Young People

Our Young People's Activities

​At Manchester Youth Empowerment Club (MYEC), we're dedicated to empowering young people, especially those from immigrant families, to overcome challenges and thrive in their communities. Our diverse range of activities is designed to promote social, psychological, and emotional well-being, addressing issues such as social media and vaping addiction.

The services we offer for our young people

Seminars and Workshops

We offer engaging sessions that educate on the risks of addictions and equip youths with social skills and psychological tools to resist peer pressure. These workshops are particularly beneficial for those navigating the unique challenges of integrating into a new culture.

Educational Support

Recognising that many young immigrants face educational disruptions, our programs aim to bridge these gaps. We provide academic assistance to enhance skills, boost confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.

Drama Classes

Through drama, young people find a creative outlet to express themselves and explore their emotions. This is especially valuable for processing experiences and building self-esteem in a supportive environment.

Mentorship Programs

Our mentorship pairs youths with positive role models who offer guidance and emotional support. This stable relationship is crucial for those from unstable or traumatic backgrounds, aiding in their overall development.

Sports Tournaments

Sports serve as a universal language, breaking down cultural barriers. Participation promotes physical health, teamwork, and community spirit, essential for social integration and personal growth.

Music Instrument Training

Learning an instrument provides a therapeutic avenue for emotional expression and skill development. It's empowering and offers a sense of achievement, helping youths connect with others through the universal language of music.

Seminars and Workshops

At MYEC, we recognise that young people, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, face unique social pressures, including peer pressure, addiction, and cultural adjustment challenges. Our seminars and workshops provide a structured and engaging space to address these issues by equipping participants with vital knowledge and psychological tools.
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Addressing addiction and social media impact: We focus on educating young people about the risks of vaping, social media addiction, and other negative influences. By providing factual, research-based information, we empower them to make informed decisions that safeguard their mental and physical health.
Building resilience and coping mechanisms: Many immigrant youths face heightened social challenges, including bullying, discrimination, and isolation. Our workshops introduce coping strategies such as mindfulness, stress management, and assertive communication to help them navigate these pressures.

Educational Support

Young immigrants and asylum-seeking youths often experience educational disruptions due to displacement, language barriers, or unfamiliarity with the UK’s schooling system. MYEC’s Educational Support Programme aims to bridge these gaps and provide personalised assistance.
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Fostering academic success: We offer tutoring, homework assistance, and workshops that help students catch up on missed curriculum content, boosting their confidence and performance in school.
Enhancing language skills: Language proficiency can be a major barrier to academic success. We provide English language support through reading, writing, and conversation sessions, ensuring that young people develop fluency and confidence.
Promoting a sense of belonging: Struggling academically can make young people feel excluded. By creating a supportive environment, we help them regain confidence, feel valued, and integrate smoothly into their educational institutions.

Drama Classes

Drama is a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and emotional healing. At MYEC, we use drama classes as a safe space where young people, particularly those from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, can process their emotions and experiences.
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Providing a creative outlet for emotional expression: Drama allows participants to explore and articulate their emotions in a non-verbal and engaging way, which is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced trauma.
Boosting confidence and public speaking skills: Many immigrant youths struggle with confidence, particularly when adapting to a new culture. By performing in front of peers, they develop self-assurance, improve communication skills, and overcome social anxiety.
Encouraging cultural expression and integration: Through storytelling and role-play, participants share their experiences and learn about others' cultures, promoting inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.

Mentorship Programmes

At MYEC, we believe that mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people, particularly those from unstable or traumatic backgrounds. Our mentorship programme pairs youths with experienced role models who provide guidance, emotional support, and career advice.
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Providing emotional stability: Many young immigrants and asylum seekers experience instability due to relocation and separation from their extended families. A mentor acts as a consistent and supportive figure, helping them navigate new challenges.
Encouraging personal growth and goal setting: Mentors help young people set personal, academic, and career goals, fostering a sense of direction and ambition.
Promoting positive role models: Many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, lack access to professionals who inspire them. Our mentors come from diverse fields and experiences, offering guidance on career paths, education, and life skills.

Sports Tournaments

Sports transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, making them an excellent tool for fostering inclusion and teamwork. At MYEC, our sports tournaments provide young people with a structured way to stay active, engage with peers, and develop crucial life skills.
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Promoting physical and mental well-being: Engaging in sports has well-documented benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. For young immigrants who may struggle with mental health due to past trauma, sports offer a healthy outlet.
Encouraging teamwork and leadership: Participating in team sports like football, basketball, and futsal helps young people learn cooperation, leadership, and communication skills—traits that are essential for integration into new environments.
Breaking down cultural barriers: Sports serve as a universal language. Through friendly competitions, young people from different backgrounds connect and build friendships, fostering social inclusion and community spirit.

Music Instrument Training

Music is another universal language that transcends cultural differences. MYEC’s music instrument training offers young people an opportunity to explore their talents, build self-confidence, and connect with others through the joy of music.
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Offering a therapeutic outlet: Music has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support emotional expression. Learning an instrument provides young people with a healthy way to manage stress and emotions.
Building discipline and perseverance: Mastering a musical instrument requires practice and dedication. This fosters patience, resilience, and a sense of achievement, which are important for personal development.
Encouraging cultural appreciation and exchange: MYEC welcomes young people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom bring rich musical traditions from their home countries. Our programme encourages participants to explore different musical styles, promoting cultural appreciation and inclusivity.

At MYEC, we are more than just a youth club—we are a community dedicated to empowering young people to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Our activities align with our core mission: to support young people, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, by providing inclusive, culturally sensitive, and empowering opportunities for growth.
Through education, mentorship, creative expression, sports, and music, we equip young people with the tools they need to build resilience, form meaningful relationships, and integrate successfully into society. By addressing key challenges such as addiction, mental health struggles, and social exclusion, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for all young people.

External Activities and Resources

Learn2Lead Programme at Manchester Youth Zone

A 12-week leadership and volunteering initiative for those aged 14–19 (up to 25 with additional needs). Participants develop leadership and communication skills, fostering personal growth and community involvement.

National Citizen Service (NCS)

A programme for 16 and 17-year-olds that engages and empowers young people through two to three-week sessions during school holidays, focusing on building confidence and life skills.

42nd Street

A mental health charity providing free and confidential services to young people aged 11–25 experiencing difficulties with mental health and emotional well-being

Manchester Futsal Club

Offers opportunities for young people to engage in futsal, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.