Global recognition for StreetGames partner: Wythenshawe youth worker honoured with Commonwealth award

Samantha Maunder is a Neighbourhood Youth Manager at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG), a Manchester-based community-focused housing association and StreetGames community partner. As well as providing affordable homes, WCHG supports local events and community spaces, and provides access to skills, support and wellbeing services.

Having started her career in the Royal Air Force and then the hospitality industry, Samantha gradually realised that her true passion lay in supporting and inspiring young people. She has worked in the youth work sector for the past eight years, with the last three of those as a member of WCHG’s Youth Team.

Under Samantha’s leadership, WCHG deliver a variety of partnership-driven services that meet young people where they are, including inclusive provision for young people with SEND and creative projects that support personal development, wellbeing, and progression.

StreetGames are proud to support WCHG as a member of our North West network, working with them on a number of violence reduction initiatives—including the Youth Endowment Fund’s Toward Sport trial, Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit’s Violence Prevention Sport Fund and the Young Futures Prevention Partnerships—as well as their wider delivery of local, accessible sport and physical activity.

The deeply positive impact of Samantha’s work with WCHG has recently been recognised by the Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards 2025, where she was named the Europe Regional Winner. The Awards celebrate outstanding youth development practitioners who make a significant impact on the lives of young people and their communities. Selected from nominees across the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth, Samantha is one of only five global winners and the sole recipient from the United Kingdom.

After being formally presented with her trophy and certificate at an official ceremony at London’s Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Samantha reflected:

“Travelling to London and receiving this award at Marlborough House was an incredibly proud and humbling moment. This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to our entire Youth Team and, most importantly, to the young people we work with every day. Their resilience, creativity, and energy are what make our work so meaningful.

“Being recognised on a global stage strengthens our position when applying for future funding, helping us expand opportunities and continue delivering high‑quality youth work across Wythenshawe. This award reflects our community, our partnerships, and the positive change we are committed to making together.”

Samantha’s recognition at an international level highlights the importance of long‑term investment in youth work and the power of partnership‑driven approaches like those championed by StreetGames and WCHG.