Knowledge Hub

Knowledge Hub – Co‑designed Resources for Your Future

Our Knowledge Hub has been built with and for young people across Greater Manchester. We know that education and career choices can be daunting, especially if you’ve experienced disruptions to your learning or are new to the UK. This hub gathers trusted, free resources to help you explore your options, find study tools and look after your wellbeing. We prioritise links that are accessible and relevant to young people facing barriers. If you know of a resource that belongs here, let us know – this hub grows with your suggestions.

GCSE and post‑16 options

Choosing your next steps can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve experienced disruptions to your education or are new to the UK school system. These resources break down your options and help you decide what works for you.
Then list and briefly explain the resources you recommend. For example:
BBC Bitesize (GCSE revision) – Free notes, videos and quizzes for all GCSE subjects. bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Seneca Learning – Interactive courses for GCSE and A‑level subjects. Free to join. senecalearning.com
Maths Genie / Physics & Maths Tutor – Worked examples and past papers for maths and science. mathsgenie.co.uk | physicsandmathstutor.com
ExamQA – Revision notes and practice questions for GCSE and A‑level science. examqa.com

Choosing your next steps

Whatever your goal – GCSEs, apprenticeships, sixth form, university or work – these sites help you make an informed choice.
UCAS – Find courses and entry requirements for universities and colleges. Start planning your higher‑education journey. (ucas.com)
National Careers Service – Explore job profiles, take skills assessments and get impartial careers advice. (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk)
Greater Manchester Apprenticeships & Careers Service (GMACS) – Discover local apprenticeships, traineeships and careers events. (gmacs.co.uk)
Manchester Local Offer (SEND) – Information on education, health and social care support for young people up to 25 with special educational needs or disabilities. (hsm.manchester.gov.uk/local_offer)
Tip: If you need help interpreting these resources or completing applications, contact us and we’ll arrange a one‑to‑one discussion.

University and career guidance

Add a brief paragraph explaining why researching higher education and careers matters, then provide links:
UCAS – Information on universities, courses, entry requirements and how to apply. ucas.com
National Careers Service – Careers advice, skills assessments and job profiles. nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Manchester Local Offer (SEND) – Guidance on education and training up to age 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. hsm.manchester.gov.uk/local_offer
Include a sentence inviting young people to ask MYEC staff for help interpreting these resources or booking careers‑advice sessions.

Study skills and wellbeing

xplain that academic success is linked to wellbeing and good study habits. Then offer resources such as:
Smart Study Techniques – A short guide on effective revision methods (you can link to a PDF or a trusted external article).
Pomodoro timers and organisation apps – Suggest free tools like Forest or Trello to help with time management.
42nd Street – Free mental‑health support for young people in Manchestermyec.org.uk. 42ndstreet.org.uk
Manchester Mind – Resources and counselling for mental wellbeingmyec.org.uk. manchestermind.org
Remind readers that they can contact your Designated Safeguarding Lead if they’re struggling or worried about someone else.

Leadership and volunteering opportunities

Volunteering and leadership opportunities help you build skills, confidence and networks:
Learn2Lead Programme (Manchester Youth Zone) – A 12‑week leadership and volunteering course for ages 14–19 (up to 25 with additional needs); develop communication, project‑management skills and a stronger sense of social responsibility. (manchesteryz.org/learn2lead)
National Citizen Service (NCS) – Short residential and community‑action programmes for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds that focus on team building, life skills and social action. (wearencs.com)
Do‑It – A national database of volunteering opportunities for all ages; filter by location and interest. (doit.life)
Participation in leadership programmes is a powerful way to shape your community and feed into local decision‑making.

Mental health and wellbeing

Academic success is linked to feeling well and supported. If you’re struggling or just want to talk, these organisations can help:
42nd Street – A Greater Manchester charity with 40 years of experience providing free and confidential mental‑health services to young peoplegmsystemschangers.org.uk. (42ndstreet.org.uk)
Manchester Mind – An independent local charity offering advice, counselling and wellbeing resources for young people and adults. (manchestermind.org)
Shout (85258) – A free, confidential text service available 24/7 if you need immediate mental‑health support. (giveusashout.org)
All MYEC staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding and can help you access these services if you’re unsure where to start.

Rights, advocacy and support

Knowing your rights and where to find specialist help is empowering. These links point to trusted local services:
Carers Manchester – A network of organisations supporting unpaid carers; they provide advice on benefits, employment and carers’ rightscarersmanchester.org.uk. (carersmanchester.org.uk)
Parent Champions (Manchester Parent Carer Forum) – Experienced parents share information and peer support on education and services for families with special educational needs or disabilities. (manchesterparentcarerforum.org.uk)
Young Legal Aid Lawyers – Guides on youth rights across education, housing, immigration and more. (ylal.org.uk)
Trussell Trust food banks – An anti‑poverty charity providing emergency food and practical support to people in financial crisistrussell.org.uk. Use their “Get Emergency Food” page to locate your nearest food bank. (trusselltrust.org)
Mustard Tree – A Manchester charity that combats poverty and homelessness by providing food, clothing, training and advocacymustardtree.org.uk. (mustardtree.org.uk)
If you need help contacting any of these services or understanding what they offer, get in touch and we’ll support you.

Choosing the Right University – Russell Group vs. Others

University is a huge investment in your future. But not all universities offer the same experience, opportunities, or job prospects.

What is the Russell Group?
24 top UK universities known for world-class research and teaching.
Higher employment rates and strong industry connections.
Examples: Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, and Imperial College London.
What About Other Universities?
Many offer specialist courses that may be perfect for you.
Some focus more on hands-on experience than academic research.
Choosing the right university matters! This page helps you:
✔ Understand which universities suit your goals.
✔ Learn why employers value Russell Group degrees.
✔ Explore university courses on UCAS: Find a University
Plan Your University Journey Now

Study Techniques & Learning Styles – Learn Smarter, Not Harder

Do you struggle with revision? Maybe you just haven’t found the right technique! Everyone learns differently, and understanding your learning style can boost your study efficiency.
What’s Your Learning Style?
Visual Learners – Learn best with diagrams and charts.
Auditory Learners – Prefer spoken explanations and podcasts.
Reading/Writing Learners – Learn through textbooks and notes.
Kinesthetic Learners – Understand best with hands-on practice.
Top Study Techniques
Pomodoro Technique – Short study sessions with breaks.
Mind Mapping – Organise information visually.
Active Recall & Spaced Repetition – Proven to boost memory.
Find Your Learning Style Now:
VARK Learning Style Test

Share your resources

This hub is a living resource that grows through community input. If you’ve found a book, website, event or programme that helped you, or if you spot a broken link, let us know. Together we can build a guide that truly reflects our community’s needs and strengths.

Closing call to action

This Knowledge Hub is a living resource. If you know of a great website, book or programme that should be here, let us know. Together we can build a guide that reflects the needs and strengths of our community.