A Special Visit from Professor Erinma Bell

We were delighted to welcome Erinma Bell, Professor, Councillor, MBE and Deputy Lieutenant, to our school today. A respected community peace activist, Erinma is recognised for her work tackling violent crime in Moss Side and Longsight. One of our school houses is proudly named in her honour.

Alongside her husband, she co-founded CARISMA, now part of the Chrysalis Foundation, which supports young people by offering positive alternatives to street and gun crime. Her portrait bust, created from metal recycled from 50 guns collected by Greater Manchester Police, is the first sculpture of a woman to be displayed in Manchester Town Hall in 150 years.

The assembly was opened by our Headteacher, Mr Davies, who warmly welcomed Professor Bell before she delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking talk to students in Erinma House. She spoke about her background and shared her passion for promoting peace, emphasising that real change begins locally, within our homes, schools and communities - before it can be achieved on a wider, global scale.

Following the assembly, a small group of students had the opportunity to meet with Professor Bell in the library. They engaged in meaningful discussions, asked insightful questions and reflected on her experiences. She spoke openly about both the challenges she has faced and her achievements, highlighting how her lived experiences have shaped who she is today.

Students found her incredibly approachable and inspiring, and felt comfortable discussing important issues such as knife and gun crime in Manchester. From sharing personal stories of loss to receiving an MBE, her journey left a lasting impression on everyone present.

We feel incredibly honoured to have welcomed such an inspiring and influential speaker to our school. Her visit has encouraged our students to reflect, aspire and continue striving to be positive members of their community.