BOLTON gave a voice to young people from across Greater Manchester last week.

Youngsters from around the region gathered to consider their plans and showcase their achievements as part of the AMPLIFY conference for the Youth Combined Authority.

The group works alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), providing people aged between 11 and 18 the opportunity to influence policy decisions.

The attendees are selected from dozens of local groups across the region, including Bolton Youth Council, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, LGBT group The Proud Trust and mental health support group 42nd Street.

Around 80 people met at an event held on Wednesday October 24, at The University of Bolton, to go over proposals for a charter for young people’s health services and discuss plans for the development of standards for work experience to ensure employers offer opportunities that are meaningful and accessible for all.

Bury council leader Rishi Shori is the GMCA's portfolio leader for young people and cohesion. He said: “It’s fantastic that these young people have been given such a huge platform to express themselves and help bring about tangible change in their community.

“There have been some excellent discussions today and it’s clear the GMYCA members are all engaged and dedicated to making Greater Manchester a better place for young people to live and start their careers when they leave school”.

He was joined at the event by Sam Bolton from Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and Nicola McLeod who is responsible for careers and work experience at the GMCA.

Amy Garroch, who was one of the hosts and represents the Fire and Rescue Service on the Youth Combined Authority, said: “It was of huge benefit for young people to come together and bounce around ideas and opinions to fully help understand how curriculum for life would impact and develop our future."

For more information, visit: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk