Holbeck Together won for the Best Place in Leeds for Children and Young People – The Children’s Choice Award at the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026.
The award is especially meaningful because it was made by young people themselves. It recognises the safe, welcoming and inclusive support Holbeck Together provides for children, young people and families across Holbeck and South Leeds.
Based at St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Together is a community anchor organisation working with people of all ages. Alongside its long-standing support for older people and the wider community, the charity delivers a growing programme for children, young people and families, shaped by local need and developed in partnership with schools, community organisations, families and volunteers.
This includes school holiday activities, family trips, community events, family support, and the development of a thriving Parents and Tots group. These activities help families access positive experiences close to home, build confidence and friendships, reduce isolation, and connect with wider support when they need it.
For some families, the support also opens up opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to afford, such as trips and activities that create shared experiences and lasting childhood memories. The provision helps children feel part of their local community while giving parents and carers practical support, trusted relationships and welcoming places to meet other families.
One local family that has benefited from the activity on offer note:
“Holbeck Together gave us the chance to take our children to places we would never be able to afford, as travel expenses alone are so expensive these days. My child had never seen the sea so the visit to the seaside was particularly special and helped us make wonderful memories as a family.”
Elissa Newman, Chief Officer at Holbeck Together, said:
“We are delighted that Holbeck Together has been won this award, and it means a great deal that the nomination came from young people.
“We know that by investing in children and supporting families early, we can make a lasting difference to health, wellbeing and confidence, while helping to build a stronger community for Holbeck’s future.
“We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, funders and partners for the role they play in making this support possible. We are proud to be recognised amongst such strong competition and we congratulate all of the organisations nominated in this year’s awards.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Holbeck Together
Photo: Leanne Elliott and Matthew Springthorpe of Holbeck Together
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