Nominations are now open for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2020

The time has come to nominate your next Child Friendly Leeds champions, as the prestigious awards approach their 7^th year.

The Child Friendly Leeds Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all the fantastic work that individuals and organisations across the city are doing to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in.

The Awards will take place in February 2020, and will be organised and delivered by a group of enthusiastic young people, supported by Leeds City Varieties and Leeds City Council.

Giving young people the opportunity to design the Awards demonstrates the value Leeds places on their voice and influence. Through harnessing their talent and creativity, the city can continue to deliver on its commitment to putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does – placing them at the forefront of the highly anticipated Awards. The energy that the young people bring has inevitably contributed to the Child Friendly Leeds Awards becoming a flagship event in the city.

The Awards recognise the achievements of the city’s children and young people as well as the individuals, places and organisations that help to drive forward Leeds’ Child Friendly ambitions. The Awards pay a particular tribute to the help available for those children and young people who may have additional challenges – including children who are looked after by the council, or are particularly vulnerable, and those with disabilities or additional needs.

The closing date for nominations is Friday October 25^th 2019.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Executive Member for Children and Families, said:

“It is fantastic to see how the Child Friendly Leeds Awards has grown over the last 7 years. Each year, we are able to recognise and celebrate more of those individuals and organisations who are contributing to our ambition to make Leeds a truly child friendly city.

“The Awards are planned and delivered by an amazingly talented group of young people in Leeds which is reflective of our ambition to put children at the heart of everything we do and ensure they have a voice and influence. I am looking forward to seeing what the young people plan this year!”

Lisa James, last year’s winner of the Adult Making a Difference for Children and Young People award said:

"Last year I was nominated and it felt such a privilege to be recognised, but to actually win overall was the best feeling in the world. I love the work I do with families and I can't thank those enough who nominated”.

The eight categories are:

Child of the Year (under 11)

This award recognises an amazing child (under 11 years) who has made a difference in Leeds. For example, someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

Young Person of the Year (11 – 21)

This award recognises an amazing young person aged 11 - 21 years (or 25 with additional needs) who has made a difference in Leeds. For example, someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.

Youth Group of the Year (up to 25)

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.

Adult Making a Difference for Children and Young People (adult 21 years and above)

This award is for someone doing extraordinary things to improve the lives of children and young people in Leeds. For example, someone who cares for, inspires or supports young people, and who gives them a voice and influence in decisions that affect them.

Communities and Schools Working Together

This award recognises the invaluable support that pupils and schools receive from their local community. We’re looking for local organisations, educators or individuals from outside the school’s regular staff, who work with, or in schools to inspire, inform or support pupils. For example, a local business that teaches enterprise skills to your pupils or an intergenerational project that brings younger and older members of the community together.

Inspiring Creativity Through Arts and Culture

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

Best Place in Leeds for 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 find welcoming, is inclusive to all, fun, safe, clean and inspiring.

Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City

This award is given to a business/organisation making a significant contribution to our child friendly city ambitions. It could involve a business working directly with children and young people, including them in decision making, mentoring them, running activities or creating career opportunities e.g. offering a supported internship.

To make your nominations, please visit:

https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/5N7WC/

For more information about the learning programme at City Varieties, including tours, talks, workshops and projects for schools, community groups and adults, please visit: www.cityvarieties.co.uk/Online/joinin