Our Right to Health: Young People in Manchester
The Public Health Annual Report 2026 looks at the health and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 18 in Manchester.
The report is putting young people’s voices at the centre of local decision‑making.
Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city. But not all young people have the same chances to grow up healthy.
Some young people face challenges linked to:
- poverty
- feeling safe
- access to health services
- their local environment.
These differences create health inequalities.
The report supports Manchester’s ambition to become a UNICEF UK Child Friendly City.
It takes a child rights‑based approach. This means health is treated as a right, not a privilege.
Young people helped shape the report by sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.
The report covers key areas, including:
- mental health
- healthy living
- health in school
- substance use
- relationships and sexual health
- support for young carers, care‑experienced young people and young parents.
It sets out clear actions for the council, NHS, schools and partners to work together. They will work together to reduce health inequalities. Help every young people feels safe. Make sure they feel heard and supported and able to thrive.
The report is best viewed in landscape mode on a mobile device.