New poem from Lemn Sissay highlights those who make a difference

Chancellor, Lemn Sissay, has written and performed a new poem to shine a light on the people at The University of Manchester and beyond who make a difference to others.

The poem was written and performed for the University’s annual Making a Difference Awards which recognise the staff and students who are working to change the world around them for the better.

In 2017 these included outreach in Bangladesh to understand how people are living through climate change, a dementia law clinic and even an inflatable museum which visits schools.

When Lemn became Chancellor of the University his promise was to ‘inspire and be inspired’ and this poem was written to celebrate this work, which forms part of the Manchester’s Social Responsibility strategic goal.

As well as the projects celebrated at the Awards Ceremony, the University has a number of signature programmes such as encouraging staff to become school governors, helping local people find jobs at the University and providing scholarships for people from African countries to study in the UK.

Associate Vice-President for Social Responsibility, Professor James Thompson said: “Staff and students at the University conduct a huge range of activities beyond their day-to-day work which make a difference to people here in Manchester and further afield.

“Since he’s been Chancellor, Lemn has wholeheartedly supported this activity and celebrated it at every opportunity, including at our Making a Difference awards where this fantastic poem was first performed.”

You can find out more on the University’s Social Responsibility website