Don’t miss your chance to nominate your child friendly champions

There is only one week left to nominate the organisations and individuals who deserve to be recognised for their contribution to making Leeds a child friendly city.

The fifth annual Child Friendly Leeds Awards will take place in February 2018 and are the perfect opportunity for the city to celebrate and shout about the people and organisations who go the extra mile for the children of Leeds.

The talents of children and young people are at the forefront of the Child Friendly Leeds awards, which are organised and delivered by a group of young people supported by Leeds City Council in partnership with Leeds City Varieties.

The awards showcase the talent, achievements and energy of the city’s children and young people and celebrate the individuals, places and organisations which make Leeds a great place to play, live and grow up in. The awards pay a particular tribute to the help available for those children and young people who may have additional challenges – including children who are looked after by the council, or are particularly vulnerable, and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, lead member for children and families said:

“Each year these awards get better and better and provide the city with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations which go the extra mile to make Leeds a special place for children and young people.

“The awards are organised and planned by young people themselves, which makes them a truly special experience with lots of surprises and is a great way to showcase the talent we have in Leeds.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 1 February at Leeds City Varieties and will be the culmination of activities and events to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Child Friendly Leeds. The event will be attended by VIPs from across the city and will showcase the talent, achievements and energy of the city’s children and young people.

There are seven categories to choose from including a new one called Inspiring Creativity Through Arts and Culture, which has been created in view of Leeds’ bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2023. This award will recognise 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. The closing date for nominations is 30 September 2017.

The other six categories are:

Child of the Year (under 11): individual or group

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

Young Person of the Year (11 – 21): individual or group

This award recognises an amazing young person or group of young people (11 - 21 years) who has/have made a difference in Leeds. For example, someone/group who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

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.

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.

To make your nominatations, please visit:

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/childfriendlyleeds/Pages/Child-friendly-Leeds-awards.aspx

For more information about the learning programme at City Varieties, including tours, talks, workshops and projects for schools, community groups and adults, please visit: www.cityvarieties.co.uk/Online/joinin