Manchester’s future is in good hands – youngsters scoop Youth Buzz Awards for ‘exceptional accomplishments’ across the city

The annual awards, designed for individuals up to 19 years of age, are organised by Manchester Youth Council, supported by the city council’s Youth, Play and Participation Service, and sponsored by various local businesses and organisations.

This year, the awards received a record number of nominations since their inception in 2017, with over 160 entries submitted by a wide range of organisations, including youth groups, schools, and voluntary, and community-based organisations.

Nominations were accepted in twelve categories, and the final round of judging featured three nominees in each category.

For the first time in the history of the awards, young people exclusively made up the judging panel, each of whom was a member of Manchester’s Youth Council.

The awards ceremony took place at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Manchester.

Among the winners were Anisa Juma, who received the Outstanding Achievement award for her “Let Periods Flow” campaign, which aims to make menstruation and periods less of a taboo subject and provide menstrual products in Manchester and Greater Manchester schools.

Idrak Zaman won the Young Volunteer of the Year Award for his inspiring volunteering efforts for local charities and organisations, motivating other young people to participate in charitable activities and establishing an after-school litter-picking club at his school.

Blessing Bamidele, described by her nominators as “the spirit of Manchester,” received the Young Achiever award for leading a young carers fashion show focused on climate change and sustainability at the Powerhouse in Moss Side.

The Young Artists Project at the Royal Northern College of Music won the Youth Project of the Year Award for its novel training and support programme for pop musicians aged between 11 and 18 years, providing opportunities for young people to explore their talents and reach their full potential while making music education accessible to all.

The Young Mentor Award went to Roberto Bayliss, a 16-year-old who volunteers at KYSO, a community youth group in Manchester, and serves as an outstanding role model for other young people by supporting and aiding them, using his music to spread positivity.

The Changemakers, an inspirational group of disabled young people, won the Most Effective Youth Voice or Campaign Award for their exceptional work in advocating for the voice of disabled young people. HideOut Youth Zone won the Organisation of the Year Award for the extensive range of services they offer, the activities and opportunities provided to young people, and the life-changing support they offer that enables young people to thrive.

Over the past twelve months, the city council has put children and young people at the forefront of their 2022 Our Year campaign by providing them with new opportunities, experiences, and activities. This work will continue and grow over the next few years as the city embarks on a journey to become officially recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City.

Speaking to I Love Manchester Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: “As a city we take the happiness and success of our children and young people very seriously and this is a massive priority for us – which is why we’re investing an additional half a million pounds more this year and next directly into youth services.

“We’re determined to do everything we can, working with our amazing and inspirational Youth Buzz Award winners, and with all our children and young people to make sure Manchester is the very best place in the world to grow up in.”

Here’s the full list of Youth Buzz Award winners

Making a Difference – Joshua Solomon

Young Mentor – Roberto Bayliss

Young Carer – Asher Collins

Young Achiever – Blessing Bamidele

Community Champion – whole School Council, Chorlton High School

Youth Project of the Year – Young Artists Project, Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)

Best Social Action Group – The Agency, Contact Theatre

Most Effective Youth Voice or Campaign – The Changemakers, Greater Manchester Youth Network

Young Volunteer – Idrak Zaman

Young Leader – Joseph Mendy

Organisation of the Year – HideOut Youth Zone

Outstanding Achievement – Anisa Juma