About

Imogen is an experienced leader with 20 years' experience in the non-profit sector developing and delivering transformative work in the UK, China and regional Australia. She is passionate about the role of community development and education in supporting individual and community resilience.

Most recently our Head of Partnerships Imogen is excited about leading Young Manchester through the current transition, to sharing power with young people, working alongside members and increasing the reach of partnerships.

Before joining YM, Imogen worked with Red Cross as a senior leader, driving large-scale services for children and families and those experiencing deep social exclusion. Earlier in her career she held project and programme development roles at the Children’s Workforce Development Council and Save the Children UK. Imogen has an MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development from SOAS and spends her spare time running (slowly) mumming (quickly) and volunteering with her local Scouts.

Samuel is a young person that’s eager to help and support everyone he can. He is studying Politics at King’s College London and is very interested in policy-making.

He currently manages a small production collective called Creation Foundation, dedicated to hosting honest conversations and authentic content.

Samuel is also working on an anthology of stories of young people who have had challenges accessing higher education due to the UK’s immigration policies, prefaced with policy analysis and suggestions.

Emma joined Young Manchester in January 2022, bringing over 8 years of experience in partnerships, impact and strategic communications from her career in the charity sector. Prior to this, Emma held roles at a number of national charities including the Together Coalition; Step Up To Serve - the charity that co-ordinated the #iwill campaign; the Community Transport Association and National Union of Students.

Originally from York, Emma spent five blissful years in the North West, studying Politics and Policy at the University of Liverpool; as Vice President at Liverpool Guild of Students and working in Manchester before venturing to London for 3 years. She returned to Manchester in 2020 and is glad to be back up north.

Emma is a Trustee at UCLan Students' Union, and spends her spare time pickling vegetables, going to gigs (pandemic allowing), and admiring her cat, Mildred.

Rachel has worked in the third sector for the past 5 years, joining us most recently from a role with Save the Children UK. Here she supported the Children’s Communities project, a local systems change initiative that aimed to improve outcomes for children, young people and families through capacity building and collaboration. Prior to this Rachel was Volunteer Coordinator for Manchester International Festival 2019.

Rachel first gained experience working with young people through volunteer roles with ReachOut and the British Red Cross, and later as programme manager of the HeadStart programme at The Challenge where she supported young people to gain access to social action opportunities.

Megan is a second year law student interested in advocacy, human rights, and media. Having recently moved to Manchester from Hong Kong, she was eager to get involved with the local community. Back home, she served as the Director of Advocacy at Justice Leaders’ Council, a student-led NGO that provides refugee children with educational and play opportunities, and volunteer opportunities for secondary school students.

Currently, Megan is also the Public Relations Officer of the University of Manchester’s Pro Bono Society, and passionate about using media to campaign and raise awareness of social issues.

Matt is a Visual Artist, Creative & Activist based in Manchester, they are excited to be working with YM to amplify the voices of young people in the city and provide them with outstanding opportunities. Matt graduated from the University of Salford in 2020 with a BA in ‘Media & Performance’ and has since worked with various GM based Arts Organisations in both artistic and strategic capacities.

Matt joined the team at Young Manchester in 2021 as Marketing and Communications Assistant / Administration Officer, they enjoy being part of a nurturing and encouraging workplace and the far-reaching impact of YM’s work. Matt was a member of the 2021 cohort of YM Ambassadors and believes a holistic attitude to the lives of young people is necessary across sectors to ensure every child has access to the services that they need.

Matt is currently working with the British Art Show 9 and The Whitworth as an Art Agent working with a group of Queer & Neurodivergent individuals to discuss the concept of 'Safe Space' as a tactic for Care & Togetherness.

Matt was the Assistant Director on the 'DIS:Play' project with Contact Theatre X GMCDP. Working with a number of Disabled and/or Neurodivergent young people to create performance(s) around Disabled People’s History and their lived experience. Matt is also a member of Contact’s Young Company (CYC) and is a Neurodiversity Champion for the Charity Starling CIO. They are currently part of the BBC Mentoring Scheme and recently finished the 'Intro to Directing' course with Sheffield Theatre & Ramps on the Moon (ROTM)

Liv is a 20-year old award winning activist from Fallowfield, Manchester. She’s a proud, working-class woman and has been a youth activist since the age of 12. From creating the OUR Pass, a free bus pass for 16-18 year olds in Greater Manchester, to leading national campaigns – Liv is passionate about amplifying the voices of young people and leading change.

Liv is currently studying Education BA at Manchester Metropolitan University, with the hope she’ll be moving one step closer to changing the education system, so that it works for young people rather than against them.

Hasaan is a born-and-bred Mancunian raised in South Manchester. Prior to joining Young Manchester he has held various positions in small-charities and large membership organisations. Most recently, Hasaan has worked extensively with KCLSU to improve governance and compliance as a governance coordinator.

Hasaan serves in a voluntary capacity as the youth engagement lead for Mothers' Against Violence in South Manchester. In his role at Young Manchester, Hasaan will be working to monitor and implement our flagship Young Ambassador Programme.

Hasaan's professional experience is extensive with links to multiple partnership organisations across the country. Alongside his studies at King's College London, Hasaan has served as an officer for the students' union in the position of Family Officer (Parent & Carers'). He is excited to bring his wealth of experience with him to enrich, engage and ensure young people in Manchester have access to decision-makers and a seat at the table.