Believe in yourselves, urges new Youth Mayor

Oldham’s tenth Youth Mayor Amber Powell has pledged to support young people to “believe in their abilities and potential”.

Amber, who lives in Hollinwood with her mother and her younger brother, was officially sworn into office yesterday (Wednesday).

Former Newman RC College pupil Amber, went on to study at Oldham College.

She is now taking a year out of education to give everything to her role as Youth Mayor and before attending university next year where she is hoping to study youth and community work.     

Amber joined Oldham Youth Council five years ago and during her time has also served as Member of Youth Parliament for Oldham.

Oldham Youth Council was recently recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.

Amber represented the Youth Council at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the achievement.

During her time as a youth councillor Amber has taken on a number of roles and opportunities that have enabled her to represent Oldham’s young people; locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

As well as volunteering her time to the Youth Council and her Youth Mayor role, Amber is also a part time support worker for people with acquired brain injuries.  

Amber said: “I have been given a once in a life time opportunity and for that I’m so thankful.

"I hope I do the role justice and represent the young people of Oldham as well as my predecessors.  

“I would never have thought I would get this role but I was determined to represent the young people of Oldham as best as I could and my hard worked paid off when the Oldham Youth Council elected me two years ago.

“I strive to be a good role model for the young people of Oldham, especially to those who lack confidence in themselves.

"I am very passionate about Oldham’s young people and what they can achieve.

“I hope my journey over the next 12 months enables me to meet many people from our communities and explore the wider areas of Oldham.

"I really want to use my time as Youth Mayor to Support young people to believe in their abilities and their potential.”

Outgoing Oldham Youth Mayor, Marouf Ahmed, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to have represented the young people of Oldham as their Youth Mayor.

“I have loved meeting new people, going to places in Oldham that I’d never been to, seeing the hard work the people in our communities do to make Oldham such a great place to live in.”

Cllr Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Oldham’s Youth Council is renowned for the amazing work it does for our town.

“They are the voice of our young people and play such a crucial role in ensuring they are heard and are involved in shaping Oldham and helping it to be a better place for everyone.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Amber and I wish her the very best of luck for the next year.”