Councillor Garry Bridges at last year's awards
Time is running out for nominations to be made for this year's Youth Buzz Awards, with just one week left to shine a light on a young person and nominate them for the annual awards that celebrate young people in Manchester and their achievements.
The prestigious annual awards are organised by Manchester Youth Council on behalf of the city council and showcase the many talents and achievements of young people in the city, as well as the positive contribution they make to their communities.
The awards recognise young Mancunians aged 11-19 (or up to 25 for carers, care leavers, and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities) and are a chance to formally recognise and reward young people for the fantastic things they do - not just for themselves but also for others.
Nominations can be made in eleven different 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 who they think deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to city life or to the lives of others.
For more information visit manchester.gov.uk/buzz where you can also make your nomination by filling in the online form. All nominations must be made by 11:59 pm on Friday 19 January.
This year's awards take place during a special year for Manchester as the city embarks on its journey with UNICEF to become an internationally recognised 'Child Friendly City' - a journey that is expected to take a couple of years before the official status is granted.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: "Our Youth Buzz Awards put the city's children and young people and their achievements front and centre. They're a chance to recognise and celebrate the fantastic things our young people do and the positive contribution they make to city life.
"The calibre of young people who have been recognised over the last few years since the awards began and what they have achieved has been outstanding. As we begin our journey with UNICEF towards becoming a Child Friendly City we're more determined than ever to continue supporting our children and young people and championing their work and ideas.
"We can't wait to meet our Youth Buzz Award winners for 2024 - if you haven't made a nomination yet, what are you waiting for?"
Work on the Youth Buzz Awards is led by Manchester Youth Council whose members work closely with the city council on all aspects of the awards from agreeing the award categories and choosing the winners, to programming and presenting the awards ceremony itself.
Daanya Isla, Member of Youth Parliament for Manchester, said: "Myself and the other MYPs for Manchester are so excited to be able to celebrate all the work and efforts of the amazing young people across our city.
"As our terms as Youth MPs come to an end, it’s great to be able to help organise another Youth Buzz Awards celebration, and I hope all nominees and winners are equally excited and proud to be making our Manchester shine!"
This year's Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday 9 March 2024 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.