Empowering youth voice
In Greater Manchester, a wave of youth-led community initiatives is bringing about transformative change and empowerment for young people.
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Spearheading this movement is Alex, a passionate advocate for youth engagement and mental wellbeing.
Alex's journey began as a partisan political candidate for Wigan Borough's Member of Youth Parliament, where he was successfully elected as Member of Youth Parliament with a manifesto pledge to create more sport opportunities benefiting the mental health of less active youth. Teaming up with his youth cabinet colleagues, Alex was elected as a Delegate to the GM Youth Combined Authority, where Health and Wellbeing emerged as a top priority for 2022-2024. Together with his youth workers, Alex initiated a comprehensive project plan involving 25 youth voice groups across Greater Manchester.
The project aimed to identify barriers to sports participation, understand reasons for non-participation, and discover preferred activities among young people. Through consultation with 594 individuals, insights were gathered, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of sports, movement, and outdoor activities on mental health.
Notable success stories emerged from initiatives like Spectrum Gaming, which transitioned from online gaming to outdoor adventures, fostering confidence and friendships among participants. Similarly, Be The Change Youth Project, a Black-led organization, provided inclusive programming designed by and for young people, empowering them to explore new activities and opportunities.
Individual stories highlight the impact of co-created, youth-led initiatives like these. Sam, a 17-year-old participant, found newfound confidence and success in boxing, thanks to dedicated support and funding. Similarly, E, a resident of a children's home, gained independence and confidence through participation in group activities, fostering resilience and valuable life skills.
The ripple effects of these initiatives extended across Greater Manchester, with Stockport Youth Council and Bury Youth Service also experiencing positive outcomes in mental wellbeing and community engagement. At TYC, initiatives aimed at marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities, provided a safe space for exploration and skill development.
Despite challenges, initiatives like Youth Foria, a platform for youth councils and participation groups, continued to engage young people in campaigns and initiatives focusing on mental health and other crucial issues. With 234 young people participating in sports and physical activities, the impact on mental wellbeing and community cohesion is evident.
As Greater Manchester continues to prioritise youth empowerment and wellbeing, these initiatives highlight the transformational power of youth voice.
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