WHO IS 1 MESSAGE?

1 Message offers 1-1 mentoring services for young people who are at risk of, or engaged in anti-social and criminal activity, particularly in relation to gang related crimes. We also work within primary and high schools offering workshops, motivational talks and education around crime and the consequences of our actions. We are currently working on community detachment projects to tackle youth crime and are also in the process of developing further projects to engage young people in alternative activities.

The fundamental aims of 1 message are to encourage, engage and empower young people to take responsibility for their lives in a productive way. We offer alternative education of the consequences of criminal engagement and encourage different pathways through providing them with informed choices.

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1 MESSAGE IN THE MEDIA

CAMPAIGNS & MEDIA

1 Message recently took part in a campaign by the Violence Reduction Unit. If you are concerned about a young person – your son, daughter, nephew, niece, friend, or someone you know, speaking out about your concerns could save their life, or someone else’s.

Speaking out can feel daunting, but help and support is available. Please visit #SpeakingOutCouldSaveALife for more information.

TOGETHER WE CAN END KNIFE CRIME IN GREATER MANCHESTER

WHO’S BEHIND 1 MESSAGE

MATTHEW NORFORD

Founder & C.E.O.

Matthew grew up in Rusholme, Manchester; a deprived inner city area that experienced high levels of gun and gang related crime. He grew up the second eldest of four brothers and following the lead of his elder brother, Matthew became involved in criminal activity from a young age. Despite being offered an opportunity to become a professional basketball player, Matthew maintained his criminal path, leading a gang and serving a number of jail sentences for drug related crimes. During his last sentence in 2011, Matthew discovered that his eldest brother had been killed in a gang related incident, this was the turning point in his life.

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1 MESSAGE IN ACTION

Matthew has used his experiences and passion for helping children and young people to create a service that successfully delivers its message to hundreds of young people across the greater Manchester area.

Matthew’s vision is to promote the notion that a criminal lifestyle is not a viable choice and highlight the impact that these ill-thought choices can have on a young person’s future.

It is through honesty, experience and genuine passion that he hope to inspire change. Here are some pictures of 1 Message in action…

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If teachers were more like him I’d go to school at the weekend

Pupil

PRU, Scarborough

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OUR SERVICES

We offer hourly mentoring services, half day workshops or motivational talks, full days or entire packages over a number of days.

All packages can be tailored to suit your individual needs, we can include all of the topics below or just those relevant to your company or service. 1 Message work’s closely with GMP and we are able to include talks from a current (soon to be retiring) officer who has developed his police career through extensive work with gang crime and we also work with an ex addict who can provide real-life experiences of the consequences of drug and alcohol and how this affects life chances and health.

In addition to Matthew, we also have other ex-offenders who can discuss their experiences of crime and jail and how difficult it has been to change their lives but show that it is possible.

We are happy to discuss any of your needs and personalise our services for you.

We cover the following topics: