Children and young people express their views, feel heard and are involved in decisions that affect their lives.

Children and young people have a greater awareness of the different ways they can share their views and ideas. they know how to influence change within their school and community. They have access to support and training to develop their skills and confidence to enable them to have a voice and influence.

What is wish 3?

This wish is part of the law in Britain. Children’s voices must be listened to and respected, as is described in the United Nations Convention of Children’s Rights:

Article 12 – Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times.

Wish 3 in the Council

There is work taking place within Leeds City Council, lead by our ‘Wish Lead’, on Wish 3 right now. The short-term priorities are:

Embed the use of the ‘youth voice’ guides to support young people to express themselves and influence change.
Support staff working with young people who are seldom heard to have a voice and influence by offering opportunities to plan and participate in an annual takeover of the Children and Young People’s Partnership Board and by facilitating regular meetings for youth voice workers.
Support staff working in schools to engage in best practice voice and influence including advice surrounding the use of the My Health My School data and the development of a Leeds for Learning community.

The long-term priorities are:

An increase in Children and young people reporting that they know how to share their ideas in their local area / city.
An increase in children and young people actively sharing their ideas in their local communities and city.