CELEBRATING YOUTH LEADERSHIP: YOUNG PEOPLE CELEBRATED AT GRADUATION EVENT
Young leaders took centre stage at the graduation event, recognising their achievements in Youth Leads UK’s Leadership Programme and Civic Youth Steering Group.
Thirty-four young people from Greater Manchester were celebrated as changemakers at the Trailblazing Youth Graduation Event hosted by Youth Leads UK. Held at the newly opened Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, the event brought together young people and key decision-makers to celebrate social action, amplify youth voice, and explore the power of working together to improve their community.
Graduates from Youth Leads UK’s programmes in Bolton, Oldham, and the Civic Leadership Programme took to the stage to share their experiences. They reflected on their journeys, from overcoming challenges to gaining new perspectives and skills such as resilience, growth, and the power of youth-led change.
Youth Leads UK’s Founder and CEO, Saeed Atcha MBE DL, highlighted the successes of the young leaders and announced the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham’s continued support for the organisation’s Civic Leadership Programme, now entering its second year. This renewed commitment comes off the back of a successful launch of a youth civic engagement toolkit earlier this year.
Youth Leads UK were proud to welcome Royal Representative, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Lisa Yam DL, who commended the young people for their achievements on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant:
“What you’ve done speaks volumes about your commitment to personal growth, resilience and determination to make a difference. You are role models, not just for your peers, but for the next generation of changemakers that will follow in your footsteps.
I congratulate you on your incredible achievements. Thank you for your dedication to your communities, commitment to leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of change. The future is brighter because of you. Keep leading, keep dreaming, and keep making a difference.”
Kate Green OBE, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, also attended the event to show her support. Highlighting the vital role of young people in society, she delivered an inspiring message to the audience:
“Me and Mayor Andy Burnham have big ambitions for Greater Manchester. We want this city’s region to be successful, prosperous, and welcoming to everyone. The young citizens that reside here are the most important asset that we’ve got for achieving that vision. Your voice to us, as decision-makers, is one that we take very seriously, and I want to thank the Civic Youth Steering Group for helping brigade that voice so that we get ideas, thoughts, and opinions from you and your peers.”
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, said:
“Starting Youth Leads UK as a teenager, I could never have imagined the journey it would take. Watching these young people step up as leaders is a constant reminder of the power of believing in yourself and taking action. Their stories, from overcoming challenges to making a difference in their communities, are a source of inspiration, and I’m so proud to celebrate their achievements with them.”
Every Leadership Programme at Youth Leads UK culminates in a celebration of young people’s achievements, inspiring them to continue their journey of action.
The event featured a motivational speech from Krish Patel, Founder of Tales to Inspire, who encouraged the young leaders to embrace their potential and use their stories to create a lasting impact.
All photo credits: Ruaa Kaseki