New Youth Advisory Board & Young Trustee for Youth Leads UK
Youth Leads UK is thrilled to welcome 10 new members to its Youth Advisory Board and a new young Trustee to the organisation.
Youth Leads UK launched its Youth Advisory Board in 2024, appointing a diverse group of young people from across Greater Manchester for a two-year-term. The Youth Advisory Board is tasked with supporting the organisation to remain youth-led and share valuable insight to strengthen Youth Leads UK’s programmes and projects.
A key highlight was the Curriculum Rebuild Residential, where youth advisors reimagined the future of the organisation and shared their lived experiences, helping to ensure Youth Leads UK is responsive to those it serves. The residential saw a new curriculum for the flagship Leadership Programme with more focus on mental health, digital and financial literacy.
As the Youth Advisory Board’s term comes to an end, Youth Leads UK would like to formally thank its members for their commitment, resilience, and invaluable contributions, which have helped propel the organisation forward. The organisation wishes them continued success in their leadership journeys, whether at university, on other youth boards, or in the world of work.
Youth Leads UK is also proud to announce that Aaliah Patel, an outgoing member of the Youth Advisory Board, has been appointed to its Board of Trustees. Aaliah first joined the charity in 2022 as a programme participant and most recently hosted the Youth Leads UK 15th Anniversary and Strategy Launch at the House of Lords.
As a Trustee, Aaliah is committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive. She is passionate about driving positive social change and championing voices from diverse communities.
Aaliah Patel, new Trustee at Youth Leads UK said:
“I’m really proud and excited to be stepping into the role of trustee at Youth Leads. I’ve been involved with the organisation for over four and a half years, starting on the programme when I was just in college. It’s been genuinely special to watch Youth Leads grow and evolve over that time, and to see the impact it continues to have on young people. Being part of that journey has given me a real understanding of what happens when young people are trusted and supported to lead change.
I feel very privileged to now be part of its next chapter in a Trustee role. I’m especially looking forward to helping empower young people to create change in their local communities and beyond, and to continuing to support an organisation that truly places young people at the centre of everything it does.”
Chloe Bennett and Adam Toorawa, Co-Chairs of the Youth Leads UK Board of Trustees, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the impact our Youth Advisory Board has had on Youth Leads UK. Their insight, lived experience, and leadership have helped ensure young people remain at the heart of everything we do. The Youth Advisory Board has been a powerful example of what happens when young people are meaningfully involved and trusted to lead.
We are especially delighted to welcome Aaliah to the Board of Trustees. From programme participant to Youth Advisory Board member and now Trustee, her journey reflects our mission to help young people turn ideas into action and shape the decisions that affect their lives. We know Aaliah will continue to bring passion, insight, and leadership to the organisation, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make in this new role.”
The organisation has also welcomed ten new members to its Youth Advisory Board, who will help shape the charity’s work over the next two years. The board will share insights on key youth issues, working closely with the youth engagement team and Board of Trustees to help guide decision-making and ensure the organisation remains youth-led and youth-informed.
The board held its first formal meeting in February, where members developed a plan for the year ahead and identified key issues they aim to address.
Chair of the Youth Advisory Board, Dhaani, 17, said:
“As Chair of the Youth Advisory Board, I’m so excited for everything coming up at Youth Leads UK! Watching the podcast grow from its very first stages has been amazing, and I can’t wait to see how far it goes. Youth Leads is also launching a documentary with the Bolton youth group, and getting the opportunity to attend the premiere in the Summer is such a privilege. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead, getting involved in the Manchester community and helping create real change and opportunities for young people.”
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, said:
“At Youth Leads UK, we have always been committed to empowering young people and ensuring their voices shape the future of our organisation. The Youth Advisory Board has been a vital part of that commitment, giving young people the opportunity to influence key decisions and drive meaningful change across our work. Over the past two years, the board has made an incredible impact and exceeded all expectations.
I am also delighted to welcome Aaliah to the Board of Trustees. Throughout her journey with Youth Leads UK, she has consistently demonstrated passion, resilience, and a strong commitment to championing youth voice. Aaliah’s appointment reflects exactly what can happen when young people are trusted, supported, and given the tools to lead. I have no doubt she will continue to make a lasting impact in this new role.”
Youth Leads UK believes in the power of young people, with their decision-making, lived experience, and perspectives shaping the future.
The Youth Advisory Board reflects this commitment and continues to drive the organisation towards being more youth-led than ever before.
