2020 CFL awards
The winners of the seventh Child Friendly Leeds awards were announced at a star-studded ‘Space’ themed ceremony at Leeds City Varieties on Thursday 6 February 2020.
The awards showcased the diverse talent, significant achievements and energy of the city’s children and young people, as well as highlighting and celebrating those people, places and organisations that are dedicated to making Leeds a child friendly city.
The ceremony was attended by an audience of 400 people including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, City Leaders and VIP guests.
A significant number of nominations were received across the city for inspiring young people, child friendly places, people who go the extra mile and fantastic organisations and community groups, with the winners announced at the special event.
The planning team - Tentastic Productions
The prestigious ceremony was organised by a group of 10 enthusiastic and dedicated young people, Tentastic Productions.
The young people, aged eleven to fifteen, planned every aspect of the ceremony, from designing the decorations and writing the script, to selecting the young and talented performers who entertained guests on the night.
The Tentastics were supported by the Leeds City Varieties Learning Team who ran weekly sessions to support them.
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Winners of the 2020 awards
Child of the Year (under 11)
Lee Newton is a dedicated individual who gives up considerable amounts of time to help his school; such as arriving early to help teachers and other children, and working with the superintendent to keep the school safe. He is also part of the school mental health ambassador’s team, who train to support people who are struggling.
Young Person of the Year (11 to 21)
Danny Hirst 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 FundExternal link in many ways such as; 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 of the year (up to 25)
The Tribe Youth Group 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 Buddy Bags, community clean ups, and food collections. They have also encouraged local businesses to give up single-use plastic.
Adult Making a Difference for Young People
Jamie Hutchison created Studio12 - creating avenues into work for disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 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.
Communities and Schools Working Together
Let's Read aims to improve learning and achievement for children, increasing their future educational and employment opportunities. Manager Gail oversees a programme of recruitment, training and support for volunteers from businesses and local communities, enabling the project to provide schools with support for children who are falling behind with their reading and literacy skills.
Inspiring Creativity through Arts and Culture
Wrongsemble is a theatre company made up of professional artists and practitioners who specialise in working with and creating work for young people, schools and families. They provide free entry for Refugee and Asylum Seeker families and place accessibility and diversity at the heart of everything they do.
Best Place in Leeds for Children and Young People
Little Hiccups have provided a place for young people with disabilities and their families to meet and share experiences. Founded by parents who have children with disabilities they recognised the need for such a group from personal experience, the group has grown to provide invaluable support and opportunities to many families across the city.
Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City
The Outward Bound Trust play an important role in enabling some of the most vulnerable young people to have access to their life changing summer residential programmes and opportunities that without financial assistance would not be possible. Those who take part gain important life skills and take away lasting memories and friendships.