CFL 12 Wishes

The 12 wishes

Wish 1 - Children and young people know how and where to get support with their mental health and wellbeing if they need it. Children and young people have a greater understanding of their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They know where to get information and advice and who to speak to to help them find services and support, and it is available to them when they need it.

Wish 2 - Children and young people have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun. Children and young people have time and opportunities to play, hang out and have fun across the city. They feel safer as there is less crime, vandalism and litter.

Wish 3 - Children and young people express their views, feel heard and are involved in decisions that affect their lives. Children and young people have a greater awareness of the different ways they can share their views and ideas. They know how to influence change within their school and community. They have access to support and training to develop their skills and confidence to enable them to have a voice and influence.

Wish 4 - Differences are celebrated in Leeds so children and young people feel accepted for who they are. They do not experience bullying and discrimination. People in Leeds have a better understanding of diversity and therefore celebrate differences in abilities, ethnicity, family background, language, religion, sex and opinions. Children and young people feel accepted, included and valued. They have a greater awareness of their rights not to be bullied or discriminated against and know what to do if it happens.

Wish 5 - Everyone takes more action to protect the environment from climate change. Children and young people have a greater awareness and understanding of what actions are being taken in Leeds to address the climate emergency and protect the environment. They know how they can get involved and make a difference.

Wish 6 - Children and young people can travel around the city safely and easily. Children and young people feel that public transport is safe, reliable and accessible. They will not experience rising costs.

Wish 7 - Children and young people know about different things to do and places to go across the city. They enjoy different cultural experiences including art, music, sport, and film. Children, young people and families feel there is better promotion and communication of fun and particularly free things to do and places to go within the city including events, activities, groups, cultural experiences and days out.

Wish 8 - Leeds is a city that reduces the impact of poverty and helps families who need it. Children, young people and families experiencing the impact of poverty feel they are supported and receive the help they need. They have their basic rights and needs met.

Wish 9 - Children and young people have the support and information needed to make healthy choices. They have opportunities for regular physical activity. Children and young people know about different opportunities to take part in physical activity and are supported and encouraged to join in. They have access to the information they need to make healthy choices and have healthy and safe relationships.

Wish 10 - Children and young people are in learning settings that meet their needs. Early years settings, schools and post-16 settings identify and address the barriers that prevent children and young people, particularly those with additional needs, engaging in and enjoying learning.

Wish 11 - Young people have access to a wide range of work experience, employment and volunteering opportunities. Young people know where to get information and advice and are supported to access a wide range of opportunities that meet their needs and aspirations. This includes work experience, employment, training and volunteering.

Wish 12 - Leeds is an inclusive city for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Children and young people feel there is more awareness and understanding of different disabilities and that there are more activities and places to go that are accessible to all.

What’s being done to make improvements?

Article 12 of the UN Rights of the Child tells us that children have a right to have their views respected and listened to do by adults. So once the new wishes were formed in 2022, Child Friendly Leeds have made sure that the wishes encourage positive changes to take place. This has been done by:

• Appointing at least one Leeds City Council colleague as wish ‘lead’ for each wish and asking them to write short-term and long-term goals.
• Working with the Leeds Youth Voice team to make sure children and young people are always involved in the discussion.
• Posting updates about the wishes on our blog site and social media channels to keep children and families in the loop.
• Linking the Leeds Children’s Mayor process to the wishes, so that children write their manifestos about one of the wishes.
• Raising awareness of each wish through CFL social media channels.
• Asking new CFL ambassadors to select the wishes they are interested in partnering on, when they complete our sign-up form.

Want to work with us on one or more of the 12 wishes? Get in touch at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk or visit the Child Friendly Leeds Blog.