Welcome to MGTYOUTH, where our MGTY network feels like family. We share a deep love and passion for each other, united in empowering the youth and our community. Together, we work on meaningful projects and events, reflecting our motto: “Together we are stronger.”
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**MGTY: Empowering Youth Through Connection and Creativity**
MGTY was founded during the first lockdown of 2020, born from the unexpected success of online talent shows, projects, and events at a time when most charities and youth organisations were closed or on furlough. It quickly became a vital and uplifting space for young people to share their talents online and engage in important discussions with the guidance of supportive adults. The fun and vibrant atmosphere made MGTY the go-to place for entertainment and inspiration.
As word spread, our community grew to 50 young people. Many have expressed that MGTY was crucial for their mental health during lockdown, providing a beacon of hope and a sense of belonging. The positive impact was so significant that young people were eager to participate in person once restrictions eased.
We organised activities such as bike rides, picnics, walks, T-shirt making, and photoshoots. Additionally, we gave back to our community by packing and delivering food to vulnerable families, feeding the homeless, and raising money for charities like Cancer UK and Women’s Aid.
MGTY has become a space for all generations to express themselves, share their talents, and discuss necessary changes within the community. Although we don’t have a permanent business building, we utilize various venues in Manchester and local community spaces for our meetings and events.
Recognised for our contributions, MGTY continues to support others, break barriers between sectors and communities, and bring about positive change. We have come a long way since the lockdown, and our journey is just beginning.
We are proud of our achievements and the recognition we have received for inspiring and giving back to our communities. Our efforts have been acknowledged not only for the support we provide but also for the individual contributions of our young members through MGTY. Our work has been featured on prominent platforms such as BBC, SKY News, Manchester Evening News, The Voice, The Developer UK, HuffPost, and the Whitworth Art Gallery. We have also interacted with and received recognition from notable figures including Stuart Lawrence, Keith Lemon, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, local councillors, White Yardie, and Major Hype. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our supporters and the collective effort of our community. Today, MGTY stands as a well-known and impactful group, a credit to the community, and a proud representation of Manchester’s spirit.
@ mgtyouth . Dec 3
You don’t see this often—put me in a meeting, and I’m all in, but put me in the limelight to speak at the front? I forget who I am and what I do 😂😂.
Yesterday, though, I was inspired. Watching my son Zee talk about @skoolofbarbering2024 and the incredible work he’s doing moved me. In such a short time, he’s created real change—rewarding two students with their own starter kits and seeing three already secure work placements in barber shops and are thriving!
Then it was my turn. I did my best to talk about the issues my organisation tackles—raising awareness around policing, education, health, and well-being. I’m so grateful for moments like these and for amazing sisters like Doretta an amazing lady, who truly get it.
I know I can be misunderstood. Yes, I’m opinionated, and yes, I stand outside the box to say the things many are thinking but don’t say out loud. Not everyone likes that, and I’m okay with it. Because without hard conversations, real change won’t happen.
So, I’ll stay true to myself—for me and for my community. 💛 Amen 🙏🏾 and Thank you’
Ps: Don’t worry if you feel like you not got it together most of us haven’t so your not on your own many are here to support and it’s ok not to be ok 👑🙌🏾 we’re here ❤️
@zeeda_kid @zeedabarber_ @mgtypromotions @mgtycommunities
#CommunityLeadership #SkoolOfBarbering #SpeakYourTruth #StayTrue #Inspiration
You don’t see this often—put me in a meeting, and I’m all in, but put me in the limelight to speak at the front? I forget who I am and what I do 😂😂.
Yesterday, though, I was inspired. Watching my son Zee talk about @skoolofbarbering2024 and the incredible work he’s doing moved me. In such a short time, he’s created real change—rewarding two students with their own starter kits and seeing three already secure work placements in barber shops and are thriving!
Then it was my turn. I did my best to talk about the issues my organisation tackles—raising awareness around policing, education, health, and well-being. I’m so grateful for moments like these and for amazing sisters like Doretta an amazing lady, who truly get it.
I know I can be misunderstood. Yes, I’m opinionated, and yes, I stand outside the box to say the things many are thinking but don’t say out loud. Not everyone likes that, and I’m okay with it. Because without hard conversations, real change won’t happen.
So, I’ll stay true to myself—for me and for my community. 💛 Amen 🙏🏾 and Thank you’
Ps: Don’t worry if you feel like you not got it together most of us haven’t so your not on your own many are here to support and it’s ok not to be ok 👑🙌🏾 we’re here ❤️
@zeeda_kid @zeedabarber_ @mgtypromotions @mgtycommunities
#CommunityLeadership #SkoolOfBarbering #SpeakYourTruth #StayTrue #Inspiration
@ mgtyouth . Dec 3
Wow 😱 I have been selected as “Role Model of the Week” 🏅🤷🏽♀️😬 and one of the “Africa4u” award winners for empowering, educating and sharing my story 🏆🙌🏾 lovely evening with my son a guest speaker sharing his journey leading him to his own organisation @zeedabarber_ @skoolofbarbering2024 ❤️🙌🏾👑
Being in a room with all Black professionals, Therapist, Child psychologist, Historian and more was powerful! Big up to all the award winners and thank you to all the people who came to support especially my peeps love love you ❤️❤️👑❤️
Thank you so much @tonytfernandez for arranging a magical night
https://myfernandez.com/2024/11/29/role-model-of-the-week-shar-sangster-co-founder-of-manchesters-got-talent-youth/
www.myfernandez.com
@t.a.p.project @allthingsafricann @linfordsweeney @silk_photography
Wow 😱 I have been selected as “Role Model of the Week” 🏅🤷🏽♀️😬 and one of the “Africa4u” award winners for empowering, educating and sharing my story 🏆🙌🏾 lovely evening with my son a guest speaker sharing his journey leading him to his own organisation @zeedabarber_ @skoolofbarbering2024 ❤️🙌🏾👑
Being in a room with all Black professionals, Therapist, Child psychologist, Historian and more was powerful! Big up to all the award winners and thank you to all the people who came to support especially my peeps love love you ❤️❤️👑❤️
Thank you so much @tonytfernandez for arranging a magical night
https://myfernandez.com/2024/11/29/role-model-of-the-week-shar-sangster-co-founder-of-manchesters-got-talent-youth/
www.myfernandez.com
@t.a.p.project @allthingsafricann @linfordsweeney @silk_photography
@ mgtyouth . Nov 29
Mental Health Awareness Post
Earlier this year, a group of us took a Mental Health First Aid course, and what an emotional journey it was! There were tears, deep conversations, and moments of reflection—but we made it through and earned our certificates! 🎉💯
Having Mental Health First Aid training is so important. It gives us the tools to recognise, support, and respond to those facing mental health challenges. In a world where so many are silently struggling, understanding and compassion can truly make a difference.
Big shoutout to Zee the barber, who also passed the course! Working with so many people every day, he knows how vital it is to be aware of mental health issues.
Mental Health Week is such a powerful time to highlight these conversations, but we know the work doesn’t stop there. Let’s keep building awareness, breaking stigmas, and supporting each other every step of the way. 🥰
@joleneksheehan @skoolofbarbering2024 @zeedabarber_
@thecpdservice @thefirstaidindustrybody ⛑️
Follow @mgtycommunities to see local support services
#MentalHealthAwareness #FirstAidTraining #BreakingStigmas #CommunitySupport #keeptalking
Mental Health Awareness Post
Earlier this year, a group of us took a Mental Health First Aid course, and what an emotional journey it was! There were tears, deep conversations, and moments of reflection—but we made it through and earned our certificates! 🎉💯
Having Mental Health First Aid training is so important. It gives us the tools to recognise, support, and respond to those facing mental health challenges. In a world where so many are silently struggling, understanding and compassion can truly make a difference.
Big shoutout to Zee the barber, who also passed the course! Working with so many people every day, he knows how vital it is to be aware of mental health issues.
Mental Health Week is such a powerful time to highlight these conversations, but we know the work doesn’t stop there. Let’s keep building awareness, breaking stigmas, and supporting each other every step of the way. 🥰
@joleneksheehan @skoolofbarbering2024 @zeedabarber_
@thecpdservice @thefirstaidindustrybody ⛑️
Follow @mgtycommunities to see local support services
#MentalHealthAwareness #FirstAidTraining #BreakingStigmas #CommunitySupport #keeptalking
@ mgtyouth . Nov 29
Yo yo blessings to the community health volunteers/champions out there raising awareness in their communities! 🙌 I spent the day at the Guidance Hub with great people including professionals & organisation’s supporting the event. We had quizzes, learned how to grow our own food, and just had a fun time! 🌱💡
I was busy doing blood pressure checks and was able to show-off my skills giving free massages to the elderly ladies—seeing the relief on their faces when I worked out their knots was job satisfaction . One lady said “Shar I feel like a spring chicken” 😅😂 🐔 ❤️
To find support services check out our page below
@mgtycommunities @guidancehubmcr @ntcgtherock @mcrlco @cahn_uk
#health is wealth
Yo yo blessings to the community health volunteers/champions out there raising awareness in their communities! 🙌 I spent the day at the Guidance Hub with great people including professionals & organisation’s supporting the event. We had quizzes, learned how to grow our own food, and just had a fun time! 🌱💡
I was busy doing blood pressure checks and was able to show-off my skills giving free massages to the elderly ladies—seeing the relief on their faces when I worked out their knots was job satisfaction . One lady said “Shar I feel like a spring chicken” 😅😂 🐔 ❤️
To find support services check out our page below
@mgtycommunities @guidancehubmcr @ntcgtherock @mcrlco @cahn_uk
#health is wealth
@ mgtyouth . Nov 24
Last week, I shared a link about a very difficult time in my son’s life when he was treated unfairly. It’s heartbreaking to see that, over seven years later, similar issues are still happening.
As someone who works tirelessly for equality, it saddens me to receive so many messages from people who have watched the video and can either relate to or still face these challenges. It’s a reminder of how much work still needs to be done.
That said, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Cedar Mount Academy, a school that truly listened, understood, and supported my son. It was such a relief to leave him in a place where he was happy and allowed to grow—even when he was a handful at times, as all young people can be.
The confidence I saw develop in him during his time there is something I will always cherish. To this day, I still hear positive feedback from other parents about Cedar Mount, and I’m so thankful for the role they played in shaping my son into the person he is today.
Schools are often a young person’s first experience with public systems, and when that relationship isn’t professional or fair, it’s easy to see why many lose trust as they grow up. This can have a huge impact on their future, shaping whether they thrive or struggle to navigate society.
I’m so glad the video has given reassurance and hope to other parents, and I am incredibly proud of the person my son has become. It could have been so different without the right support.
To every school working hard to build trust, understanding, and confidence in their students—thank you. Your work truly makes a difference.
https://lnkd.in/edR6ZpUE
@afnccf @bez_martin_ Thank you 🙏🏾 👑 @cedarmountacademy @manchestercitycouncil @zeedabarber_ @zeeda_kid @skoolofbarbering2024
Last week, I shared a link about a very difficult time in my son’s life when he was treated unfairly. It’s heartbreaking to see that, over seven years later, similar issues are still happening.
As someone who works tirelessly for equality, it saddens me to receive so many messages from people who have watched the video and can either relate to or still face these challenges. It’s a reminder of how much work still needs to be done.
That said, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Cedar Mount Academy, a school that truly listened, understood, and supported my son. It was such a relief to leave him in a place where he was happy and allowed to grow—even when he was a handful at times, as all young people can be.
The confidence I saw develop in him during his time there is something I will always cherish. To this day, I still hear positive feedback from other parents about Cedar Mount, and I’m so thankful for the role they played in shaping my son into the person he is today.
Schools are often a young person’s first experience with public systems, and when that relationship isn’t professional or fair, it’s easy to see why many lose trust as they grow up. This can have a huge impact on their future, shaping whether they thrive or struggle to navigate society.
I’m so glad the video has given reassurance and hope to other parents, and I am incredibly proud of the person my son has become. It could have been so different without the right support.
To every school working hard to build trust, understanding, and confidence in their students—thank you. Your work truly makes a difference.
https://lnkd.in/edR6ZpUE
@afnccf @bez_martin_ Thank you 🙏🏾 👑 @cedarmountacademy @manchestercitycouncil @zeedabarber_ @zeeda_kid @skoolofbarbering2024
@ mgtyouth . Nov 14
Guess where I’m at again today 🥳 Well apart from getting my selfies in the toilets 🤪 I also joined @simoneriley_missdiva show with this lovely “Paulina” it was like a proper sisters show getting right into it talking about the remedies from are parents and different parent tactics that all us parents goes through such a good show and learnt some good tips thank you for having me @mediacityuk @bbcmanchester #SimoneRiley 💞👑
Guess where I’m at again today 🥳 Well apart from getting my selfies in the toilets 🤪 I also joined @simoneriley_missdiva show with this lovely “Paulina” it was like a proper sisters show getting right into it talking about the remedies from are parents and different parent tactics that all us parents goes through such a good show and learnt some good tips thank you for having me @mediacityuk @bbcmanchester #SimoneRiley 💞👑
@ mgtyouth . Nov 12
And here is another one that blew us away no words needed ❤️❤️🔥🔥👑
@radiodiamondmanchester @jillscott.official ❤️❤️👑
Introducing… Indago ❤️❤️👑
And here is another one that blew us away no words needed ❤️❤️🔥🔥👑
@radiodiamondmanchester @jillscott.official ❤️❤️👑
Introducing… Indago ❤️❤️👑
@ mgtyouth . Nov 12
And this is Nigel absolutely love this can you tell what song it is ❤️❤️👑 @luthervandross
@radiodiamondmanchester 👑❤️
#steeldrums
And this is Nigel absolutely love this can you tell what song it is ❤️❤️👑 @luthervandross
@radiodiamondmanchester 👑❤️
#steeldrums
“Hi, I’m Aqua. I met Shar at a youth event, and being a part of MGTY has been incredible. Even before meeting Shar in person, I felt like I knew her through the online activities during lockdown. The group became like a family, supporting me through my ups and downs, especially with my passion for music and cooking. Shar’s dedication to the group is inspiring; she’s like a second mother to many of us. Zee, her son, feels like a brother. MGTY gave me ambition and introduced me to amazing people, including a new best friend. I’m grateful for everything the group has done for me.”
“Hi, I’m Janisha. And I love MGTY it changed my life. It gave me purpose, boosted my confidence, and let me take on roles I never thought possible. We have fun while tackling real issues, empowering us and making us feel like a true part of our community. MGTY taught me understanding and appreciation for diverse backgrounds. I’m proud to be a part of MGTY’s journey and excited for what’s to come.”
Hey I am MDT
“From the onset of the 2020 lockdown, MGTY has been an unwavering source of support and understanding for me and many others. In a time when it felt like our struggles were overlooked, MGTY emerged as a beacon of empathy and community. Their dedication and authenticity have not only helped me through challenging times but have also inspired me to pursue my passions with vigor. MGTY’s impact on our community is indescribable, and I am grateful for everything they do.”
