Child Friendly Leeds – Power of Partnerships

On 3 December, Child Friendly Leeds celebrated its partnership with the University of Leeds at Nexus, hosting a Third Sector Workshop and Festive Networking Event. The event brought together 81 Ambassadors and partners to strengthen collaboration for children and young people, supporting Leeds’ ambition to be the best city to grow up in.

As part of the celebration, Leeds Member of Youth Parliament Wania presented nine Ambassadors with the Child Friendly Leeds Golden Thumb pin, recognising exceptional contributions throughout 2025. These pins, launched for our 5th anniversary, highlight organisations and individuals who go above and beyond each year to support children and young people across Leeds. (Even King Charles received one during his visit in 2022!)

We are truly grateful to all our Ambassadors for their incredible support. Here’s a snapshot of the work recognised this year:

Leeds Baby Bank supported families in hardship by providing essentials for children aged 0–5 and connecting them to vital community services.
Northern championed rail safety and STEM careers through school projects, workshops, and events that inspired thousands of young people.
Trinity Leeds empowered young people through enterprise initiatives and supported citywide events like the Child Friendly Leeds Awards and Care Leavers celebrations.
Harewood House created inclusive experiences for families, hosting festive events for foster carers and improving access through its Community Pass initiative.
John Lewis promoted opportunities for care-experienced young people and SEND internships while supporting local events and campaigns through creative partnerships.
King Pins provided fun, inclusive experiences for children in care and began exploring opportunities to support care leavers.
NSPCC led safeguarding training and online safety campaigns across Leeds, ensuring children and families were better protected and informed.
Buro Happold advocated for child-friendly spaces through the Streets and Places for Children initiative, promoting inclusive design and co-production.
Yorkshire Contemporary championed play and creativity through projects like Leeds’ first adventure playground and family-focused cultural events.

‘Honoured to received our Golden Thumb badges, We’ve been supporting this incredible initiative since we set up Leeds Baby Bank and remain committed to making Leeds a city where every child feels safe, valued, and heard.’ Chantal and Faye, Leeds Baby Bank

‘I received a Child Friendly Leeds Golden Thumb Award in recognition of all the work that’s gone into the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) initiative around Child Friendly Streets and Spaces – thanks to all who supported this project!’ Ed Downer, Buro Happold

‘Trinity Leeds has proudly been an Ambassador for Child Friendly Leeds for over 10 years, so it was an honour to be recognised alongside nine other incredible Ambassadors. I’ll wear it with pride!’ Rosie Walters, Trinity Leeds (Landsec)

‘So proud to have received a Golden Thumbs Up from Child Friendly Leeds. I have loved working with all the partners but especially the young people who shaped our incredible work, reaching nearly 4,000 children, their families and professionals.’ Gail Sayles, NSPCC

If you’d like to get involved and help make Leeds the best city for children and young people, please get in touch childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk