Winter 2018Sarah Mahmood receives a Diana Award

Sarah Mahmood, a former Member of Rochdale Youth Parliament, was recently honoured with a ‘Diana Award’ at a special ceremony at Leeds College of Music.

Nominated for her work in improving the lives of young people in Rochdale, Sarah, 17, impressed the judges with her determined campaign work via Rochdale Youth Cabinet, supported by Rochdale Youth Service and Neeli Mosque.

Established in memory of the Princess of Wales, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.

Sarah was joined by her mum and dad, Shehrana Kausar and Tahir Mahmood, the Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman, civic and ceremonial manager, Dorothy Johnstone, lead youth worker, Heather Mellalieu, Councillor Kieran Heakin, and Samar Mushtaq, headteacher at Neeli Mosque.

She said: “I was very proud to receive the award and am amazed that my hard work over the past two years has been recognised.

“I’m really proud of what I have achieved so far and look forward to the future.”

Rochdale’s Member of Youth Parliament for 2017/18, Sarah has taken a full and active role in the youth service, securing funding for two additional mental health support workers in Rochdale and successfully fund raised for important causes.

She also attended a House of Commons debate where she fought for mental health awareness and support, along with reform of GCSE re-sits and transport issues.

Sarah is now eligible for the Legacy Award, which celebrates the achievements of 20 outstanding role models from across the world.