2023 Winner
Greg Davis
Community campaigner who founded United Estates of Wythenshawe to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Greg Davis founded United Estates of Wythenshawe in 1996 after seeing a group of teenagers vandalising a church building. “It was beyond vandalism,” said Greg. “They were absolutely, systematically wrecking the place.”
When Greg discovered there were plans to close the church altogether, he came up with a different approach. “I went to see the minister that was in charge at this church and he said ‘We’re going to close the building. There’s been attacks on the parishioners, there’s been graffiti, vandalism, and we can’t afford to keep the place open.’ “I said, ‘Is that what we do, as adults, when we face a bit of adversity? We literally shut the building down? Or, should we try and get the kids that are outside vandalising the place to come on the inside and see what good they could do rather than what negativity they can be involved with?’”
Which is exactly what they did. And now more than 25 years later United Estates of Wythenshawe, which provides a social cultural centre for local people, is thriving. A busy and popular gym is at the heart of the project, along with a dance room and cinema. The transformed building also has a busy kitchen area and a space for boxing and martial arts. There’s a community shop outside and a room specifically designed for creating music. The team is also developing an outdoor area to include an outdoor gym, orchard and allotment.
“Everything that’s evolved in the building is an attempt to bring people together,” said Greg. “The minute we opened the doors in this building, the response from local people has been nothing less than magnificent in that we’re self-sustaining, we look after ourselves, with a really strong sense of community that I’m actually quite proud of.”
Actor and Pride of Manchester judge John Thomson hailed Greg’s achievements. “You’re an inspiration,” he said. “You speak to young people in their language, who listen and you empower them and you make a difference on their terms rather than telling them what to do. And, you provide local answers to local issues, rather than relying on dictats from politicians in London.”
Greg added: “From experience, I can say that places like this on inner city estates can just be such a fountain of goodness.”