Our History

In January 2023, Mwanzo Project was established in response to a critical gap in services for young people who find themselves at risk or involved in youth offending, serious youth violence, and criminal exploitation.

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Our dedicated team at Mwanzo boasts four years of experience in successfully delivering The Call In Programme in collaboration with a host organisation. This programme has not only garnered local and national accolades but has also demonstrated its effectiveness in providing tailored diversions and comprehensive support.

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The inception of The Call In programme in February 2019 marked a significant partnership between Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Golden Key, and Bristol City Council. This initiative arose from growing concerns about the increasing prevalence of drug-related activities and serious youth violence among young people in East Central Bristol. Additionally, it recognised the over criminalisation and racial disproportionality within the criminal legal system experienced by Black and racially minoritised young people. These concerns were further underscored by The Lammy Review (2017), emphasising the necessity of accessible diversion programmes.

 

The Call In was strategically designed to redirect young individuals away from the criminal legal system by offering one-on-one mentoring support and a bespoke programme of activities aimed at facilitating positive life changes.

 

Building upon our wealth of knowledge and experience gained from the successful implementation of The Call In programme,  we are committed to extending our work and providing additional interventions to marginalised young people within our community.

 

As a Black-led community organisation, we leverage community expertise while collaborating with grassroots, culturally-specific services to cater to the unique needs of our young people, who often face barriers when engaging with mainstream services and are seldom heard.

Mwanzo Project's primary goal is to create accessible opportunities for young people to receive support, enabling them to forge connections with mentors and role models who are relatable and credible to unlock their full potential.

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Our principles centre around offering opportunities that transcends crime,  guiding young individuals towards brighter futures.