Child Friendly Leeds award winners announced at Leeds City Varieties

The people and places who are working to make Leeds a child friendly city were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.
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The winners of the seventh Child Friendly Leeds were announced at a ‘Space’ themed ceremony at Leeds City Varieties on Thursday.

The awards celebrate all the hard work that is happening across the city to make Leeds the best place for children and young people to grow up in.

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It was organised by ten young people - Tentastic Productions - aged 11-15, who planned every aspect of the ceremony, from designing the decorations and writing the script, to selecting the talented young performers who entertained guests.

Jamie Hutchinson wins the adult making a difference for young people award.Jamie Hutchinson wins the adult making a difference for young people award.
Jamie Hutchinson wins the adult making a difference for young people award.

The Child Friendly Leeds Project also recently received the Award for Public Service at the National Leadership Forum for its work alongside the council’s City Development team and Child Friendly Leeds ambassadors.

Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member responsible for children and families said: “The Child Friendly Leeds awards ceremony continues to be a sensational yearly celebration which recognises those people, places and organisations who go the extra mile to ensure Leeds is a great place to grow up, and showcases the hugely talented young people we have in our city.

“I would like to congratulate the winners, those shortlisted and all the nominees - they have all made, and continue to make remarkable contributions to our child friendly ambition.

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“Becoming a child friendly city is not something that we, as a council, can do on our own. There are countless organisations and people across our city who share our passion for, and commitment to, being a child friendly city and these awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise them and commend their tremendous work and tireless dedication."

The winners and sponsors on stage.The winners and sponsors on stage.
The winners and sponsors on stage.

The winners of the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2020 are:

Child of the Year (Under 11):

Lee Newton: Lee was described as a dedicated individual who gives up considerable amounts of time to help his school. He arrives early to help teachers and other children, and works with the superintendent to keep the school safe. He is also part of the school mental health ambassadors’ team, who train to support people who are struggling.

Young Person of the Year (11–21):

Danny Hirst: Danny was born with a hole in his heart. In 2016, he had a mechanical valve fitted. He has fundraised for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund by organising a ‘Wear Red Day’, taking part in ‘Superhero Walks’, doing a 10-storey building abseil, and persuading his mum to jump out of a plane.

Youth Group:

The Tribe Youth Group: The Tribe offers opportunities to develop skills and confidence through the I am Me project with Beyond Inspired whilst making a positive contribution to the community with projects including BuddyBags, community clean ups, and food collections. They have also encouraged local businesses to give up single-use plastic.

Adult Making a Difference:

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Jamie Hutchison: Jamie created Studio12 – creating avenues into work for disadvantaged young people aged 16-30 by providing free access to a production studio and training. Jamie broadened the horizons of young people in Leeds by campaigning to bring Channel4 to the city and producing a bid film that won the hearts of the broadcaster’s bosses.

If you would like to make a donation to the Child Friendly Leeds Fund, please visit the Child Friendly Leeds website, click on ‘CFL News’ then ‘Child Friendly Leeds Fund’.

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