Support for Schools

There is a variety of support available to schools engaging with the Exceeding Expectations initiative, because the initiative is a wide multi-agency programme, there is a breadth of experience and support for schools to draw upon:

The Lesbian and Gay Foundation

A community based organisation able to advise and support on initiatives relating to sexual orientation, discrimination and sexual health. LGF run the Exceeding Expectations Initiative on behalf of the multi-agency partnership. Cheif Executive - Paul Martin is chair of the initiative

Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership

Relationships with schools are key to the success of Exceeding Expectations, Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership assist with the delivery in school, supporting schools with information and materials and supporting staff through training. Exceeding Expectations contributes to the PSHE and Emotional Health and Well-being criteria of the Healthy Schools award.

Manchester City Council - Children's Services (Education)

The Director of Children's Services - Pauline Newman has strongly supported the initiative from the beginning. The support package for schools is delivered in partnership with Children's Services. Exceeding Expectations is part of the Children's Services Equality Strategy and has the backing of Manchester Safeguarding Children's Board. The initiative is a means of delivering objectives for the city on behaviour and attendance.

Manchester City Council - Chief Executive Department

The development group for the City Council LGBT employee group chaired by Steve Mycio monitors the progress of Exceeding Expectations. City Councillor Paul Fairweather sits on the steering group of the initiative, and lead officers for Lesbian and Gay Issues support the delivery of the initiative. The leader of the Council Sir Richard Leese has strongly supported the initiative from the beginning.

Hope Theatre Company

Written and produced by Adam Zane, Hope Theatre Company the theatre piece 'OUTLOUD' has recieved high acclaim from professionals in Manchester and beyond. This highly effective verbatim theatre piece speaks the words of Manchester's young people in a hard hitting and memorable way. The effects of the play have been wide reaching, spurring young people to tackle homophobia in their school, review policy and in some instances come out. If you are interested in seeing the piece, having it in a school or commissioning it for you local area, e-mail exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester

LGYM is a young person lead organisation, they run numerous support packages for young people. As part of the Exceeding Expectations initiative they are providing workshops for young people led by LGBT young people. This is proving to be a very effective way of addressing the usually anonymous nature of the 'gay 'subject. LGYM have recently won an award for their training and workshop development.

Albert Kennedy Trust

AKT were instrumental in the development of Exceeding Expectations. Their work to house homeless LGBT young people in Manchester and London is a significant support angle on the project. They have 18 years experience of supporting LGBT young people who have suffered intolerance and rejection as a result of being gay.

42nd Street

42nd Street have recently joined the Exceeding Expectations initiaitve, as experts in young people's mental health in Manchester, their support with the project is invaluable. They have many years experience of direct support to schools and in tackling all forms of bullying and emotional health difficulties.