Maryam is the face of the Co-op!

Maryam Saddiq this week became the face of the Co-operative’s brand new ‘Inspiring Young People’ campaign, all about opening up ways in which young people can change their world for the better.

When Envision was contacted by the Co-operative, Maryam, one of Birmingham’s star Grads (and nominee for Grad of the Year in the Envision Truth about Youth Awards) instantly came to mind for her Grad project ‘Holy Equilibrium’ – designed to get city kids out into the countryside.

Envision sent across her Grad profile and she was soon contacted by the Co-operative to ask if she would like to attend a photo shoot in Manchester. Put up in a plush hotel the night before, Maryam, and fellow Envisioner (and JCC student) Nick, spent a long day attempting their best smiles in the sunshine for photographers, which they say ‘wasn’t altogether as easy as expected’. They were also filmed on camera for the Co-op's ‘Inspiring Young People’ video.

Maryam said “the photo shoot was amazing – laughter all round with a cool mix of people!” And she also managed to make yet another contact for Holy Equilibrium, on top of her Wilderness Foundation mentor and Rambling Association colleagues.

Now the photos are appearing on the Co-op’s website, as well on a whole host of promo material, including flyers and billboards across the country.

Maryam will also be attending the official Inspiring Young People campaign launch at a swanky venue in Westminster in a few weeks time, and after her exams, will be holding the very first Holy Equilibrium day, which we’re all looking forward to getting involved with at Envision.

If you want to go on a Holy Equilibrium adventure, or want to find out more about how you can get involved as an Envision Grad, just drop us an e-mail at anneka@envision.org.uk. Who knows... you could be the next Grad to become famous!