People Like Us S01E02 - Episode 2

Three miles north of the city centre is a little-known Manchester suburb called Harpurhey. Ten years ago it was labelled the most deprived neighbourhood in England, but there's a lot more to life around here than government statistics.

In this six-part documentary series, a vibrant mix of feisty, witty and headstrong young people show us what it's really like growing up the hard way.

We catch up with 18-year-old Amber and the rest of the Wakefield family - mum Karen, stepdad Paul and sister Maddy - who own the Wishy Washy launderette, where customers have been causing mischief by using the bin as a toilet and stealing wall decorations. Amber receives an offer of a place at university to study acting, but is dreading the idea of moving away from her family - and having to do her own laundry. Will she follow her dream of going to drama school?

We also meet Dale, 19, whose desperate search for fame and fortune has seen him try his hand at presenting his own internet radio show and club promotion by hosting a night in town. Now he has got his next amateur boxing fight coming up. Will he be able to go three rounds in the ring or will his 'man about town' lifestyle get in the way of boxing success?

A couple of miles south of the launderette we meet 19-year-old single mum Nicola, who finds surviving on £82 benefits per week a struggle. Her turbulent relationship with her mum is at breaking point and she dreams of a better life for herself and her daughter. Could moving away be the answer?

Finally, 21-year-old Ryan has just completed a four-week sentence at Strangeways Prison after breaking the terms of a restraining order taken out by his ex-girlfriend. He became a dad nearly a year ago, but due to his prison sentence he has only seen his daughter twice in the past month. Ryan is unemployed, but dreams of leaving the area and making it big as a rapper. As he prepares for a headline performance at an upcoming rap battle, can MCing be a ticket to a better life?