Spotlight on: George, a star Child Friendly Leeds Ambassador
Please give a warm welcome to George Webster. George is a 23 year old BAFTA award winning TV presenter, actor, author and dancer from Leeds. He is a fantastic advocate for the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes, amongst plenty of other things, but we’ll let him tell you more about it…
George made history when he became the first CBeebies presenter with Down Syndrome, quickly becoming a fixture on the channel and securing a place in the Radio Times most influential TV personalities in 2022.
George enjoys acting and has had a number of roles in films like The Railway Children Returns and has starred in a number of CBeebies programmes including Mr Tumble’s Busy Bus Day, Something Special, the CBeebies Pantos and House Specials.
“We definitely need to see more people with a learning disability in the media; it’s so important.”
George
Today is ‘World Down Syndrome Day’
March 21st is globally recognised as World Down Syndrome day. George is first presenter on CBeebies who has Down Syndrome. This representation on TV has been so important for other children with additional needs, disabilities or other differences, and they have told George often about what it means to see people like them on screen. He is a role model to all children. George believes passionately that differences are to be celebrated and talks about his amazing experiences in life. The fact he has Down Syndrome, doesn’t hold him back at all.
Who are MENCAP?
George is one of Mencap’s ‘Mythbusters’ who disprove many myths about people with special needs or disabilities. George is living proof, for example, of all the things a person with Down Syndrome can achieve.
Myth:
“People with Down Syndrome are always happy.”
Busted: “It’s not true; we have a whole range of emotions like anyone else!”
For more about George and Mencap, follow the link below:
Yorkshire Dance
George works with Yorkshire Dance to make it more accessible and inclusive, as well as dancing and performing with the group. He was part of their Talent Hub, which toured professionally.
For more about George and Yorkshire Dance, follow the link below:
Child Friendly Leeds
George is an inspiring young individual from Leeds and we’re so excited to have him as an ambassador championing the voice of children and young people & our 12 wishes.
For more about the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes, follow the link below:
George’s book, ‘This is Me’:
Each one of us is different. Like pebbles at the seaside.
George
You can buy his book here:
This is Me has been nominated for a “Nibbie” at the national book awards in 2024 for Children’s Picture Book of the Year. He has a second book out this week called “Why Not?!” which encourages everyone to not be scared of trying new things and again celebrates difference. Perfect for every child and every family, Why Not? is an energetic, heartfelt and positive story, with bright illustrations that are guaranteed to make you smile. Why Not? is sure to inspire everyone to give things a try – after all, why not?!
Keep up all the amazing work, George, from all of us at the Child Friendly Leeds team!
