The 12-Year-Old Helping Her Community One Volunteer Job at a Time

At just 12 years old, Yasmin Ali is already spending her weekends helping people in her local community in Manchester.

The young volunteer has now been recognised with the Young Hero Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards.

A Young Volunteer With a Big Commitment

Yasmin volunteers at the Bideford Community Centre in Baguley, where she helps run the charity shop, distributes food to people who need it and takes part in community events.

She also helps with fundraising projects for local causes, including efforts supporting the Moya Cole Hospice.

Her volunteering does not stop at the community centre. Yasmin also gives her time at festivals, Christmas markets and car boot sales, helping raise money for different causes.

Helping Other Young People and Families

One of the projects Yasmin has helped with provides feminine hygiene products to local mothers who need them.

Her grandmother, who also volunteers at the community centre, nominated Yasmin for the award after seeing how much time and effort she puts into helping others.

Despite being one of the youngest people involved, Yasmin has become a regular part of the centre’s activities.

Recognised as a Young Hero

Yasmin was among community volunteers recognised at the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards ceremony at Leigh Sports Village.

The awards celebrate people and groups who contribute to their communities through volunteering, fundraising, support for others and other forms of community work.

For Yasmin, the recognition comes after years of simply giving her time to help the people around her.

A Small Contribution Can Make a Difference

Yasmin’s story shows that community volunteering is not limited to adults. At 12, she has already found ways to contribute through fundraising, food distribution and local events.

What began as volunteering at a community centre has grown into a regular commitment to helping others — and has now earned Yasmin recognition as one of Manchester’s young community heroes.

Sources

• BBC News — “Manchester’s Make a Difference Awards winners revealed”
• BBC Radio Manchester — Make a Difference Awards 2026