GREATER MANCHESTER’S YOUTH CELEBRATED AT GRADUATION EVENT
54 young changemakers from across Greater Manchester were celebrated at Youth Leads UK’s Trailblazing Youth Graduation, held at Manchester’s HOME Theatre. The event brought together young people, civic leaders, employers and community partners to celebrate the achievements of participants who successfully completed Youth Leads UK’s 12-week Leadership Programme.
Graduates from Salford and Manchester took to the stage to share their personal journeys, reflecting on how the programme helped them overcome barriers, build confidence and resilience, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their passion for creating positive change in their communities.
Youth Leads UK were proud to welcome The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Shaukat Ali, who addressed graduates and guests, saying:
“Civic leadership is about recognising the responsibility we all have to support our communities and one another. Looking around this room, I see a generation with the passion, talent and determination to create positive change. The future is in your hands, and I have every confidence that you’ll make a lasting difference.”
Among those celebrating was 18-year-old Leadership Programme graduate Yomna from Manchester, who said:
“I’ve come to realise that many young people don’t lack ambition or potential. More often, what’s missing is access to opportunities, guidance on where to find them, or simply the confidence to believe they’re capable of taking them. Youth Leads helps bridge that gap for young people.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins JP DL, also congratulated the graduates and praised their commitment to leadership and positive social impact, saying:
“As His Majesty’s representative in Greater Manchester, it’s my role to champion our communities and share the incredible work happening across the region. Young people are the future of our society, and hearing your stories today has given me great hope for the future. Your passion, determination, and commitment to making a difference are truly inspiring, and I have every confidence that you’ll continue to create positive change in your communities.”
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, CEO of Youth Leads UK, said:
“Events like this remind me why I founded Youth Leads UK—to give young people a platform to be heard, to recognise their achievements, and to empower them to lead with confidence. Seeing everything our graduates have accomplished fills me with optimism for the future, and I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve next.”
Other speakers included the Member of Parliament for Rusholme, Afzal Khan who shared the importance of civic responsibility and Scarlett Ash, Learning & Development Coordinator (North) at Street Doctors who spoke about their partnership with Youth Leads UK to bring emergency life saving skills to young people.
The graduation marks the culmination of Youth Leads UK’s Leadership Programme, celebrating the progress each young person has made while encouraging them to continue developing their skills, ambitions and impact within their communities.
As graduates, participants now become part of the Youth Leads UK alumni network, giving them access to ongoing employability and careers support, further leadership opportunities, and a community of young changemakers committed to driving positive change across Greater Manchester.
Following the speeches, participants proudly received their certificates, with photos capturing the special moments available here.
