'If a Prince can come here, why can't anyone?'

LEADERS DELIGHTED AS WILLIAM SPENDS DAY AT PROJECTS TACKLING YOUTH VIOLENCE

- ETHAN DAVIES & NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

PRINCE William visited south Manchester yesterday to see how community groups are tackling youth violence.

The Prince of Wales travelled to The Hideaway Youth Project before heading to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse to speak to young people and families.

The visit was full of light-hearted moments as the Prince tried his hand at pool and even sang happy birthday to a youngster – but the powerful message behind the trip was clear as he spoke to families who have lost loved ones to youth violence.

To start the day, the Prince of Wales travelled to The Hideaway Youth Project where he was greeted by civic leaders including Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and leader of Manchester council Bev Craig. In an area of Manchester that has been rocked by youth violence, The Hideaway Youth Project has provided an essential safe space for young people in the area. Working with the Manchester Peace Together Alliance, the centre helps young people aged 10-25 in south Manchester’s communities to tackle youth violence.

Now, the centre has become a key part of a new employment, skills and training initiative, spearheaded by The Royal Foundation and Mr Burnham. The programme hopes to ‘build aspirations and support those at risk of violence to reach their full potential’.

Heading upstairs, Prince William was welcomed into a room full of activities for young people. There he met with families devastated by youth violence, including Audrey Thompson, mother of Rhys Thompson, who died in 2021.