Become a Member of Young Manchester

Manchester is young. Over 25% of our city’s population is under 20.

Yet 1 in 4 children in Manchester are growing up in poverty. The continuing pandemic has brought to the forefront some of the most pressing challenges that children and young people, and the organisations and adults that support them, face.

There is no doubt that there are huge challenges for children and young people in our city. There is also no doubt that our vision remains the same: we believe that a Manchester where all children and young people can access outstanding opportunities is possible. And we know others believe that too - we work with them every day.

Over the last 6 months, Young Manchester has been reflecting on our role in the city, and how we can best support the organisations and leaders (of all ages!) who are working incredibly hard to improve life chances for children and young people across Manchester.

We’ve had a multitude of exciting, challenging and thought-provoking conversations with partners and supporters, locally and nationally, about our next steps as an organisation - bringing us to where we are today.

Today we become a membership organisation.

We know that we can only achieve the best for children and young people when the sector that supports them is strong, connected and championed. We are setting up a membership offer to help achieve just that.

Our ambition is to:

• Strengthen: Our organisations and leaders of all ages feel confident, empowered and able to deliver outstanding opportunities for children and young people.

• Connect: Our organisations and leaders of all ages feel they belong to a diverse network of supportive peers helping to develop and grow the quality, ambition and reach of opportunities for children and young people.

• Champion: Our organisations and leaders of all ages feel that we champion their needs and celebrate their strengths, ensuring that decision-makers recognise the vital importance of our collective work.

Any organisation, group or leader that shares our vision is invited to join, from youth-led groups and local youth clubs, to Manchester-based businesses and national institutions.

We’re excited to start this new phase of Young Manchester’s life with young people and our members at the heart of all we do. Together, we will work to make our collective vision a reality.

Find out more about becoming a member (it’s free!) here.

Got questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Head of Development and Partnerships, Emma: e.sims@youngmanchester.org