Stamford Park Trust Welcomes Professor Erinma Bell to Rayner Stephens High School

Stamford Park Trust was delighted to see Rayner Stephens High School welcome a very special visitor, Erinma Bell, Professor, Councillor, MBE and Deputy Lieutenant.

A highly respected community peace activist, Professor Bell is widely recognised for her work tackling violent crime in Moss Side and Longsight in Manchester. One of the Rayner’s houses is proudly named in her honour, reflecting the lasting impact of her work and values.

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 visit began with an assembly led by Headteacher Mr Davies, who warmly welcomed Professor Bell before she delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking talk to students in Erinma House. She spoke passionately about her background and her commitment to promoting peace, emphasising that meaningful change starts locally - within our homes, schools and communities - before extending to the wider world.

Following the assembly, a small group of students had the opportunity to meet Professor Bell in the library. They engaged in meaningful discussions, asked insightful questions and reflected on her experiences. Speaking candidly about both the challenges she has faced and her many achievements, she highlighted how her lived experiences have shaped the person she is today.

At the Trust, we are incredibly proud to provide opportunities for our students to engage with such powerful and influential voices. Visits like this not only inspire reflection, but also nurture aspiration and ambition - encouraging our young people to become positive, active members of their communities.