Youth Bank
Manchester continues to experience high levels of youth inequality, with many young people feeling disconnected from decision-making processes and underrepresented in local change-making efforts.
According to Young Manchester, while young people are passionate about improving their communities, they often lack the resources, platforms, and influence to take meaningful action.
In areas facing persistent disadvantage, the absence of youth-led investment in social change limits opportunities for civic engagement and leadership development.
The Youth Bank programme addresses this gap by shifting power into the hands of young people and enabling them to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
What the programme does
Youth Bank is a bold, youth-led programme that puts young people in the driving seat of change — empowering them to act as grant-makers and project leaders, commissioning social action projects designed by their peers.
This hands-on, decision-making experience builds leadership, accountability, and collaboration by giving young people real responsibility and influence over how funding is used in their communities.
How it works:
Issues
Participants identify and prioritise key community issues they’re passionate about tackling
Grants
Youth groups are invited to submit grant proposals that address these priorities
Panels
The Youth Bank cohort leads decision-making panels, assessing proposals and selecting projects for funding
Projects
Youth Bank members oversee the funded projects by offering peer mentoring, guidance, and support — stepping into the role of a community funder and leader
By placing young people at the heart of resource allocation, the programme builds critical thinking, confidence, and a deep understanding of how to lead positive change — not just for themselves, but for their wider community.
Ultimately, Youth Bank shifts the narrative — from young people being recipients of support to becoming investors in their own communities. It aligns strongly with our Holistic Development Model, particularly in promoting civic responsibility, personal growth, and social mobility through empowerment.
The change we hope to see
Youth Bank repositions young people as change-makers, supporting:
Building Skills
Decision-making, budgeting, and project management skills are developed through the grant-making process.
Personal Growth
Participants grow in confidence as they see their influence shape real-world projects.
Civic Responsibility
Youth lead funding decisions that directly benefit their communities — putting values into action.
Social Mobility
Young people gain experience in commissioning, leadership, and community funding — all valuable career experience.
Wellbeing Support
Peer-to-peer encouragement and guided facilitation foster emotional safety and connection.