In the vibrant city of Leeds, an initiative called Child Friendly Leeds is redefining what it means to be inclusive and supportive of its youngest residents.
Established with the goal of making Leeds the best place for children and young people to grow up, this initiative encompasses a wide array of activities, programs, and policies designed to foster a nurturing and empowering environment for the youth. An unforgettable evening unfolded at the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024 as a remarkable group of children’s champions took center stage.
The red carpet welcomed an esteemed array of nominees at this year’s movie-themed ceremony, held at the City Varieties Music Hall, where winners were honored in seven different categories. Now in its ninth year, the awards spotlighted the talents, accomplishments, and vibrancy of Leeds’ children and youth, while also honoring the individuals, places, and organizations that contribute to Leeds’ reputation as a child-friendly city.
Among the distinguished honorees of the evening was 16-year-old Leigh-Taylor Arundale, who clinched the ‘Child/Young Person of the Year’ award for her exceptional efforts supporting various causes. Since she was five, Leigh-Taylor has been actively involved in the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, where she not only crafted and sold poppies but also uplifted spirits during the pandemic by performing Vera Lynn’s iconic song ‘We’ll Meet Again’ for her community.
Her charitable activities extend further; she has organized raffles of teddy bears to fund defibrillator equipment, raised funds in response to the Moroccan earthquake, supported Alzheimer’s and dementia charities, assisted a friend through Marie Curie, and spearheaded clothing drives for Ukraine by coordinating with headteachers at local schools.
Proud mum Lisa Arundale said: “I’m ecstatic for her. It’s nice for her to be recognised. She loves to do what she does and is still continuing to make a difference. She says she’d raise money for every charity if she could.”
Leigh-Taylor said she was ‘Honoured’ to received the award, added: “The award ceremony was amazing but this award is for everyone nominated as we all want to make a change and I do believe we can.”
This year’s awards introduced a new honor, recognizing a ‘highly commended’ nominee in each category. In Leigh-Taylor’s category, 10-year-old Lyla Bell received this distinction for her inspirational resolve to embrace life fully, despite battling a debilitating health condition.
Additionally, during the event, both Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation were celebrated as winners of the ‘Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City’ category. Bob Bowman, the foundation’s CEO, was present to accept the award, which acknowledged their significant contributions, including distributing hundreds of free tickets to children from diverse backgrounds and their efforts to engage young people in sports.
The ceremony captivated around 350 attendees with a series of announcements and performances by Leeds’ young talents, including vocalist Mary Collins, indie rock ensemble The Casuals, musician Josh Stanchev, and the youthful dance group DAZL Explosion, featuring children aged seven to ten.
The entire event was masterfully orchestrated by a group of young individuals known as The Midnight Snack Club. With the support of Leeds Heritage Theatres, they meticulously planned every aspect of the evening, from the movie-themed decor and script to the performances and decorations.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families said:
“Once again these awards have shown some of the truly remarkable people and organisations we have in Leeds, determined to make a difference to children, young people and their families.
“I would like to congratulate all winners, all those shortlisted as well as the many nominees this year – their commitment and passion to showcasing what it means to be child friendly is incredible to see.
“Becoming a child friendly city is not something we, as a council, can do alone and these awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise, celebrate and be inspired by the great work going on to help make Leeds the best city to grow up in.”
Child Friendly Leeds was born out of a vision to place children and young people at the heart of the city’s growth and development strategies. It aims not just to respond to the needs of children but to actively involve them in the city’s planning and decision-making processes. This approach ensures that the voices of young residents are not only heard but are integral in shaping the community they are part of.
Each year, the impact of Child Friendly Leeds is celebrated and showcased through the Child Friendly Leeds Awards. These awards highlight the outstanding contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant strides in making Leeds a nurturing place for its younger population. The Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024 received generous support from several sponsors, including: Aql, First Direct Arena, Hamara, Leeds Bid, The Grammar School at Leeds, Trinity Leeds, University of Leeds, and White Rose Shopping Centre.
The full list of winners and those highly commended at the awards are as follows:
Category: Child/Young Person of the Year:
Winner: Leigh-Taylor Arundale, age 16 – Leigh-Taylor is an active charity volunteer engaged in multiple initiatives. She also serves as an ambassador for the Anti-Bullying campaign and the Diana Award.
Runner Up: Lyla Bell, age 10 – Despite battling cystic fibrosis, Lyla actively raises awareness and funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She participates in fundraising activities through her school and brownie unit, and enjoys playing cricket with the East Ardsley Rugby Club.
Category: Youth Group of the Year:
Winner: CATCH Leeds – This youth charity is distinguished by its commitment to centering young people in all its endeavors, developing activities based on their ideas and leadership.
Runner Up: Youth Association – Community Ambassadors: Operating under the Youth Association’s initiatives on Halton Moor, this group consists of five young people who have become Community Ambassadors. They engage in supporting their community with various activities, including organizing intergenerational events to alleviate community tensions.
Category: Adult Making a Difference for Children and Young People:
Winner: WEST SILC Powerhouse and Rob Lakewood – Located in Farsley, WEST Leeds SILC Powerhouse is a college for 16-19-year-olds with additional learning needs, dedicated to preparing these young individuals for adulthood.
Runner Up: Jan Furlong – Jan is the heart behind Babybuds and Lilybuds, baby and toddler groups based in Rothwell. Her welcoming nature and generosity significantly comfort both mothers and babies. She also organizes activities such as clothes swaps and group singing sessions.
Category: Leeds 2023: Creativity through Arts and Culture:
Winner: Tutti Frutti Productions – Based in Harehills, Tutti Frutti has been crafting innovative theatre performances for children aged three and older and their families for over 30 years. Their tours span the UK and extend to international stages in the USA, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Runner Up: Brave Words – This theatre company and social enterprise is dedicated to creating brave, inclusive environments where young people can engage in high-quality youth theatre productions, overcoming barriers like cost and travel.
Category: Exceptional Contribution to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes:
Winner: SNAPS – This local charity stands out for its dedicated support to children with additional needs and their families. SNAPS offers a variety of programs including hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, dance, yoga, accessible swimming, and football lessons.
Runner Up: The British Library – As the national library of the UK and a Child Friendly Leeds Ambassador, The British Library employs a child-centered approach. It collaborates extensively with children’s social care, Elliott Hudson College, Hugh Gaitskell School, and other organizations to further its impact.
Category: Best Place for Children and Young People:
Winner: Getaway Girls – With over 35 years of experience, Getaway Girls has been instrumental in empowering girls and young women aged 11-25 from diverse backgrounds. Located in Seacroft and extending to a satellite base in Harehills, the organization fosters confidence, resilience, skills, and aspirations through group work, individual support, a creche, school work, and more.
Runner Up: Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm – This charity is committed to enriching the lives of children, supporting over 3,000 young people annually. It offers access to nature and outdoor learning experiences, with activities that include climbing, biking, animal care, and environmental work.
Category: Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City:
Winner: Leeds Rhinos & Rhinos Foundation – Sian Jones, Leeds Rhinos Head of Customer Experience, and Bob Bowman QPM, CEO of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, have launched an initiative that offers a number of game tickets for Leeds Rhinos. These tickets are distributed through the team at Child Friendly Leeds to ensure broad accessibility.
Runner Up: Freedom 4 Girls – This charity plays a crucial role in providing free period products to those in need, supporting a wide array of community groups, charities, and individuals in Leeds and beyond. In the first three months of 2024 alone, they distributed over 20,000 period products and 3,000kg of food to the community.
The success of Child Friendly Leeds can be attributed to its strong emphasis on community engagement. Schools, businesses, public services, and community groups all play a pivotal role. For instance, businesses adopt child-friendly practices, schools enhance their policies to be more inclusive, and community services ensure that their resources are accessible and beneficial to children and young people.
A notable impact of this initiative is seen in how children’s feedback has led to the development of public spaces that are not only safe but are also enjoyable for families. This includes parks, playgrounds, and public transport systems designed with the welfare of children in mind.
Looking forward, Child Friendly Leeds is set to expand its reach and depth. Plans include more innovative programs aimed at addressing new challenges faced by children and young people, such as digital safety and environmental awareness. The initiative continues to adapt, aiming to preemptively address issues before they become problematic, ensuring that Leeds remains a beacon of child-friendly innovation.
Child Friendly Leeds is more than just an initiative; it is a testament to the city’s commitment to its younger residents. By prioritizing the needs and voices of children, Leeds is not only improving the present but is also investing in a brighter, more inclusive future.
This ongoing journey reflects a powerful message: when a city grows with its children, it grows better for everyone www.leeds.gov.uk/ChildFriendlyLeeds
