Meet the graduates giving back to Greater Manchester
From supporting young people to improving health and wellbeing, five graduates show the real impact of our universities working together.
Last month, the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA) launched its refreshed priorities, reaffirming the shared commitment of the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the University of Salford and the Royal Northern College of Music to work in partnership with local people and civic partners to improve lives across the region.
Developed with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the ten local councils and the Greater Manchester Citizens’ Panel, the renewed priorities – Opportunity and Prosperity, Health and Wellbeing, Culture, and Environment – set out how universities will combine their strengths to support communities in every part of Greater Manchester.
A new feature in the Manchester Evening News brings this commitment to life, spotlighting five graduates whose careers are making a tangible difference in their communities and reflecting the impact of Greater Manchester’s universities acting together.
The graduates featured include:
Jo Yee Cheung (Royal Northern College of Music): Pianist and founder of the Olympias Music Foundation, providing free music education and community music programmes.
Tanya Lee (University of Salford): Sociology graduate supporting young people and improving equity and inclusion across Greater Manchester.
Julie Peat (University of Greater Manchester): Master's graduate and specialist nurse safeguarding young people and improving health outcomes.
Dr Valeed Ghafoor (University of Manchester): GP partner and CEO of Vallour, developing digital tools that improve patient access and health outcomes.
Jonny Harrison (Manchester Metropolitan University): Physiotherapy graduate providing rapid-response rehabilitation, helping people remain safe and independent in their own homes.
Jennie Henley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Civic University Board, said: "These stories remind us why collaboration matters. By working together with communities, our universities both create opportunities and support change where it’s needed most.”
Greater Manchester’s universities educate over 100,000 students annually and contribute over £4bn to the regional economy. But as these stories show, their most profound impact comes from graduates applying their skills and knowledge to drive positive change right here in Greater Manchester.
Read the Manchester Evening News feature: Five graduates on why Greater Manchester’s universities are changing lives across the region
Learn more about the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement