Inspirational peace activist visits Rayner Stephens High School

Rayner Stephens High School has welcomed a truly inspirational figure whose impact is already woven into the fabric of the school.

Professor Erinma Bell MBE, a renowned community peace activist, councillor and Deputy Lieutenant, visited the school to meet students and share her powerful message of resilience, leadership and positive change.

Her visit held special significance, as one of the school’s student houses, Erinma House, is named in her honour, recognising her long-standing contribution to tackling violent crime and supporting young people.

Widely respected for her work in Moss Side and Longsight, Professor Bell co-founded CARISMA, now part of the Chrysalis Foundation, an organisation dedicated to steering young people away from street and gun crime by offering positive alternatives.

Her influence has also been recognised in Manchester Town Hall, where a portrait bust created from metal recycled from 50 guns collected by Greater Manchester Police stands as the first sculpture of a woman displayed there in 150 years.

The visit began with a warm welcome from headteacher Mr Davies, who introduced Professor Bell before she delivered an inspiring address to students from Erinma House.

Drawing on her own life experiences, she spoke passionately about the importance of promoting peace and reminded students that real change starts at a local level, within homes, schools and communities, before spreading more widely.

Following the assembly, a smaller group of students met Professor Bell in the school library for an open and honest discussion. Pupils asked thoughtful questions and reflected on serious issues including knife and gun crime in Manchester.

Speaking candidly, Professor Bell shared both the challenges she has faced and the milestones she has achieved, including being awarded an MBE, offering students a powerful insight into how her experiences have shaped her journey.

Students described her as approachable, inspiring and deeply impactful, with many moved by her personal story and message.

Headteacher Mr Davies said: “It was a privilege to welcome Professor Erinma Bell to the school, particularly as one of our houses proudly bears her name.

“Her visit brought the values of Erinma House, and our school, to life, inspiring our students to reflect, aspire and continue striving to make a positive difference in their communities.”