Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026: Nominees

Leeds City Council is delighted to announce the return of the Child Friendly Leeds Awards for 2026 taking place in July at the iconic City Varieties Music Hall, this year’s ceremony promises to be the most vibrant and celebratory yet. The young peoples planning group have chosen a lively carnival-themed evening honouring the people and organisations who make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in.

Now in its tenth edition, the Child Friendly Leeds Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements, dedication and energy of children, young people, and the adults and organisations who support them. The 2026 ceremony will once again be uniquely shaped by young people ‘Team Thumbs Up’ who will lead every aspect of the event, from creative direction and performances to hosting and production, ensuring the evening captures the spirit, diversity and voice of Leeds’ young residents. Each finalist has been invited to attend the awards, celebrating the difference they make in the lives of children and young people across the city.

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The Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026 are proudly supported by an outstanding group of sponsors, including Mott MacDonald, The Parklane Foundation, Trinity Leeds, Shine Leeds, White Rose Shopping Centre, Kingpins, Roxy Lanes, first direct bank arena and Leeds City Council. Their continued partnership highlights the shared commitment across the city to championing young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

From an incredible 1,013 nominations for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026, including 836 nominations submitted by children and young people, the panel shortlisted 42 outstanding finalists. The judging process brought together an inspiring panel of leaders, sponsors, and partners, alongside children and young people whose voices were central throughout. Judges shared how moved they were by the stories they read, describing the experience as both emotional and uplifting.

Category 1: Child/Young Person of the Year

This award recognises an amazing child/young person (0-18 years or up to 25 with additional needs) who has helped make a difference in Leeds. For example, someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

Chloe Smith-Turnbull, has transformed her experience of homelessness into a support movement for young care leavers. After losing her council flat at 20 and sofa surfing for months, she rebuilt her life and shared her journey on TikTok. Her honest content, including a video viewed by 10 million, raised awareness of housing challenges. She developed practical workshops on independent living skills, now expanding through Archway Hub with council interest. Chloe is establishing a CIC to formalise her work, helping ensure young people leaving care feel supported, prepared, and less alone.

Imogen Rose Thursfield, 11,  is a passionate young advocate driving inclusion and representation for home educated children in Leeds. Through determined campaigning, she has influenced local decision-makers, promoted safer roads and environmental action, and created new opportunities for her peers. Her most significant achievement is securing access for home educated children to the Children’s Mayor programme. As a Youth Council member, she continues to amplify unheard voices. Alongside her activism, Imogen shows deep compassion, supporting peers’ wellbeing. Her leadership combines courage, persistence, and empathy, making a lasting impact on both policy and the lives of young people.

Katie Thirling, 9, is a courageous young advocate using her lived experience of a stoma to challenge stigma and promote inclusion. Through open, honest storytelling, she educates others, builds understanding, and encourages confidence among children with medical needs. Her work influences schools and communities to improve accessibility while amplifying the voices of young people. Reaching wide audiences through social media and education sessions, Katie turns personal challenge into empowerment, helping others feel proud, supported, and accepted while showing that difference should be understood and celebrated.

Sophie Poole is a committed and compassionate young volunteer who dedicates her time to strengthening her community. Through her involvement in a local charity, she helps run weekly groups, a community café, and large events, recently leading her own. She creates safe, inclusive spaces for young people, actively promoting kindness and tackling bullying. Sophie also supports families through a busy food pantry, helping address food poverty. By encouraging others to volunteer, she inspires positive action, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive.

Sophie Reed is a resilient care experienced young woman who uses her lived experience to support and inspire others. Through mentoring, creative arts, and wellbeing workshops, she helps young people express themselves and build emotional resilience. She has led funded initiatives, contributed to national projects, and raised funds for mental health causes. Sophie creates safe, nurturing environments where care experienced young people feel heard and valued. Her creativity, compassion, and leadership empower others, showing how adversity can be transformed into strength, purpose, and positive change within communities.

Category 2: Youth group the Year

This award recognises an inspirational youth group whose members are up to the age of 25 years who have made a difference in Leeds. For example, a group who work together to help and inspire others and effect positive change in their local community or city.

Green Futures Youth Group is a youth-led collective in South Leeds empowering diverse young people to drive change through environmental action, community volunteering and advocacy. Meeting weekly, they lead campaigns on climate, health and poverty, while building confidence, leadership and inclusion. Through education, public speaking and local action, they amplify youth voices and foster belonging, creativity and resilience, demonstrating how young people can create meaningful, sustainable impact in their communities.

Moortown West Community Association (MWCA) provides vital support to young people in a deprived Leeds community, offering safe, inclusive spaces that promote stability, belonging and wellbeing. Through youth groups, sports, mental health support and food provision, they address poverty and reduce risks such as anti-social behaviour and gang involvement. Supporting diverse and SEND participants, MWCA removes barriers to access and acts as a trusted frontline service, helping vulnerable children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

Pyramid of Arts & Leeds Art Collective is a shining example of inclusive, creative youth work at its finest. Bringing together young people aged 14–24, including those who are neurodiverse, learning-disabled, LGBTQIA+ and from global majority communities, they have created an innovative, joyful and accessible programme that celebrates creativity and connection. Together, the two groups co designed workshops, exhibitions and public events that make the Gallery more welcoming and child friendly. They explored cultural events across Leeds, produced site specific artworks inspired by Nocturnes, and co-curated a stunning exhibition in the Artspace gallery. It  delivers meaningful social impact: building confidence, developing artistic skills, nurturing friendships and enabling young people to lead creative change within a major cultural institution.

The SEND Youth Council is an extraordinary group of young people in Leeds who use their lived experience of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to champion inclusion and influence meaningful change. Through campaigns, consultations and co-produced projects, they work to improve accessibility, challenge stigma and shape services across education, health and community spaces. Their contributions have led to tangible improvements and greater awareness. Despite personal challenges, they show strong leadership, confidence and resilience, ensuring young people with SEND are heard and respected while helping to create a more inclusive, understanding and accessible city for all.

RISE & Shine delivered by St Luke’s CARES, has spent 12 years transforming the lives of children and young people in South Leeds through compassionate, values driven youth work. Offering up to ten weekly sessions, they create safe, joyful and inclusive spaces where young people can play, create, talk, learn and grow – especially those facing disadvantage, mental health challenges or limited opportunities. Through arts, sports, mentoring, emotional wellbeing support and street based youth work. Their Friday night sports sessions provide healthy, positive alternatives to risk taking behaviour, encouraging teamwork and self-belief. Through the St Luke’s CARES charity shop, young people gain volunteering and employability experience, building confidence and aspiration. With consistent holiday provision and strong family relationships, RISE & Shine is a lifeline for many. 

Category 3: Adult of the Year

This award is for an adult (21 years or older) doing extraordinary things to be a champion for and help to improve the lives of children and young people in Leeds. For example, someone who goes that extra mile to care for, inspire or support children and young people.

Angie Thompson, Youth Engagement Curator at Leeds Art Gallery, creates meaningful, inclusive creative opportunities that empower young people to grow in confidence and wellbeing. Through programmes like Care Creatives and Youth Collective, she builds safe, inspiring spaces where participants feel valued and supported. Angie connects young people with artists and cultural experiences, enriching their skills and sense of identity. Her compassionate, personalised approach supports those facing challenges, fostering trust and resilience. Through her mentorship, many pursue creative paths, reflecting her lasting impact and dedication to helping young people thrive through creativity.

Anna Hull is an inclusive, inspiring professional who transforms children’s lives through empathy, creativity, and determination. Working with Active Leeds and Special Olympics, she ensures every child can access and enjoy swimming. She adapts her approach to individual needs, seeing potential where others see barriers. For example, when a child with Erb’s Palsy struggled with a pool noodle, Anna designed a custom cut-out so it wouldn’t cause pain, enabling her to fully participate and thrive. Through such thoughtful innovations, advocacy, and encouragement, Anna builds confidence, resilience, and joy, truly embodying the Child Friendly Leeds wishes.

Ed Downer, a brilliant transport planner, champions children’s voices through his “Streets and Spaces for Children” initiative, empowering young people to shape safer, more inclusive environments. By bringing together schools, professionals and STEM Ambassadors, he enables meaningful co-production where children influence real design decisions. His workshops and design events have led to tangible improvements in school streets. Ed is the chair of Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport (CIHT) and his work in the private sector drives lasting change locally and nationally, promoting safer travel, healthier lifestyles and a more child-friendly city.

Gail Sayles at NSPCC has made a significant impact on safeguarding and online safety across Leeds, supporting thousands of children, families and professionals. Through effective training, she empowers adults to recognise signs of abuse and respond with confidence. She has also led work within the Leeds Online Safety Campaign, helping families understand digital risks. Gail’s warm, engaging approach makes complex issues accessible and inspires change. Her dedication strengthens safeguarding practices, ensuring children’s wellbeing is protected and prioritised across homes, schools and communities.

Meg Berry, volunteer coach at West Park Leeds RUFC, is an inspiring role model who empowers young girls through rugby. Giving her time selflessly, she creates a supportive, inclusive environment where players build confidence, resilience and teamwork. Meg fosters a culture of respect, joy and belonging, encouraging girls to take risks, learn from mistakes and celebrate progress. Her impact extends beyond sport, helping develop self-belief and leadership skills. Through her passion and dedication, Meg has built a strong, united team, shaping confident young people both on and off the pitch.

Category 4: Inspiring Creativity through Play, Arts and Culture

This award recognises the fantastic opportunities and invaluable support that children and young people receive through play and from the arts and cultural organisations or individuals in Leeds who engage, inspire and motivate through activity delivered either in or out of school. This might include opportunities to play in their neighbourhoods and access to nature, film, drama, dance, art and music opportunities delivered by companies, organisations, museums, galleries, libraries, community groups or individuals.

Craftea is a welcoming creative hub that supports children and families across Leeds through inclusive, imaginative play. Offering crafts, sensory activities, and themed workshops, it nurtures confidence, creativity, and wellbeing. Its strong commitment to inclusion ensures neurodiverse children and diverse families feel safe, supported, and valued. Alongside children’s activities, it provides a supportive space for parents to connect or recharge. By hosting community groups and signposting support, Craftea reduces isolation and strengthens connections. Its work reflects the Child Friendly Leeds Wishes, promoting creativity, inclusion, wellbeing, respect, and a strong sense of community belonging.

CreARTives an inclusive art school that empowers children and young people across Leeds to explore creativity in a safe, supportive environment. Through imaginative activities and personalised guidance, it builds confidence, emotional resilience, and self-expression. Heidi’s empathetic approach ensures every child feels seen and valued, particularly those experiencing anxiety or low confidence. Open to home educated and school-based learners, CreARTives provides accessible creative opportunities for all. Beyond art, it nurtures independence and connection, inspiring young people to grow in confidence and use creativity as a tool for self-discovery and positive change.

Photo:Voice is a joint project led by James McCarthy from Leeds Youth Service and Georgia Watkinson from the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, empowers children and young people to share their experiences of safety through photography and storytelling. By prioritising genuine co-production, it builds trust and enables young people to shape meaningful conversations. The project’s exhibitions challenge adults to see the world through young people’s perspectives, while its wider influence has helped shape policy across West Yorkshire. By centring unheard voices and creating inclusive opportunities, Photo:Voice champions youth voice, belonging, and safety, leaving a lasting impact on more child-centred communities.

Stage@Leeds Young Company nurtures young performers aged 9–17 through high-quality theatre training and inclusive creative opportunities. Led by Steve Ansell, participants build confidence and discipline through experiences like National Theatre Connections at York Theatre Royal and intensive rehearsals for seasonal productions. Young people develop acting skills, collaborate creatively, and perform in professional settings. The company’s family-like environment celebrates diversity, particularly LGBTQIA+ inclusion, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. By fostering creativity, friendships, and self-expression, Stage@Leeds supports confidence, resilience, and belonging, strongly reflecting the Child Friendly Leeds wishes.

Yorkshire Contemporary has made an extraordinary contribution to children’s right to play by transforming the outdoor space of Rowland Road Working Men’s Club into Leeds’ first ever adventure playground – the Play Patch. Developed in genuine partnership with the local community, the space responds directly to Play Sufficiency research, which highlighted that children in Beeston Hill lacked gardens, safe outdoor areas and welcoming green spaces. The Play Patch is designed by local people, for local people. Children and families shaped the environment, Yorkshire Contemporary has also worked closely with Leeds Beckett University, ensuring students contribute to the space and maintain high quality playwork practice.  With additional projects such as Tiny Totley Studio, Hamara’s Play, Make and Create programme and more, Yorkshire Contemporary is reshaping how Leeds supports children’s play, creativity and wellbeing.

Category 5: Champion of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes

This award recognises the remarkable individuals, projects and organisations who have positively contributed to one of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes which were developed with children and young people in 2022. Themes of the wishes include supporting children and young people; living in poverty, with their mental health and making healthy choices, providing safe places to play, to have their voice heard, to celebrate difference and diversity, to take action to address climate change, to travel safely, to access fun things to do, to enjoy and engage in learning, to access employment opportunities and making Leeds a more inclusive and accessible city.

Family Action’s Leeds Young Carers Support Service provides vital, life-changing support for children managing caring responsibilities alongside school. Delivering Wish 10, they help schools understand and respond to young carers’ unique needs through tools like the “Day in the Life” assessment and Young Carer Friendly training. This enables practical, compassionate support in education settings. Alongside this, they offer trusted emotional support and work with families to reduce pressure on children. Their work ensures young carers feel seen, understood, and valued, improving wellbeing and helping them succeed both at school and at home.

Grimes Dyke Primary School exemplifies the Child Friendly Leeds Wishes by placing play, wellbeing, and inclusion at the heart of school life. Through its platinum OPAL approach, it has created natural, rewilded spaces that inspire exploration and resilience, supporting Wishes 1 and 2. Children play freely in all weather, building confidence and creativity. The school’s strong inclusive ethos ensures every child feels valued and supported, reflecting Wish 4. By combining outdoor learning with a culture of kindness and belonging, Grimes Dyke enables all pupils to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

North Leeds Mumbler (Rachel Nelson-Girtchen) & Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler (Sarah Smith) have created trusted, inclusive Mumbler platforms that support thousands of families across Leeds by providing accessible information on activities, services, and community opportunities. Drawing on their own experiences as parents, they offer authentic, reliable guidance that reduces isolation and builds confidence. Through social media, newsletters, and online communities, they help families stay connected, active, and informed. Their work supports the Child Friendly Leeds Wishes by promoting safe, fun spaces (Wish 2), strengthening community connections (Wish 3), and ensuring inclusive opportunities for all families (Wish 7).

Park Square Barristers for seven years, they have offered personalised, thoughtful support that makes every child feel valued. Their generosity is highly tailored: each Christmas they hand select gifts matched to individual interests – over 100 bespoke presents – complete with handwritten cards that foster belonging and joy. Their support continues year round through Easter gifts and Eid vouchers that celebrate cultural diversity and ensure children feel recognised at important moments. These gestures create real impact: a child improved school attendance using a scooter gifted specifically for them; another used a voucher to buy football gear, boosting their confidence and social engagement; and a young person with ADHD now uses a Lego gift to self regulate, Park Square Barristers champion the Child Friendly Leeds wishes and working with the third sector and supporting cluster teams across Leeds. 

Shakespeare Primary School is a school demonstrating outstanding commitment to reducing the impact of poverty (Wish 8) and widening access to enriching opportunities (Wish 9). Situated in Harehills, where many families face financial hardship, the school works relentlessly to ensure poverty does not limit any child’s education or life chances. They regularly host community workshops, from gardening to cooking to tree planting, strengthening families’ skills, confidence, and wellbeing.  Their dedication to supporting families includes involvement in Healthy Holidays and local food initiatives, ensuring children have nutritious meals and meaningful activities during school breaks. Equally impressive is their rich sporting curriculum: basketball, hockey, football, cricket and more, with their table tennis teams becoming West Yorkshire Champions and reaching the national finals—the first local school to do so in 30 years. They were also recognised at the Leeds Sports Awards 2024.  

Category 6: Best Place for Children and Young People

The children’s choice award had over 900 nominations by 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 feel is their favourite place to go and experience – somewhere they find welcoming, inclusive to all, fun, playful, safe, clean and inspiring.

Herd Farm Residential & Activity Centre is a valued outdoor activity centre where young people feel inspired, included and supported. Its wide range of activities, from adventurous challenges to creative outdoor experiences, ensures there is something for all ages. Children are encouraged to try new things in a safe environment, building confidence, resilience and independence. Staff are praised for their kindness and encouragement, helping young people achieve more than they thought possible. With 299 first choice and 83 second choice nominations, Herd Farm creates joyful, memorable experiences that promote teamwork, growth and pride.

Holbeck Together provides vital, affordable support for children and families through activities, trips and afterschool care that bring joy, stability and connection. Known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, it offers a safe, welcoming space where young people feel valued and supported. Regular groups and outings, including beach trips, provide enriching experiences many might otherwise miss. With 49 first choice nominations, it is clearly loved and trusted. Strong community ties and caring staff help children build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

Hollywood Bowl is celebrated as a fun, exciting and welcoming place for children and families, especially those who value accessible leisure experiences. Nominations highlight friendly staff, a vibrant atmosphere and great food, making it a much loved destination for children wanting to enjoy time with family or friends. One nomination emphasised Hollywood Bowl’s autism friendly environment, showing that the team takes thoughtful steps to ensure neurodiverse children can participate comfortably.
With 9 first choice and 4 second choice nominations, children clearly value Hollywood Bowl as a place where they can relax, have fun and enjoy a sense of celebration. Whether for birthdays, family outings or informal meetups, the venue offers an engaging, child centred space filled with positive experiences. 

The Hunslet Club is highly valued by children and young people as a place to make friends, grow in confidence and take part in a wide range of fun, active and structured activities. Nominations frequently highlight the Club’s strong sense of community and the inclusive, welcoming environment it offers to young people across Leeds. Children love the variety of opportunities, boxing, dance, football, fitness and more supporting different interests and abilities. These activities help young people stay active, develop new skills and build self esteem. The atmosphere is described as friendly and energetic, making it a place children look forward to visiting.   With 5 first choice and 7 second choice nominations, the Club is recognised as a safe, supportive space where children can spend time with peers, form positive relationships and engage in meaningful hobbies.   

Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most cherished green spaces, loved by children for its beauty, openness and sense of freedom.  Its wide, green landscape offers endless opportunities for play, creativity, exercise and connection with nature. Families appreciate the park’s accessibility, making it an easy and welcoming destination for children of all ages.  Roundhay Park received 21 first choice and 13 second choice nominations, highlighting just how meaningful this space is to children across the city. Roundhay Park is not just a park; it is a beloved place where memories are made.

Category 7: Overall Contribution to making Leeds a Child-Friendly City

This award is to recognise ambassadors and organisations making a significant contribution to our child friendly city ambitions, around making the city a better place for all children and young people to grow up in. For example, a business protecting time or resources to provide opportunities for care-experienced young people or foster families. Or a third sector organisation working with families experiencing poverty to ensure children have equal access to opportunities. Or a school or learning setting who supports families through Healthy Holidays provision that targets those who need it most. This category will have 3 winners – one from the education/public sector; private sector; and third sector!

Overall Contribution: Public Sector

Overall Contribution: Third Sector

Overall Contribution: Private Sector

More news and highlights to follow, if you have any questions please email cflawards@leeds.gov.uk