Teen Lives Matter marks first anniversary & celebrates impact in Rochdale

The milestone was marked by an event that welcomed special guests

Teen Lives Matter (TLM), a not-for-profit organisation based in Greater Manchester, has celebrated its first anniversary this November. The milestone was marked by an event that welcomed special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale, who praised TLM's work as "magnificent" and highlighted its significant impact on teenagers and families in the borough.

Mayor Shakil Ahmed added: “It’s a breath of fresh air to see such an amazing service being offered to the families of Rochdale." 

Since its establishment in November 2023, TLM has focused on supporting young people aged 13-19 facing mental health challenges, such as extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, and self-harm.

Operating from their hub in Littleborough, TLM's innovative early intervention approach has provided life-changing support to over 120 teens and their families in its first year.

The organisation’s Resilience Programme offers a comprehensive suite of services, including one-on-one therapy, group sessions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation workshops, and parent education.

This combination of support helps teenagers manage mental health issues while equipping parents to better understand and assist their children.

Melanie Kenyon-Drameh, Director and Founder of TLM, reflected on the year’s achievements, saying: “It’s been an incredible journey watching these young people grow emotionally and mentally.

Their strength and courage inspires us every day. And yes, we’ve shed many happy tears along the way!”

Director Linzi Bamford shared similar sentiments. She said: “It has been an incredible year for TLM. We are so proud of the amazing transformations from our teens. It fills our hearts with so much joy to help these young people rediscover their happiness and gain hope for their future.”

The organisation attributed much of its success to the support of the Rochdale community, stating: “Together, we’ve created something truly special—a place where young people can thrive, families can heal, and hope is restored. Here’s to many more years of making a difference!”

As a non-government-funded organisation, TLM relies heavily on local sponsors, private donors, and funding grants. With demand for their services continuing to rise, TLM is actively seeking investors to expand their reach and ensure no teenager in crisis goes unsupported.

For more information about Teen Lives Matter’s services or to support their work, visit their website: www.teenlivesmatter.uk.