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Guest:

Alex Fairweather

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In this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond is joined by Alex Fairweather, CEO of Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) – a charity dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, build connections and thrive.

Together, they discuss the transformative power of youth work and the environments that shape young lives. They explore:

– how a strong sense of community can change the trajectory of a young person’s life;

– how youth work principles can complement and enrich the school experience;

– what it really takes to prepare young people for the world beyond the classroom;

– and the lasting impact a great teacher can have.

This episode shines a light on the environments, relationships and experiences that help young people unlock their potential both in school and far beyond it.

Alex Fairweather

Alex Fairweather is a seasoned charity leader with over 25 years’ experience driving organisational growth and social impact across the voluntary sector. He is the Founder and Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN), which he has grown over nearly 20 years into one of the UK’s most exciting youth charities, supporting more than 15,000 disadvantaged children.
Alex brings deep expertise in strategic leadership, governance, income generation, and partnership development, having worked as a CEO, trustee, advisor, and grants committee chair for organisations including Children in Need, Lloyds Foundation, and #BeeWell. He is also currently the Chair of Youth Alliance Greater Manchester, leading a partnership of over 200 organisations working with children and young people.
Known for his entrepreneurial approach, strong values-led leadership, and ability to collaborate across public, private, and voluntary sectors, Alex is passionate about tackling social injustice and creating sustainable, high-quality projects and services that help young people thrive.

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