Manchester Youth Empowerment Club – co‑designing programmes with young people facing disadvantage and influencing systemic change across Greater Manchester.
Equity & Participation
We prioritise those who face structural disadvantage – young people from low‑income households, care experience, racialised communities or with disabilities. They don’t just attend; they set the agenda, lead peer mentoring and sit on our advisory panels.
Inclusivity & Learning
Our spaces are open to every identity, and we are mindful of trauma and accessibility. We use tools like the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, regular focus groups and observation to track outcomes and adapt what we do.
Systemic Change & Sustainability
We look beyond individual achievements. We push for fairer discipline in schools, contribute to local youth strategies and work with councils and funders to embed lasting change. Collaboration and long‑term planning are our watchwords.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams
As the Manchester Youth Empowerment Club (MYEC), our comprehensive strategy to combat addiction, particularly social media and vaping, leverages a range of programs designed to promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our young people. Here’s how each program psychologically contributes to preventing addictions:
Manchester Youth Empowerment Club (MYEC) aims to address the social issues affecting the teenagers from black ethnic minority in Manchester, especially from African migrants.
Our mission is to tackle the pressing social issue of addiction, with a specific focus on combating the rising trends of social media and vaping addiction among our youth. We recognize that these modern challenges can significantly impact the well-being of young individuals, and our aim is to foster a supportive environment where they can thrive.
At MYEC, we are committed to empowering our youth by providing them with the tools and support necessary to navigate and overcome the complexities of these addictions. Our approach is holistic and tailored, understanding that each young person’s journey is unique. We strive to cultivate a safe and nurturing space where teenagers can develop healthier habits, build resilience, and enhance their overall well-being.
Through our dedicated programs and the unwavering support of our community, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. We are not just addressing the symptoms of addiction; we are investing in the future of our youth, guiding them towards a path of self-improvement and long-term empowerment.
Our Team & Trustees
As Chair, Olatunji draws on his background in technology and law to steer the organisation with a steady hand. He makes sure the board’s decisions are evidence‑based and grounded in good practice, but he also gives space for young voices to guide strategy. Raised in Manchester yet curious about wider systems, he sees youth empowerment as both a local mission and a challenge for society. He mentors emerging leaders, sharing lessons from software engineering and legal studies to help them find their way through digital rights and access to justice. He often says a chair is like a compass: you set a direction, then walk alongside others as they plot their own routes. His appetite for learning and his openness to new ideas keep the organisation forward‑looking.
Adewale brings a wealth of experience in community development and financial management. He watches over budgets and risk, making sure resources reach those who need them most. A skilled facilitator, he encourages young participants to debate priorities, propose solutions and help shape new programmes. His calm presence and strategic mind keep the board focused and accountable, while his commitment to participation reminds everyone that decisions should emerge from conversation, not from behind closed doors.
Adeoye’s career spans education and youth work, and she has a special interest in mental health. She champions inclusive practice, advocating for spaces that welcome different learning styles and access needs. Her experience with safeguarding adds rigour to policies and training, and she often leads sessions on child protection and trauma‑informed practice. She believes real progress happens when every voice is heard and valued, and she is adept at turning feedback into practical change.
Eniola is both a qualified pharmacist and a youth leader, a combination that gives him a deep understanding of health and wellbeing as well as lived experience. He started out as a participant and now co‑facilitates peer‑support sessions, using his clinical knowledge to inform discussions around mental health, substance awareness and self‑care. His journey from the pharmacy to the youth centre shows that science and social change can go hand in hand. He remains a passionate advocate for equality, and he draws on his professional training to promote safe, informed choices among his peers.
Chinedu bridges the worlds of law and performance. With a degree in law, he’s keenly aware of rights and fairness, and he brings that sensitivity into the rehearsal room. His drama workshops invite young people to examine issues of justice and citizenship through improvisation and storytelling. He often says that every rehearsal is like a mock trial, where voices are heard, arguments are tested and empathy is the judge. This blend of legal insight and creative energy helps participants build confidence, question assumptions and speak their truth.
Opeyemi applies a software engineer’s precision to the art of logistics. He uses digital tools to coordinate venues, equipment and schedules, and his coding background means he approaches each programme like a piece of well‑structured software: he anticipates bottlenecks, optimises processes and quietly debugs problems before they surface. If the rest of the team are improvising on stage, he’s the one making sure the lights come on and the mics work. His systematic yet flexible approach keeps projects running smoothly, and his interest in tech adds a modern twist to the charity’s operations.
We believe in empowering young people through opportunities, learning, and community support. Whether you’re looking for guidance, activities, or a space to share your ideas, the Manchester Youth Empowerment Club is here for you.
From workshops and mentoring to volunteering and cultural projects, we’ve got everything to help you thrive. Whatever your goals, we’re committed to walking the journey with you every step of the way.
