Alex Chaloner named secretary of Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority group

Alex Chaloner (second from left) was elected secretary of the Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority group

A member of Rochdale Connections Trust has been named secretary of the Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority group.

Alex Chaloner, who is 21 and lives in Smallbridge, applied for and was successful in being elected as the secretary on 14 July.

The meeting, held in Manchester, was dedicated to electing the leadership team. Young people who were interested in holding positions had prepared speeches to persuade their peers to vote for them.

Alex is a care leaver who accesses a mentoring programme at Rochdale Connections Trust specifically for young people who are in need of some additional support.

He was absolutely thrilled to be elected to the position of secretary and said during his acceptance speech: “I have been fortunate to benefit from RCT’s mentoring scheme and I am constantly telling my friends, family and support workers about the amazing work they do.

“It is like having a friend there to help you when you need it. If it wasn’t for RCT I wouldn’t be here as part of the Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority. It has been through their encouragement and support that I built up the courage to apply to be your secretary. Thank you.”  

Bev Place, Deputy CEO at Rochdale Connections Trust said: “Alex is testimony to what can be achieved when you set your heart on something. He is interested in politics and debate and so we thought he would be a fabulous advocate for Rochdale, representing local young people at this prestigious forum.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Alex and his hard work in preparing for his presentation to his peers and being successful in his application to be the Secretary of the GMYCA for the next 12 months.”

Rochdale Connections Trust was successful in joining the GMYCA earlier this year, the first time an organisation from Rochdale had been accepted. Eager that the voices of young people from Rochdale form part of the conversation and decision making around services across Greater Manchester for young people, there are three who attend the monthly meeting along with their support worker from Rochdale Connections Trust; Alex, Hayden Chorlton and Molly Davies.