YOUNG TRAILBLAZERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT GRADUATION EVENT

Young leaders from across Greater Manchester were celebrated at Youth Leads UK’s programme graduation

44 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 and decision-makers to mark the achievements of those who completed a 12-week Leadership Programme.

Graduates from Bolton and Manchester took to the stage to share their inspiring stories, touching on breaking barriers and developing new skills, including confidence, resilience and a passion for youth-led social action.

Youth Leads UK were proud to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Prof Saul Becker DL, who, addressing the audience, said:

“I truly believe a programme like this will build a strong foundation for the next stage of your life. Never underestimate the impact of something like this at an early age; you will carry what you learn with you throughout your life.

“Programmes like this emphasise civic duties and prepare you for them, and teach you the shared responsibility we have to care for one another. The power is in this room, with the younger generation.”

Iuliana, 17, Youth Leads UK Leadership Programme Graduate, Manchester, said:

“This programme has given me more than what I expected; it has given me a sense of belonging in a community, and a positive feeling that people are willing to listen to my ideas. I struggled with confidence before joining this programme, but thanks to Youth Leads, I have been inspired to use my voice. The skills I learnt at the programme helped me get accepted into UNIQ, which is the University of Oxford’s access programme!”

18-year-old Faith, Youth Leads UK Leadership Programme Graduate, Manchester, delivered a powerful poem on leadership and her experiences of the programme. Keep an eye on Youth Leads UK’s social media channels to see the spoken word performance in full.

Alana Pearson and Millie Brookes from Beyond Corporate Law Group shared more about their partnership with Youth Leads UK which saw programme participants visit their headquarters and take part in activities to learn more about careers in law. You can read more about that partnership here.

Krish Patel, Founder of Tales to Inspire, Youth Leads UK’s partner organisation for the Bolton programme, said:

“We may not be from the same country, speak the same language, or believe in the same faith, but the strongest communities are made up of the ones that believe in the power of youth. I want you to remember that this graduation is just the beginning of the next version of who you are. The confidence you’ve built, the courage you’ve formed, and the friends you’ve made, take them with you, use it, build with it and lead with it.”

Saeed Atcha MBE DL, CEO of Youth Leads UK, said:

“Our graduates show exactly what happens when young people are trusted, backed and given room to lead. Their stories reflect the best of our communities: resilience, kindness and ambition for change. At Youth Leads UK, we are committed to ensuring young people are not just heard but genuinely influential. These graduates remind us why that mission matters.”

Youth Leads UK’s Head of Programmes, Poppy Roberts, facilitated a panel discussion where graduates Raffya, Lily, Fede and Azan shared their experiences of the programme. The event was hosted by young people Sarah and Jahanzeb from the Manchester programme and the audience also heard from graduate, Pramiti, about her journey from signing up to the programme via Spotify.

Every Leadership Programme at Youth Leads UK culminates in a celebration of young people’s achievements, inspiring them to continue their journey of growth and ambition.

All graduates now join the Youth Leads UK alumni network, where they receive 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.