Student Shadows Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor
Tuesday, 19th November 2025
A student at Harper Green School recently had a fantastic opportunity to shadow Kate Green, the Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester.
The day began at the Safe Drive Stay Alive event in Middleton, a show put on by emergency services highlighting the importance of safe driving for young people. Dakota heard powerful real-life stories from professionals, including a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, trauma practitioner and the family of Frankie Jules-Hough, who tragically lost her life last year. This emotional event was attended by mayors from across Greater Manchester, giving Dakota the chance to engage with key figures, including the Mayor of Bolton.
After the event, Dakota accompanied the Deputy Mayor to the GMCA offices in Manchester, where they spoke with a team member working on the Standing Together Police and Crime Plan. The discussion explored how the plan could be communicated more effectively to young people, with suggestions such as using social media and simplified video content.
The day continued with a Council of Mosques meeting, where Dakota observed discussions involving the Assistant Deputy Police Chief, the Deputy Mayor, and community leaders, including Bolton’s representative, Asif Patel. Topics included hate crime, managing community unrest, and ensuring safety during Ramadan, which begins on 28th February 2025. These conversations highlighted the collaborative efforts between police and communities to address critical issues.
Following this meeting there was an opportunity for both Dakota and another young person to sit with the Deputy Mayor and just chat about the day, how they found things and ask any questions. The Deputy Mayor said she really enjoyed having them with her and she warmly invited them to return for future opportunities.
Dakota’s enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day were outstanding. Inspired by this experience, plans are now underway to explore a youth-led project on hate crime, potentially launching in time for Hate Crime Awareness Week in February, through New Bury and Farnworth Youth Voice. Well done, Dakota.
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