic influence – drawing on the knowledge generated from the grassroots, both in the city and beyond to: develop a powerful democratic voice in the City; provide representation at key meetings; encourage collective action; respond to policy initiatives.
Since November 2016 VYM members have been undertaking a review with meetings and conversations across sector on future purpose and activities. These conversations have looked at the purpose and structure of VYM meetings, and have created a new structure and terms of reference for membership. It is the intention of the VYM Board that, by late April 2017, a short strategic action plan will be presented to the sector and to funders.
This statement has been drafted by the new Trustees in March 2017, in response to the member’s review, to describe the emerging priorities of VYM. We look forward to shaping and developing these aims further in partnership with the Voluntary Youth Sector.