YOUNG people from across Greater Manchester were welcomed by the leader of Trafford Council, Councillor

Sean Anstee, at Trafford Town Hall in June to celebrate their graduation from the prestigious UpRising Leadership Programme.

Cllr Anstee, who gave the keynote speech at the event and mentored a young leader on the programme, said: “It was a privilege to welcome such an incredible set of young, talented and committed leaders with huge potential to have a positive impact on their communities.

"I wish them all every success in their future endeavours.”

The UpRising Charity’s mission is to open up pathways to power to young people from diverse and underrepresented

backgrounds.

The charity’s flagship nine month leadership programme has seen the group come face to face with some of the region’s leading figureheads, including Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston; Aziz Rashid, Head of BBC North West; and Fay Selvan, the CEO of Big Life Group.

The Graduation Event on June 28 also celebrated the work that the young leaders had done to affect positive change in their communities. As part of the Leadership Programme the young people conceive and deliver social action campaigns on issues that they feel strongly about.

UpRising’s CEO, Alice Memminger, said of the newly graduated Manchester UpRisers, "A new influx of socially conscious and trained young leaders is vital in today's economic landscape, especially in achieving the Northern Powerhouse ambitions.

"These pioneering leaders will champion the needs of local communities, transforming Greater Manchester and beyond for the better.”

The young leaders will continue to receive support from UpRising as they progress into the UpRising Emerging Leaders Network, which consists of more than 2,700 programme graduates across the UK.

UpRising has been operating in Greater Manchester since 2012. Many of the young graduates have progressed into employment, education, created social enterprises, charities and joined trustee boards amongst many other successful pathways.

The next Leadership Programme in Greater Manchester begins in October 2016.

Applications are now open via www.UpRising.org.uk/A