Novus hosts 80 Candles for 80 Years Project in Manchester

Yesterday, we hosted a special event in Manchester celebrating the national 80 Candles for 80 Years project, led by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT). Held at City Campus in Manchester, the event brought together civic leaders, educators, community organisations and partners including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Griffiths DL Esq, the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Carmine Grimshaw and Holocaust survivor Anne Super.

The 80 Candles for 80 Years project marks the upcoming 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The initiative invited 80 organisations and communities across the UK to create candleholders inspired by the lives of Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as others targeted under Nazi persecution. These unique pieces form a powerful touring exhibition designed to encourage learning, remembrance and reflection.

Novus learners contribute to national remembrance work

Learners from Novus, including those at HMP Humber, HMP Parc and HMP Stoke Heath, took part in the project by creating artwork informed by personal testimonies and historical accounts. As part of the creative process, they explored the human stories behind the Holocaust, deepened their understanding of the impact of hatred and considered how remembrance can help challenge prejudice in society today.

Novus MD, Peter Cox,  highlighted the importance of the experience for learners. He said:

“We are proud that our learners have contributed to this important national project, joining a wider community effort to remember those who were murdered in the Holocaust. Being included in 80 Candles for 80 Years has given learners a chance to engage with powerful personal stories and to reflect on the impact of prejudice. It has shown them that their work can hold real meaning beyond the prison walls, helping them feel part of something bigger and reinforcing the value of learning, empathy and shared remembrance.”

Insights from HMP Humber and learner reflections

Jim Jones, Novus Education Manager at HMP Humber, shared how meaningful the project had been for the learners involved. He spoke about the thoughtful conversations taking place during the workshops and the pride learners felt when they saw their work included in the national exhibition.

Jim shared a reflection from one learner who created a piece now featured in the 80 Candles for 80 Years exhibition. The learner said:

“As I learned about his suffering and imprisonment, it had a profound impact on me. We all need to keep empathising, learn more and care for our fellow human beings.”

This sentiment captured the depth of engagement shown by the learners and highlighted how education in custodial settings can spark empathy, awareness and personal development.

Holocaust education and community partnership

The event also included a moving testimony from Holocaust survivor Anne Super, whose story has been preserved through The Fed's My Voice project. Her experience inspired one of the candles created by students at Wellington School, demonstrating how Holocaust education continues to resonate across generations and settings.

The 80 Candles for 80 Years exhibition continues to tour the UK, with upcoming displays in Sheffield and Southend-on-Sea. Novus is proud to have supported this national project and remains committed to delivering education that empowers learners, strengthens community connections and promotes understanding and respect.

For more information about other Novus project, visit our news section.