Leeds Children’s Mayor hosts event for 20 schools
On Wednesday 4th June 2025, something very exciting happened at Leeds Civic Hall — the Leeds Children’s Mayor, Esosa, from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, hosted her very own Primary Summit!
Esosa invited Year 5 pupils from 20 different primary schools across Leeds to join her for the day. The aim? To learn about the Leeds Children’s Mayor programme and discover how everyone can help support mental health and wellbeing — the big focus of Esosa’s manifesto linked to Child Friendly Leeds Wish 1.
The event began with a warm welcome from Councillor Helen Hayden, who reminded everyone how important it is to listen to young voices and include children in shaping the city’s future.
Pupils also had the chance to meet the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, who will soon begin working with the next Leeds Children’s Mayor – maybe it could be someone from your school!
Esosa shared stories from her incredible year as Children’s Mayor and how she’s been working hard to make her ideas come to life. One of her big projects is the ‘Say it Sweet’ day — a fun and thoughtful event encouraging children to share kind words with one another. You can watch a video of it here and even try it out in your own school! You can also see how the Voice, Influence and Change Team and Child Friendly Leeds day replicated Esosa’s ideas in the form of a team meeting ‘check in’.
Esosa also told schools about the chance to take part in a workshop with Kooth, a brilliant service that helps children and young people look after their mental health. Plus, she encouraged schools to train pupils to be MindMate Ambassadors — these are children who help their classmates look after their wellbeing and feel supported.
Although Esosa still has a few months left in her role, the search for the next Leeds Children’s Mayor has already begun! All primary schools in Leeds are invited to take part, and pupils can get involved in a real-life democratic process — from writing a manifesto to campaigning and voting.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Entries are open now!
- The deadline for entries is 27th June.
- The final 12 candidates will begin their campaign from 18th July to 29th September.
- And best of all — every child and young person in Leeds aged 18 and under can vote!
- Schools can download the information here – Elections Open: Leeds Children’s Mayor | Leeds for Learning
So, if you’ve ever had a big idea to make Leeds a better place for children and young people, now’s your chance! Talk to your teacher about getting involved — you could be the next Leeds Children’s Mayor!
#ChildFriendlyLeeds #LeedsChildrensMayor #MentalHealthMatters #SayItSweet #MindMateAmbassadors
