Happy 10th anniversary to Manchester Youth Council

Published on 15-12-2022 at 10:56

Manchester Youth Council helping the city celebrate Manchester Day last year - and the city's children and young people had a very special part to play. Image: Carl Sukonik

Manchester Youth Council is celebrating 10 years of work dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in the city.

The council was set up in 2012 with the aim of ensuring that Manchester – one of the UK’s biggest cities with a population of over half a million – has a democratically elected group of young people, to speak up for young citizens at all levels, local, regional and national.

It has continuously worked closely with Manchester City Council to improve the experience of being a young person in Manchester, resulting in co-ordinated events, the production of vital resources and campaigns for better support for young people.

Key achievements include the Youth Buzz Awards, which showcase the outstanding contributions made by local youngsters; Manchester Day, a celebration of creativity and the arts; and the Make Your Mark Ballot, which gives young people a say on the big issues.

‘Improving the experience of being a young person in Manchester’

It has also worked tirelessly on environmental issues, and now every school and youth group in the city is actively supporting the Manchester Zero Carbon strategy, enabling residents – even the most youngest – to learn more about monitoring their carbon footprint.

Two members of Manchester Youth Council, Yasmina Lee and Reko Smith, have campaigned to ensure young carers are recognised and supported. Their project now employs a full time staff member in the council who has worked with young carers to ensure their views are represented.

Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Children and Young People at Manchester City Council, said: “This is a great achievement for Manchester’s Youth Council- over the ten years they have made so much progress for the children and young people of the city.

‘A brilliant set of people’

“From raising the concerns of Mancunian young people nationally to creating resources such as the climate wheel for all young residents, the Youth Council are a brilliant set of young people who work hard for young people all over the city. I can’t wait to see what they continue to accomplish. ”

Michelle Saidi Fromer, a member of the council, said: “The things I have been able to learn in MYC are invaluable. I don’t know where I would be today had I not gone through MYC. I have been able to build my public speaking skills, communications, leadership, and teamwork. MYC has re-wired my brain to believe in myself and go after my dreams. I’ve used my skills for life to be more confident and challenge myself to do more.”