Why Rekindle matters: Andy Burnham and Bev Craig visit our vital Manchester community space

At the end of May, we welcomed Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, into Rekindle for an evening that reminded us of what community truly looks like.

Food, stories, and soul

The evening itself was full of soul. Music and poetry filled the room, from our young people and elders. Their voices told stories that reminded us all why Rekindle exists in the first place.

A highlight was watching our young people speak directly to Andy Burnham and Bev Craig about what Rekindle means to them. Their words were powerful, direct, and deeply rooted in lived experience.

As always at Rekindle events like these, another standout moment came from Maxine’s cooking. Maxine, a much-loved member of our own community, prepared dishes such as    ackee and saltfish bruschetta, callaloo puff pastries, mac and cheese, chicken, rice and chickpea curry, that brought people together and celebrated culture and identity. 

Rekindle: A space worth fighting for

Their visit was about recognising the significance of our space (historically, socially, and culturally) and exploring the vital role Rekindle plays in the present day.

Too often, community spaces like ours go unnoticed, their value obscured by a lack of awareness about what actually happens within their walls. As all who are a part of our movement  will attest – Rekindle is more than a building; it’s a living, breathing place of learning, sanctuary, care, and empowerment.

From Elders’ Sunday Socials to our Supplementary School curriculum, to youth holiday clubs, the Community Pantry and the newly launched Nello James Project, Rekindle is a space that serves people of all ages in meaningful and varied ways. It’s a place where intergenerational connection and community is daily practice.

At a time when many local spaces are struggling, we’re determined to remain a vital hub for young people and their communities. As our founder Ruth Ibegbuna puts it:

We are so proud that our Manchester home is in a building that was previously the beating heart of Manchester’s black community. Where bold plans were hatched, where elders were supported, and where young people were encouraged to soar.

Seeing the space now, cared for and filled with different generations, all coming together, is such a testament to the power of community and the fact that it truly takes a special village to raise a child.

Education at the core

Throughout the evening, we kept coming back to the purpose of a soulful education. Andy Burnham, who has recently placed schooling and youth opportunity at the heart of his public agenda, spoke often about the importance of alternative and culturally relevant learning spaces.

Rekindle’s own approach to education, one which is holistic, culturally grounded, and designed in collaboration with young people, offers a tangible example of what’s possible when we rethink traditional models.

Not all young people flourish within the rigid structure of mainstream education. Rekindle offers something different. A space where learning is rooted in culture, critical thinking, creativity, and care. It’s an approach we’re proud of, and one that continues to make a meaningful difference.

More than anything, the visit was about presence. Our elders, young people, staff, volunteers, and Trustees came together in one space. As a community, we came together to listen, to share, to reflect, and to build. It reminded us that community is something we do, not just something we talk about.

We’re deeply thankful to Andy and Bev. Their presence meant a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing the conversation about how to protect and expand spaces like Rekindle.