Riots one year on: Co-operative group challenges negative stereotypes of young after Manchester left shaken

By Mancunian Matters staff

One year after the summer riots left Manchester shaking, young people have taken over cities across the country to mark the event and create a much-needed positive message for youths.

The uprisings of August 2011 saw thousands of people revolt, loot and cause criminal damage on an unprecedented scale – leaving a bad impression for young people across the board.

However, Manchester-based The Co-Operative Foundation aimed to challenge that brand and prove the next generation can be a force for good on year on.

One Day celebration held events in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester on Saturday as showcasing events were held to unite and young and old and challenege negative stereotypes that have stemmed from the riots.

Michael Fairclough, head of community and Co-operative Investment, said: "One Day is the product of months of hard work from seven dedicated young people from seven parts of the UK.

"It is the very first time we have joined together all our Truth About Youth projects in one co-ordinated national activity which will be run simultaneously on One Day.

"This project was created by our Truth About Youth Young Advisory Panel, who have led this project from the very beginning, and serves as a fantastic example of the dedication and inspiration shown by these young people and the hundreds more who will be involved on the day."

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