Leslie has been a member of Voice BME and its treasurer for more than 10 years. He has been part of a team of people who have overseen the developments, improvements and growth of the organisation.

Over the years we have successfully developed and delivered many projects and services. As the treasurer, he has been responsible for managing and planning the finances of VBME-T so that we are able to continue delivering projects that are relevant to the Trafford and wider community and to continue to present the community at a strategic level.

Most of his working life has been community-based building, developing and delivering projects and schemes to improve community cohesion, environment, economy, and build relationships. As a senior trade union activist, he has represented and negotiated at the highest-level workers’ rights, conditions, and safety.Also, he has been a voice for the community in encounters with local authority officials and elected representatives.

He is continuing his community activism through VBME-T, representing the Trafford BME community, reducing inequalities, and building community cohesion through Voice BME – Trafford.

Aliya is an awardwinning community leader whose dedication to improving health and wellbeing within BME communities has been widely recognised across Greater Manchester and beyond. She was honoured with the G15 Community Champion Award in London (2025) and acknowledged as ‘Highly Commended Social Value Ally’ at the Social Value Leadership Awards (London, 2024). In 2025, she was also recognised as a Civic Leader by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for her completion of the ‘We lead for Legacy Programme 2025’ for community empowerment and social impact.

As CEO at Voice of BME Trafford (VBMET), Aliya brings extensive experience in project and event management, supported by strong academic foundations. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies from the University of Manchester. Her expertise lies in designing and delivering bespoke workshops that promote health, wellbeing, and mental health awareness within BME communities, ensuring culturally sensitive and accessible engagement. 

Her journey with Voice of BME Trafford has been both rewarding and transformative. It has enabled her to build deep connections with local communities while successfully managing numerous publichealthfocused projects commissioned by Public Health Trafford and the Trafford ICB. One of her most notable achievements includes leading work that contributed to VBMET being recognised nationally through the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Award and the NHS 70th Parliamentarian Award, celebrating exceptional improvements in cervical screening uptake across Trafford.

Aliya’s passion for her work is rooted in her commitment to supporting individuals who often fall through the gaps in mainstream services. She finds genuine fulfilment in helping people make positive changes—whether improving their health, enhancing their wellbeing, or empowering them to take control of their lives. Voice of BMET has provided her with a platform to channel this passion into meaningful, communitydriven impact.

Guided by the belief “do what you love and love what you do,” Aliya continually seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her role has opened doors to new experiences, leadership opportunities, and achievements that have enabled her to excel and reach her potential. 

Aliya also plays an influential role in local health governance. She represents BME communities on the Trafford Health and Wellbeing Board and contributes to several strategic forums as a BME lead. She is additionally a Dementia Champion, GM Cancer Champion, and certified ‘Cancer Talk’ trainer, further demonstrating her commitment to reducing health inequalities.

Outside of her professional life, Aliya enjoys practising meditation and spending quality time with her family and friends and in nature. Occasionally, she also volunteers with Breath Champs to support forest bathing sessions which help with her own wellbeing.

Aman holds a Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) in Management Sciences. She did her Mphil on a Merit Scholarship. She joined VBME in 2023 as an Admin and Marketing executive and the role was extended to Project Facilitator as well to support with the Public Health Initiatives and to erase inequalities across Manchester particularly in Trafford. She is supporting the
organization with marketing and communications strategies along with their implementation. Moreover, she is also supporting in the Project Management. Previously, she has worked as an Assistant Marketing Manager and HR Executive. She loves researching and exploring new marketing tools and is undertaking Project Management Certification from Google.

Ama is working as an Practicing Engagement Lead and is the owner of Clarity Within, a consultancy. She is a qualified Master NLP Practitioner and is CBT trained.

Ama is a Health Mentor with VBMET and has been with the organisation since November 2017. Her work includes educating BME communities on different health and wellbeing awareness issues, signposting them to the necessary support required, hosting workshops for various activities for both the young and our elderly. Bringing an awareness of the need for health checks and different screenings.

Saadia holds a Masters degree in Public Administration and have got vast work experience of working as a Coordinator and Biology Lecturer.

Currently, working as Senior Health Mentor in Voice of BME from 2022, has been involved in various Cancer Screening Programs and other Health programs for last 2 years to create awareness among people. Achieved a target of 82% in 2022 for Cancer awareness programs. Completed Various Mental Health
and Public Speaking courses which improved interactive skills and helped to provide guidance to people in an effective way.