We take pride in fulfilling our mission of using real life experiences to enhance and facilitate change in young people and the professionals who support them. Having over 25 years’ experience we have seen how the economic changes have put a strain on many of the support services available. Here at PCS we have maintained our capacity to continue to support those most in need in a variety of settings from Schools, Residential Homes, Alternative Provisions, Prison and Outreach Projects.
We are Person Centred Strategies, and we specialise in supporting those with complex and profound social, emotional and behavioural needs.
Where it all began
The story of PCS started over 25 years ago when two leading members of the team Ian Calder and Dave Gregory used their past experiences to turn their life around. They wanted their life experiences to be used positively to help young people who were facing similar life challenges and to influence the journey of those who had already chosen the wrong path. With this drive and willingness to help young people they became part of the original founders of the Manchester MAGS (Multi-Agency Gang Strategy).
MAGS’ response brought the professionals together into one team; such as the police, probation officers, social and youth workers plus educational officers. Their mission was to gain the best possible outcomes for all young people. The reflection of this work and the positive impact it was having on the young people ultimately built a demand for the continuation of such a highly impacting programme.
Ian and Dave knew they had to do something, they wanted to help those highly challenged young people to be the best they could be, they wanted them to know there is a way out of wrong choices and it’s never too late to change their life journey. It was at this point they enrolled the help of their late dear friend Joanne Simpson and the 3 of them together devised a mentoring programme which developed into The Challenging Me Programme. Keeping it bespoke, real and relevant the team have made it accessible to all young people. Ian and Dave continue to lead and train mentors and professionals to ensure consistency in gaining the best outcomes for young people.
What We Do
Mentoring – Our mentoring programme is a dynamic, unique and holistic approach to facilitate positive change and emotional wellbeing for hard to engage, highly challenged young people.
Workshops – Our bespoke workshops are a way to target a small group of highly challenged young people.
Training – Our CPD Accredited training is aimed to help staff gain a better understanding of the young people they work with in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
Holistic and Alternative Therapy – Which encompasses your Psychological, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual wellbeing.
How We Work
At PCS we use an evidenced based early intervention approach which uses strategies in Social Pedagogy around prevention, support and de-escalation. It highlights how underlying social and economic issues can direct a person’s behaviour, how we can holistically challenge a person’s negative beliefs and empower them to make sustainable changes. We use a multi-faceted approach to tailor make our objectives.
Our team of experienced and well-practiced mentors are from a variety of diverse backgrounds. They are able to engage, build rapport and relate to the most hard to reach young people; whilst taking them through a journey designed to address and support their individual needs.
With proven success of engaging young people we felt the need to deliver a CPD Accredited Training to staff who work with the most highly challenged young people. This training gives professionals a better understanding into the mind set of young people, gaining the confidence to challenge and to have a positive impact on a young person’s life.
Partner Organisations
Our partner organisations provide outside support ranging from Holistic and Alternative Therapy & Empowering Workshops. To view or to book an initial appointment with one of our partner organisations please click on the links below.
Challenging Me Programme
Our team of experienced and well-practiced mentors are from a variety of diverse backgrounds. They are able to engage, build rapport and relate to the most hard to reach young people; whilst taking them through a journey designed to address and support their individual needs. With proven success of engaging young people we felt the need to deliver a CPD Accredited Training to staff who work with the most highly challenged young people. This training gives professionals a better understanding into the mind set of young people, gaining the confidence to challenge and to have a positive impact on a young person’s life.
KIA Healings
At KIA Healing, we provide Holistic Complementary, Alternative Therapy, which encompasses your Psychological, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual wellbeing. We consider all aspects of your physical and emotional wellbeing rather than treating particular symptoms separately. For example, some of our complementary therapies focus on the mind, body and spirit or the flow of energy throughout your body.
Empower-Together
At Empower-Together, we understand what it’s like to live with trauma and be vulnerable. We are a dedicated team that is run solely on motivation and passion, and life experiences to empower others. We believe that empowerment is the key for everyone to succeed in life and we want to help as many people as possible, not only to achieve success but to feel confident in their bodies and minds.