TRAILBLAZING YOUTH: 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.
Thirty-one young changemakers from across Greater Manchester were celebrated at Youth Leads UK’s Trailblazing Youth Graduation, held at Manchester’s beloved HOME Theatre. The event brought together young people and key decision-makers to mark the achievements of those who completed the charity’s 12-week Leadership Programme.
Graduates from Bolton, Manchester, and Salford took to the stage to share their journeys, from overcoming personal challenges to discovering new perspectives and building skills like resilience, confidence, and the power of youth-led change.
Welcoming guests, The Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester, Cllr Carmine Grimshaw said:
Your energy and commitment reflect the very best of what Manchester stands for. Youth Leads UK’s impact is truly felt across our communities. Manchester has always been a City built on strong civic values and a powerful sense of community spirit – and those values are alive and well in each of the young people today. You’ve shown what it means to lead with heart, to serve with integrity and believe in the power of change.”
Youth Leads UK were proud to welcome royal representative, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Martin Ainscough CBE DL, who commended the young people for their achievements:
“Young people are so often unfairly stereotyped as troublemakers, but as you’ve all shown today, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Today’s graduates have shown a real commitment and a fantastic attitude, and really are a credit to society“
Founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, Saeed Atcha MBE DL, said:
“Seeing our young people step into their power as leaders proves that a little bit of opportunity and encouragement can take you far. I’m incredibly proud to celebrate with our graduates and everything they stand for. Society is now better off with 31 young people starting their journeys of changemaking in our communities.”
Every Leadership Programme at Youth Leads UK culminates in a celebration of young people’s achievements, inspiring them to continue their journey of action.
All graduates now join the Youth Leads UK alumni network, where they receive lifelong employability and careers support, opportunities to join other programmes and a chance to stay connected with a growing movement of young changemakers.
Following the speeches, participants proudly received their certificates, with photos capturing the special moments available here.
