CARISMA Services
CARISMA is about the relief of young people in need in Inner South Manchester. The organisation provides advice, support, inspiration, and information through networking with existing community groups to improve quality of life for those at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities, and extends its support to their families and communities.
CARISMA aims to develop the capacity and skills of members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Inner South Manchester and beyond, helping them to identify and meet their needs and to participate more fully in society. In addition, the organisation works to increase cultural awareness of other communities through cultural competence of different ethnicities.
Originally set up in 2002 as Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area, CARISMA was a grassroots community response to gang violence. It ran a number of initiatives and projects such as PeaceWeek, out of which emerged radio station PeaceFM (now known as Legacy). Its strapline, "life-chances for young people in the community," reflected its core purpose. Although the original charity closed in 2015 due to a significant drop in gun and gang crime, the CARISMA name has been revived and is now operating as a Company limited by guarantee for new initiatives and projects with the same aim in mind.
CARISMA carries out the building of social capital through the delivery of workshops, seminars, conferences, and other social events and projects. It delivers activities and events that encourage working in a different kind of way from the norm set by society. A strong emphasis is placed on 'identity' in all the work delivered, and the organisation provides tried and proven models of good practice on anti-gun and gang crime initiatives and projects.
“We put a strong emphasis on ‘identity’ in all the work delivered. We provide tried and proven models of good practice on anti-gun and gang crime initiatives and projects.”
