What is Just One Day?
‘Just One Day’ is a special day that brings schools, businesses, and communities together across Leeds to raise funds and awareness for the Lord Mayor’s Charity. Every year, the Lord Mayor chooses a Leeds-based charity close to their heart to champion during their year in office. This year’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Cohen, has selected Leeds Mencap – a vital local charity helping children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, and additional needs. Remember, whether you choose a non-uniform day, a bake sale, a talent show, or something completely unique, every contribution makes a difference.
Child Friendly Leeds have teamed up with Leeds Mencap and the Lord Mayor’s team to share some ways you can come together for just one day, whether in a school, place of work or with friends and family. The fundraising pack includes some fun and exciting ways you can raise money for the Lord Mayor’s charity appeal.
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Just One Day Fundraising Pack 2026
Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes
There are 12 Child Friendly Leeds wishes. These 12 wishes represent the voices of 80,000 children and young people from across Leeds. Wish 12 for the city is to make Leeds an inclusive city and that children and young people feel there is more awareness and understanding of different disabilities.
There is work taking place within Leeds City Council, lead by our ‘Wish Leads’, on Wish 12 and we have recently refereshed the Leeds Local Offer – which provides information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers.
It’s all about partnership working
Child Friendly Leeds is a city-wide ambition and we’re all about working with partners called our ambassadors, whether it’s enrichment opportunities such as the launch of a Recipe Book with new arrivals, Christmas Gifting Initiatives and The Child Friendly Leeds Awards.
The Hidden Disabilities Campaign led by Leeds Youth Voice and Schools across Leeds was launched with Merrion Centre and Town Centre Securities. The artwork by young people, alongside the posters inspired by their work were displayed in a unit at The Merrion Centre where schools and partners are invited to view. Some of the young people created ‘spoken word’ pieces to express their thoughts and feelings. These have been recorded and can be heard in the video below.
This project ties in with the global initiative, the ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’.
“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.”
In other words, wearing the sunflower lanyard or card can tell others around you that you have a hidden disability, which may affect the way you interact with things around you.
Any questions or to get involved in future projects and campaigns, please email: childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk
