The Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse is an important community centre established in 2000 to support young people in Central Manchester. It was created in response to concerns about youth marginalisation, violence and lack of opportunity, and represents a community-led effort to invest in young people and build a more positive future.
The Powerhouse offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support young people’s wellbeing, confidence, education and development. These include mental health and wellbeing support, careers advice, guidance into education, training and employment, creative arts, music, dance, drama, sports, youth clubs and community service projects. It also supports young people who are not in education, employment or training, and provides group sessions for 11- to 15-year-olds led by trained mentors.
Its vision is to help young people find pathways to jobs, training and opportunities that enable healthy, dynamic and fulfilling lives. Its charitable aims include promoting education, supporting emotional and mental development, offering recreation, and helping to reduce poverty and social exclusion.
The Powerhouse also has strong historical significance. It emerged from consultations with local young people and community members between 1993 and 1999, meaning it was shaped by the needs and aspirations of Moss Side’s youth. By bringing education, wellbeing, creativity, recreation and community engagement together under one roof, it has become a symbol of resilience, youth empowerment and community investment in Moss Side. See their website for further information.
