Child Friendly Leeds Awards

2024 awards

The awards are planned and delivered by a group of 10 to 17 year olds who form the planning group.

All shortlisted nominees are invited to come to the prestigious awards ceremony in July 2024 at the City Varieties Music Hall for a fun-packed, high-energy, entertaining event organised and presented by children and young people.

All award winners from each category receive tickets to watch their favourite show at Leeds First Direct Arena, along with lots of special mentions and press features and our very prestigious Gold Pins!

Award categories

There are awards in 7 different categories so that everyone has a chance to shine. Anyone can nominate for the awards and nominations were open until Friday 24 November 2023.

Child or young person of the year

This award recognises an amazing child or young person (0 to 18 years or up to 25 with additional needs) who has helped make a difference in Leeds.     

For example: someone who works with their friends, family and community to help and inspire others and effect positive change.     

Youth group of the year

This award recognises an inspirational youth group whose members are up to the age of 25 years who have made a difference in Leeds.     

For example: a group who work together to help and inspire others and effect positive change in their local community or city.     

Adult making a difference for young people

This award is for someone 21 years and above doing extraordinary things to help improve the lives of children and young people in Leeds.     

For example: someone who goes that extra mile to care for, inspire or support children and young people.     

Leeds 2023 award for creativity through arts and culture

This award recognises the fantastic opportunities and invaluable support that children and young people receive from the arts and cultural organisations or individuals in Leeds who engage, inspire and motivate through activity delivered either in or out of school.     

For example: this might include film, drama, dance, art and music opportunities delivered by companies, organisations, museums, galleries, libraries, community groups or individuals as part of the Leeds 2023 year of culture.     

Exceptional contribution to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes

This award recognises the remarkable individuals, projects and organisations who have positively contributed to one of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes which were developed with children and young people in 2022.     

Themes of the wishes include supporting children and young people:     

  1. with their mental health
  2. by providing and promoting safe places to play
  3. to have their voice heard
  4. to celebrate difference and diversity
  5. to take action to address climate change
  6. to travel safely
  7. to access fun things to do
  8. who are living in poverty
  9. to make healthy choices
  10. to enjoy and engage in learning
  11. to access employment opportunities
  12. to help make Leeds a more inclusive and accessible city

Best place in Leeds for children and young people

This award recognises a fantastic place for children and young people in Leeds.     

For example: somewhere that children and young people feel is their favourite place to go and experience – somewhere they find welcoming, inclusive to all, fun, safe, clean and inspiring.     

Overall contribution to making Leeds a child friendly city

This award is to recognise a business/organisation that is making a significant contribution to our child friendly city ambitions.     

For example: a business dedicating staff time and resources to support young people in their careers by providing work placements, supported internships or skills sessions or supporting families in need to access free or discounted leisure activities. Or, an organisation working directly with children and young people, involving them in planning and delivering projects or providing mentoring and volunteering opportunities.     

2022 awards

Returning for the first time since 2020, the awards were presented at an incredible ‘futuristic’ ceremony at Leeds City Varieties Hall on Tuesday 5 July 2022. The event also marked the celebration of Child Friendly Leeds’ 10th birthday.

2022 CFL Awards

Previous CFL awards

Read more about the last 3 awards and winners on the previous CFL awards page.

Our sponsors

Child Friendly Leeds has a city-wide ambassador network supporting and championing our ambition. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds and contribute in a variety of different ways.

The awards sponsors will be announced soon.

If you are interested in sponsoring the awards or any other project, please email childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.


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