The Youth Mayor for 2018 - 19 is Amber Powell.
The Deputy Youth Mayor is Samah Khalil.
Amber Powell, the 10th Youth Mayor of Oldham, lives in Hollinwood with her mother and her younger brother.
Amber went to school at Blessed John Henry Newman and went on to study at Oldham College. Amber is currently taking a year out of education to give everything to her role as Youth Mayor as well as to educate herself further in psychology and sociology before attending university next year where she is hoping to study youth and community work.
Amber joined the Oldham Youth Council five years ago and during her time has also served as the Member of Youth Parliament for Oldham.
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 twelve 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.”
Role of the Youth Mayor
The role of Youth Mayor is to represent the young people of Oldham in a formal and civic role.
They are an ambassador for the town and an inspirational role model for young people.
The Youth Mayor shadows the Mayor on Civic engagements and is also a key member of the Youth Council.