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Standing Together Against Violence: The Vital Role of Hospital Navigators in Greater Manchester

Standing Together Against Violence: The Vital Role of Hospital Navigators in Greater Manchester

July 1st, 2025

“You don’t have to be alone in a situation like this.”

Recently, our Navigators were featured in a powerful Sky News report highlighting the growing impact of hospital-based youth support in Greater Manchester. The story followed a young man recovering from a stabbing, offering a raw and emotional insight into the trauma caused by knife crime, and the vital role Navigators play in helping young people begin to heal.

Favour, one of our dedicated Oasis Navigators, met the young man on the major trauma ward. Her role wasn’t to ask questions or investigate what happened. She was simply there to listen, support, and walk alongside him in the early stages of recovery.

"Favour has shown me that you don't have to be alone in a situation like this. You don't have to lock yourself in a room and feel isolated. She's told me that there are people that can walk with you, speak to you, advise you, make you feel comfortable, not vulnerable."

What Is a Navigator?

Navigators are trained youth workers based in hospital emergency departments across Greater Manchester. Funded by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, the Navigator project was launched in April 2021 to support young people aged 10-25 who have been affected by violence.

We currently operate in:

Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI)
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH)
Salford Royal
Royal Bolton
Wythenshawe Hospital

Our Navigators work closely with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to provide trauma-informed support to young people and their families. Whether someone has been admitted with a violent injury or is referred from the community, our team is there to support the young person helping them to develop coping strategies and establish a sustainable support networks to enable them to move forward positively.

A Multi-Agency Approach

This work is part of a wider, multi-agency approach to tackling violence as a public health issue. We collaborate with police, schools, youth services, and community organisations to create safer environments and prevent future harm.

Rachel, a lead consultant at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, shared how her experience treating young victims of violence led her to become part of this wider mission:

"When he arrived at the hospital he was obviously very distressed and stressed and quite angry... but a little bit later on when things were stable, I asked him if he wanted me to call his mum. And when I asked that question, he really sort of changed... and he just kind of physically crumpled on the bed and just looked like the vulnerable child that he was."

"This is a health problem. So in the same way that we would address an infectious disease... if we can use those methods and principles to look at violence... not just reacting when it happens but actually looking at how we can prevent the disease of violence, that in the long term will have a bigger impact."

Prevention Through Education

The Sky News report also highlighted how this collaborative approach extends beyond hospitals. In Bolton, medics are now delivering emergency first aid training in schools, teaching 11 and 12 year olds how to stop life-threatening bleeding.

One young person commented:

"There was a stabbing quite near where I live. So, it does happen. But it's very crucial to learn how to stop this bleed and how to stop deaths."

By equipping young people with knowledge and confidence, we’re helping them feel safer and more prepared in their communities.

Looking Ahead

The young man featured in the report said he wants to keep talking to Oasis Navigators after he leaves hospital. That’s what this work is about: building trust, creating safe spaces, and walking alongside young people as they navigate their recovery.

"It stays with you, he said. But having someone to talk to, someone who helps you feel safe, that makes a huge difference."

We’re proud to be part of a growing network of professionals and community members working together to reduce violence and support young people across Greater Manchester.

Watch the full Sky News report here:

Sky News sees the work of our Navigator team who go into hospitals to help young people impacted by violence.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know has been affected by violence, our Navigators are here to help. We accept referrals from hospitals and directly from the community.

Click here to make a referral

Please be advised our service is consent based as such we will only work with a young person that has consented to the referral and has identified that they want support and are ready to make a change.

Support for Parents and Carers

If you’re a parent or carer of a young person who has been impacted by youth violence, you can make a referral to our Parent and Carer Support (PACS) team.

Who are PACS?

Established in October 2023, PACS offers one-to-one support, peer connection, and practical guidance for families in Greater Manchester who are concerned about their child’s behaviour or wellbeing.