The esteemed annual awards are organized by Manchester Youth Council on behalf of the city council and showcase the myriad talents and achievements of young people in the city, as well as their positive contributions to their communities.
The awards acknowledge young Mancunians aged 11-19 (or up to 25 for carers, care leavers, and young people with special educational needs or disabilities) and provide a formal recognition and reward for their remarkable endeavors – not only for themselves but also for others.
Nominations can be submitted in eleven diverse categories including Skills for Life, Making a Difference, Young Carer, Community Champion, Climate Action, Most Effective Youth Voice or Campaign, Children’s Rights Champion, Youth Project of the Year, Play Project of the Year, Young Leader, and Outstanding Achievement by a Young Person.
Anyone can nominate a young person whom they believe deserves recognition for their exceptional contribution to city life or the lives of others.
For further information, please visit manchester.gov.uk/buzz where you can also submit your nomination by completing the online form. All nominations must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday 19 January.
This year’s awards coincide with a momentous year for Manchester as the city embarks on its journey with UNICEF to become an internationally acclaimed ‘Child Friendly City’ – a journey that is expected to span a couple of years before official recognition is granted.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: “Our Youth Buzz Awards place the city’s children and young people and their achievements at the forefront. They offer an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional endeavors of our young people and the positive impact they have on city life.
“The caliber of young people who have been recognized over the past few years since the inception of these awards and their outstanding achievements have been remarkable. As we embark on our journey with UNICEF towards becoming a Child Friendly City, we are more determined than ever to continue supporting our children and young people and championing their work and ideas.
“We eagerly anticipate meeting our Youth Buzz Award winners for 2024 – if you haven’t made a nomination yet, what are you waiting for?”
The Youth Buzz Awards are coordinated by the Manchester Youth Council, whose members collaborate closely with the city council on all aspects of the awards, from determining the award categories and selecting the winners to organizing and hosting the awards ceremony itself.
Daanya Isla, Member of Youth Parliament for Manchester, said: “Myself and the other MYPs for Manchester are thrilled to be able to celebrate the hard work and efforts of the incredible young people across our city.
“As our terms as Youth MPs draw to a close, it’s wonderful to be involved in organizing another Youth Buzz Awards celebration, and I hope all the nominees and winners are equally excited and proud to showcase the brilliance of our Manchester!”
This year’s Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday 9 March 2024 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.
