Talk Listen Change conference highlights early intervention work with young people in Greater Manchester

Last month, leading relationship support provider Talk Listen Change (TLC) held a powerful and insightful conference in Manchester, bringing together local councils and MPs from across Greater Manchester to discuss an increasingly pressing issue - harmful behaviours displayed by children and young people.

Under the theme “Intervening Early: Supporting Children Who Use Harm in Greater Manchester,” the event offered a unique opportunity to showcase the important work TLC is doing across the region, including here in Tameside.

TLC’s early intervention programmes focus on supporting children and families where young people are exhibiting harmful behaviours, whether towards siblings, parents, or peers. These behaviours can often go unnoticed or unchallenged until they escalate, which is why the charity's proactive approach is gaining attention and praise.

The conference highlighted the positive outcomes TLC’s work has already achieved, particularly through its tailored support programmes and healthy relationship education courses delivered in schools across Greater Manchester. These educational initiatives aim to equip young people with the skills and understanding they need to form respectful, non-violent relationships, both at home and in their communities.

Attendees, including local councillors and MPs, were given the chance to engage directly with the work TLC does. As part of the day, they took part in an interactive activity mirroring those used by the charity’s practitioners in their daily work with children and families. The exercise offered a hands-on look into TLC’s methodology and reinforced the value of addressing harmful behaviours before they escalate further.

TLC Group CEO Michelle Hill: " We're so grateful for how our pilot programmes on healthy relationship education have been received. We hope relationship education can become an integral part of school curricula going forward."

As the conversation around youth behaviour and family dynamics continues to grow in importance, TLC’s approach is being seen as a vital piece of the puzzle in ensuring young people across Greater Manchester are supported early, and effectively.

For more on TLC’s work or how they are making a difference in Tameside and beyond, visit www.talklistenchange.org.uk.