Our 12 Wishes for a Child Friendly City

What are the Child Friendly Leeds wishes ?

The wishes were originally developed in 2012, when Her Majesty The Queen launched Child Friendly Leeds. As we celebrate 10 years of Child Friendly Leeds,  we wanted to update them to ensure they reflect the issues that are most important to children and young people today.

The wishes are based on what children and young people think would make Leeds an even better city for them to grow up in. We listened to the views and priorities of over 80,000 children and young people in the city by reviewing key findings from different consultations, surveys and ballots from the last three years.

We worked in partnership with 68 children and young people from different schools and youth groups to ensure the wording was simple and could be understood by different ages.

Decision makers, staff, ambassadors and partners will use the wishes to influence their work priorities and plans for children, young people and families.

The new wishes were developed alongside children and young people from the city and were showcased at a two-week exhibition at Leeds City Museum in July 2022. Following the anniversary celebrations, we were honoured to have HM King Charles visit Leeds and understand more about our work and the refreshed wishes.

1. Children and young people know how and where to get support for their mental health and wellbeing if they need it.

Children and young people have a greater understanding of their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They know where to get information and advice and who to speak to, to help them find services and support and it is available to them when they need it.

2. Children and young people have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun.

Children and young people have time and opportunities to play, hang out and have fun across the city. They feel safer as there is less crime, vandalism and litter.

3. Children and young people express their views, feel heard and are involved in decisions that affect their lives.

Children and young people have a greater awareness of the different ways they can share their views and ideas. They know how to influence change within their school and community. They have access to support and training to develop their skills and confidence to enable them to have a voice and influence.

4. Differences are celebrated in Leeds so children and young people feel accepted for who they are. They do not experience bullying and discrimination.

People in Leeds have a better understanding of diversity and therefore celebrate differences in abilities, ethnicity, family background, language, religion, sex and opinions. Children and young people feel accepted, included and valued. They have a greater awareness of their rights not to be bullied or discriminated against and know what to do if it happens.

5. Everyone takes more action to protect the environment from climate change.

Children and young people have a greater awareness and understanding of what actions are being taken in Leeds to address the climate emergency and protect the environment. They know how they can get involved and make a difference.

6. Children and young people can travel around the city safely and easily.

Children and young people feel that public transport is safe, reliable and accessible. They will not experience rising costs.

7. Children and young people know about different things to do and places to go across the city. They enjoy different cultural experiences including art, music, sport and film.

Children, young people and families feel there is better promotion and communication of fun and particularly free things to do and places to go within the city including events, activities, groups, cultural experiences and days out.

8. Leeds is a city that reduces the impact of poverty and helps families who need it.

Children, young people and families experiencing the impact of poverty feel they are supported and receive the help they need. They have their basic rights and needs met.

9. Children and young people have the support and information needed to make healthy choices. They have opportunities for regular physical activity.

Children and young people know about different opportunities to take part in physical activity and are supported and encouraged to join in. They have access to the information they need to make healthy choices and have healthy and safe relationships.

10. All children and young people are in learning settings that meet their needs

Early years settings, schools and post 16 settings identify and address the barriers that prevent children and young people, particularly those with additional needs, engaging in and enjoying learning.

11. Young people have access to a wide range of work experience, employment and volunteering opportunities.

Young people know where to get information and advice and are supported to access a wide range of opportunities that meet their needs and aspirations. This includes work experience, employment, training and volunteering.

12. Leeds is an inclusive city for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Children and young people feel there is more awareness and understanding of different disabilities and that there are more activities and places to go that are accessible to all.

Children and young people visiting the exhibition will be asked to draw and animate what these wishes mean to them and the images they produce will be used in our future communications of the wishes.