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Dear ambassadors,
As we venture into 2021, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome new ambassadors to the Child Friendly Leeds network. I am thrilled that despite the pandemic, various new partners from a wide range of sectors have chosen to be part of our inspirational city wide partnership. You are very welcome and we look forward to working with you!
I am also pleased to welcome Saleem Tariq MBE who has become the new director of Children and Families Services, as well as Julie Longworth, as deputy director – they are both enthusiastic advocates of Child Friendly Leeds and it’s a pleasure to work with them both.
I hope that you and your families are staying safe during the pandemic – as ever, we would welcome your insights and feedback about anything our team can do to help promote and highlight your work. The Child Friendly Leeds team also remain committed to making mutually beneficial introductions between ambassadors – since the inception of the Child Friendly Leeds ambassador, some wonderful organic partnerships have developed which have resulted in fantastic opportunities for young people in the city. We have also had some fantastic pledges and partnerships forming as a result of our ambassador webinars over the last few months. The topics included climate change, Baby Week Leeds and promoting the best start and closing the digital skills gap. Our ambassador network is the envy of other authorities who are on their own journey to become child friendly – we couldn’t be prouder of you all! Thank you for everything you are doing to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in.
Councillor Salma Arif, Lead Member for Child Friendly Leeds
Every year our Child Friendly Ambassadors and Business Partners offer their time and support to various communities of children and young people over the festive season. The Child Friendly Leeds (CFL) team were not sure what Christmas would look like this year due to the continued effects of COVID-19, however the kindness and generosity they witnessed, far exceeded their hopes for the children, young people and families across Leeds. A huge thanks to the wonderful ambassadors who supported our Christmas giving incentive as well as to the wider general public. We were able to distribute approximately £25K worth of presents to children in the city! Read more about it below...
“We have been able to bless a family of five (all under 10 years old) who, without your donations would have nothing to open. They were so excited!” - Social Worker
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We know that this latest lockdown has been very tough for so many young people and families. We have compiled the ultimate guide for children, young people and families during lockdown in Leeds. This includes fun, exciting activities and things to do at home; advice and guidance for families during lockdown including health and well-being; links to websites and apps which feature virtual sessions, educational and fun learning resources for all ages and a competitions page.
Our first monthly competition theme is well-being. In such a time of change, loss and worry for young people, prioritising their emotional well-being is incredibly important. To help promote this message across the city, we are inviting children and young people to produce the ultimate personal well-being kit that can be used by other children and young people across the city. The deadline is 28 February 2021 and winners will be notified in March.
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The Child Friendly Leeds Team hosted a webinar in January 2021 where ambassadors, business partners and young people came together to discuss climate change and share what they are doing around this agenda. At the event, we updated attendees about the climate priorities of children and young people in Leeds and the work taking place in schools; we explored ways that organisations can take action and work together around this agenda; we also shared the Council’s climate emergency plans as well as some opportunities for ambassadors to get involved in.
The event was very well attended and we had some amazing ideas about ways that we can all collaborate to address the urgent environmental issues that we face. Thank you to the fantastic speakers who took part and to all the participants for your support. The link below includes a summary of the event, resources and key links shared at the event as well as information on how you can involved.
Child Friendly Leeds will be working with ambassadors on campaigns, projects and events in the upcoming months. If you are interested in working with us, have any ideas or would like to offer your support or expertise please do get in touch. If there are things you think we could work on together or help you to promote, please do get in touch at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.
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