Young people are set to be at the heart of policymaking when it comes to people’s health and wellbeing in Manchester.
This follows the publication this week of the Public Health Annual Report for Manchester.
This expansive document shines a light on the health and wellbeing of everyone living in the city, and how the Council plans to tackle issues such as health inequality, access to services, and how to help people live healthier lives.
Entitled “Our Right to Health” one of its key highlights is the importance of putting young people's voices at the heart of shaping services, policies and future priorities.
This comes just weeks after Manchester celebrated being recognised as a UNICEF UK Child Friendly City, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that children’s rights are built into local decision making and that young people have meaningful opportunities to influence change.
The work has also received national recognition, with the Association of Directors of Public Health giving the report a special mention for tackling a complex and challenging topic — underlining the importance of focusing on young people’s health and lived experiences.
Putting young people’s voices first
The report makes clear that young people are best placed to describe the realities of growing up in Manchester today, and their insights are critical to designing effective support.
From concerns about the cost of living and access to healthy food, to pressures on mental health and feelings of safety in their communities, the report captures what matters most to young people — and sets out how partners across the city can respond.
It also demonstrates how a child rights-based approach, rooted in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is helping to build a city where every young person feels:
- Safe
- Heard
- Supported
- Free to thrive
A city-wide commitment to change
The report outlines a series of actions to improve outcomes for young people, including:
- Strengthening partnership working across health, education and community services
- Tackling inequalities and ensuring services are inclusive and accessible
- Creating healthier neighbourhoods and safer spaces
- Expanding opportunities for young people to shape decisions about their health
These actions form part of the Making Manchester Fairer programme which aims to create a fairer, healthier city for all.
Hear directly from young people
As part of the report, young people interviewed Manchester’s Director of Public Health, Dr Cordelle Ofori, discussing the issues that matter most to them:
🎥 https://youtu.be/fMMoiBH4TSg?si=gKcZKGg9drgEVez8 [Public-Hea...t-2026 (1) | PDF]
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: “Young people have a right to be heard, a right to be taken seriously, and the right to the best possible health. This report shows what is possible when we listen — and when their voices are at the centre of change. I would like to thank all the young people and the many organisations who helped to compile this report.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: “Manchester’s young people are the future of our city, but too often their voices have not been part of the process when it comes to the decisions that shape their lives.
“This report shows why it’s vital their voices are heard from the start—through genuine partnership—so we can tackle health inequalities and create services that truly meet their needs. I’d like to thank all the young people and partners who contributed—this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
ADPH Chief Executive, Nicola Close MBE, in recognition of your report for this year's Annual Report Celebration, said: “This year, we received a record number of submissions for our Annual Report Celebration, showcasing excellence from across the system. The standard was exceptionally high, with every report demonstrating remarkable creativity and innovation. I am delighted to share that Manchester City Council has received a special mention for covering a challenging topic.
“My sincere congratulations to Cordelle and the team, this report clearly reflects the depth of expertise and commitment that underpins our work across public health, and powerfully demonstrates its role in improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.” Nicola Close MBE, ADPH Chief Executive.
To read the Public Heath Annual report visit: Public Health Annual Report | Manchester City Council