Introducing The Snakes and Ladders Project: A New Youth-Led Graphic Zine
At Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN), we believe that young people’s experiences should shape the services designed to support them.
That’s why we’re proud to launch The Snakes and Ladders Project, a new graphic zine created in partnership with Cottongrass Homes. This unique publication brings together the voices, experiences, and reflections of young people living in supported accommodation, sharing their journeys through creative storytelling and engaging artwork.
Putting Young People’s Voices at the Centre
Moving into supported accommodation can be a significant transition for any young person. Through this project, young residents shared what life in supported accommodation has been like for them, what has helped them thrive, and where they believe improvements can be made.
The zine is shaped entirely by youth voice, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of young people remain at the heart of the conversation. Rather than talking about young people, this resource provides an opportunity for young people to speak for themselves.
What Did Young People Tell Us?
The project highlighted many positive aspects of supported accommodation. Young people spoke about:
- Building strong and supportive relationships with staff.
- Feeling safe in their accommodation.
- Making new friends and developing social connections.
- Receiving valuable support during the transition into supported living.
One young person described feeling “10/10 supported” after moving into supported accommodation, demonstrating the powerful impact that the right support can have at the right time.
The project also showcased examples of good practice, including travel training for separated young people. This support has helped young people gain confidence, access education and services independently, and feel more connected to their local communities.
Learning for the Future
Alongside celebrating what is working well, the zine also captures young people’s ideas about how support can be strengthened.
Young people identified opportunities for:
- More social and outdoor activities.
- Greater support with employment and employability skills.
- Improved preparation for moving into supported accommodation and progressing to independent living.
Separated young people also highlighted the importance of English language support, trusted adults, and opportunities to build friendships and local networks. These insights provide valuable learning for everyone involved in supporting young people across the sector.
A Collaborative Effort
We would like to thank the young people who generously shared their experiences and made this publication possible. We are also grateful to the team at Cottongrass Homes for supporting and amplifying young people’s voices throughout the project.
Special thanks also go to John Cooper of Rocket Steps for bringing the stories to life through visual artwork, and to the Regional Care Cooperative and Trafford Council for supporting the project.
Read the Zine
We hope The Snakes and Ladders Project offers guidance, reassurance, and inspiration to young people entering supported accommodation, as well as valuable insight for professionals, carers, and decision-makers.
Most importantly, we hope it encourages everyone to continue listening to and learning from young people’s lived experiences.
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