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Leeds was the first city in the UK to set out on its own child-friendly city model. Since 2012, we have been at the forefront of the child-friendly movement in the UK, embedding children and young people’s voices at the heart of our city’s vision through our 12 wishes. We have not only driven change locally but also supported and inspired over 80 towns and cities to develop their own journeys. Building on this experience, we continue to act as a national centre for child friendly cities - sharing best practice, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of child-friendly places across the country.

So, how was it done? Inspired by UNICEF guidelines, Leeds developed its own path to becoming a child-friendly city. Over 80 towns and cities across the country have sent representatives to Leeds to learn about the child friendly Leeds initiative and the work happening within it.​ Leeds is now working with other cities to help them create more child-centred services through the Leeds Relational Practice Centre. 

Leeds Relational Practice Centre (LRPC) 

The LRPC allows Leeds to share best practice with a number of other local authorities, having paved the way in initiating a child-friendly city vision.  

In 2023, the LRPC organised two community of practice sessions with colleagues from across the country - to support and learn from each other on our child friendly journeys. Child Friendly Leeds representatives supported in running the session which was attended by child-friendly leads from Bradford, Warwickshire, Newcastle, Coventry, Sandwell, Dudley and Herefordshire. 

Thank you once again Leeds for facilitating the gathering. It was so great to meet you all and learn from your journeys and I am really excited about being part of a wider networking group in terms of sharing ideas, thoughts and aspirations
- Sandwell (after attending a community of practice session)

Child Friendly Leeds now run a Community of Practice, who meet online every 6 months. If colleagues from local authorities would like to join the Child Friendly Community of Practice, please email the team at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.
 

Child Friendly Leeds is an award-winning initiative.

  • 2018 - Children and Young People Now Awards – won the Play category for Play Streets and the Recruitment and Professional Development award for the social work career pathway.
  • 2019 - Social Worker of the Year awards – won Best Social Work Employer, and Futures service won the Creative and Innovative Social Work award. Local Government Chronicle Awards – One Adoption West Yorkshire won the Public/ Public Partnership award
  • 2020 – Child Friendly Leeds City Centre Partnership Project won the first ever National Leadership Award for Public Services.

Read more on The Leeds Relational Practical Centre website