About Us

Literature Charity Working in Combined Arts Developing Young Writers and Creatives

Young Identity is a Manchester-based literature and performance arts charity supporting diverse young voices through writing, performance and creative development. Through our Creating Connections, Creating Pathways, and Creating Exchange programmes, we opportunities for marginalised youth to grow locally, nationally and internationally.

Our Story

Young Identity, affectionally known as ‘YI’ began as a group of young Manchester poets. In 2006, they entered Apples and Snakes’ Word Cup. After the project ended, they launched weekly workshops at Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, creating a space for young poets to meet and write. As volunteers, they led workshops for underrepresented writers in Manchester, building a community where young artists could grow. Through partnerships, they gained performance opportunities, and it became clear that Young Identity was a platform for young voices to explore identity on local and global stages.

In 2018, with a new board and steering group, Young Identity became a charitable organisation, expanding beyond its origins as a family-run project. What started with 15 poets nearly 20 years ago is made up of hundreds of young participants from all across Greater Manchester and beyond; taking part in workshops, performance theatre and transformative creative opportunities.

Our Mission

We redefine poetry for a contemporary age, creating the poets and wordsmiths of the present and future. Through a youth-led, community-rooted and innovative approach to poetry and performance, we make our work universally accessible across the UK and internationally.

We empower young people—especially those from underrepresented and protected backgrounds—with the tools, confidence and platforms to reach their full potential.

Our vision is a world where every young person develops creativity, confidence, and self-expression through poetry and performance.

Our Values

  • Empathy - We listen first

  • Equality - We strive for an equal society

  • Diversity - We value difference

  • Inclusivity - We include the excluded

  • Quality - We develop our participants to aim for excellence

  • Collaboration - We learn from one another, our partners and our participants

  • Sustainability - We advocate and act

Team

Shirley May - CEO • Artistic Director

Nicole May - Executive Director

Shako Diesa - Office Manager • Lead Producer

Billie Meredith - Communications • Producer

Dionne Marland - Finance

Hema Karecha - Development

Trustees

Tolu Agbelusi

Faz Barber

Jonah Earle

Ekua Bayunu

Adeola Adelakun

Emma Mould

Lucy Jackson

Sylvia Lee

Nasima Begum

Udy Onwudike

Dr. Lis Cordingley

Rosie Stuart