Olliers and GMYN join forces for youth

In a groundbreaking move, Manchester-based defence solicitors Olliers and the Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) are launching a collaborative three-year programme designed to address the challenges faced by neurodivergent young people within the justice system. Current data from University College London indicates that around 80% of children cautioned or sentenced in the youth justice system are either neurodivergent or have special educational needs. The frontline experience accumulated by Olliers Solicitors highlights a systemic issue in which neurodivergence is often misinterpreted as defiance or aggression.

The initiative, titled ‘Seen, Heard, Diverted’, amalgamates the legal acumen of Olliers with the youth-led co-production efforts of GMYN, along with the specialist networks provided by Respect for All and the GM Neurodiverse VCSE Collective. The programme will unfold across three strategic strands over the next three years, with a strong focus on empowerment and education for young people, parents, and professionals involved in the justice system.

One of the key components focuses on young people, offering a prevention and rights awareness programme co-produced by neurodivergent youth. Activities such as cycling and gaming will serve as safe, engaging ways for participants to learn about their rights and how to handle stressful encounters with authority figures. Additionally, the initiative will aid parents and carers by developing accessible tools and conducting face-to-face sessions throughout all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester. These resources aim to help families effectively navigate system interactions and support their children in critical moments.

For professionals, the collaboration will produce a practical ‘toolbox’ designed for police officers, solicitors, and magistrates to better interpret neurodivergent behaviours, ensuring that responses are tailored to foster safer outcomes. Ruth Peters, Business Development Director at Olliers, emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, “The team at Olliers has always raised funds for charity but for 2026 we wanted to focus our efforts on an issue we are passionate about – neurodiversity and the criminal justice system.”

She further reflected on the positive impact the collaboration could have on young people in the Greater Manchester area, stating, “We hope that this landmark partnership will make a real difference for young people in Greater Manchester and that this scheme will inspire other regions to try to address this national problem.”

Alex Fairweather, CEO of GMYN, echoed Peters’ sentiments, saying, “For neurodivergent young people, the journey to a positive future is often obstructed by a system that doesn't speak their language.” He expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that connecting Olliers’ legal experience with GMYN’s grassroots work presents a unique opportunity for meaningful intervention before issues escalate.

As this initiative aligns with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s child-centred policing approach, the partners are taking a phased approach to delivery. The first year will concentrate on "Listening, Design and Testing" involving lived-experience participants, laying a strong foundation for the work ahead in the pursuit of supporting neurodivergent youth in the region