Who do think should get a Child Friendly award?

People are being asked to nominate the organisations and individuals who they think epitomise child friendliness in Leeds, for the city’s Child Friendly Leeds awards 2019.

Children and young people will be at the forefront of the awards, which are being organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Leeds City Varieties.

A group of young people will be selected to plan and run the prestigious awards, which will take place on 7 February 2019. Young people will also form part of the judging panel.

The awards will showcase the talent, achievements and energy of the city’s children and young people, as well as highlighting and celebrating what individuals, places and organisations are doing to make Leeds a child friendly city.

The Child Friendly Leeds awards also recognise the lengths that people go to, to make Leeds a great place to grow up, especially for those children who may have additional challenges – including children who are looked after by the council, or are particularly vulnerable, and those who have disabilities or additional needs.

People across the city are now being asked to nominate places, people and organisations in Leeds they think are particularly child friendly or make a big difference to the lives of children in Leeds. Nominations can be made at www.childfriendlyleeds.co.uk and the deadline for nominations is 26 October.

Executive board member for children’s and families, Cllr Lisa Mulherin, said:

“We’re very excited to announce our sixth Child Friendly Leeds Awards. We really want to hear about the people and organisations who go the extra mile to make Leeds a Child Friendly city and help ensure that Leeds is the best city for children and young people to grow up in.

“Each year the awards are organised and planned by young people themselves, which reflects our commitment to ensuring children and young people have a voice and influence. This makes the awards a truly special experience with lots of surprises and is a great way to showcase the talent we have in Leeds.”

This year the awards will be split in to eight categories:

Child of the Year (under 11) This award recognises an amazing child (under 11 years) who has made a difference in Leeds. For example, someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

Young Person of the Year (11 – 21) This award recognises an amazing young person aged 11 – 21 years (or 25 with additional needs) who has made a difference in Leeds. For example, someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

Youth Group of the Year (up to 25) This award recognises an inspirational youth group whose members are up to the age of 25 years who have made a difference in Leeds. For example, a group who work together to help and inspire others and effect positive change in their local community or city.

Adult Making a Difference for Young People (adult 21 years and above) This award is for someone doing extraordinary things to improve the lives of children and young people in Leeds. For example, someone who cares for, inspires or supports young people, and who gives them a voice and influence in decisions that affect them.

Communities and Schools Working Together This award recognises the invaluable support that pupils and schools receive from their local community. We’re looking for local organisations, educators or individuals from outside the school’s regular staff, who work with, or in schools to inspire, inform or support pupils. For example, a local business that teaches enterprise skills to your pupils or an intergenerational project that brings younger and older members of the community together.

Inspiring Creativity Through Arts and Culture This award recognises the fantastic opportunities and invaluable support that children and young people receive from the arts and cultural organisations or individual artists/practitioners in Leeds who engage, inspire and motivate children and young people, through activity delivered either in or out of school. This might include film, drama, dance, art and music opportunities delivered by companies, organisations, museums, galleries, libraries, community groups or individuals.

Best Place in Leeds for Children and Young People This award recognises a fantastic place for children and young people in Leeds. For example somewhere that children and young people find welcoming, is inclusive to all, fun, safe, clean and inspiring.

Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City This award is given to a business/organisation making a significant contribution to our child friendly city ambitions. It could involve a business working directly with children and young people, including them in decision making, mentoring them, running activities or creating career opportunities e.g. offering a supported internship.