Leeds Children's Mayor elections: candidates

April's manifesto

• Issue: Climate change

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

According to Leeds.gov.uk, 5.7% of all deaths in Leeds are attributed to air pollution. Every child deserves to grow up in a clean, green city where they do not have to worry about the air they breathe. Leeds is consistently exceeding the WHO recommended level of air quality. This makes it harder for kids to breathe, especially those with asthma. According to London.gov.uk, exposure to air pollution was linked to a 5% reduction in lung capacity! All children and young people in Leeds need clean air to play outside, walk to school and stay healthy.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. Clean air champions award - Each class earn points for doing eco-friendly activities that help reduce air pollution. For example, each child earns a point for their class if they come to school in an environmentally friendly way, points for a classroom who turn off electronics when they are not in use, and points for raising awareness of the impact of air pollution.
2. Digital eco pen-pals - I will use my position in eco club to help start a network of eco clubs contacting each other through video sharing or calling. We will share videos of ideas we have to help reduce air pollution. There are no limits to how far this eco club connection can spread.
3. Grow green, breathe clean - Planting trees and flowers help clean the air by absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and trapping tiny particles from pollution. Therefore, green spaces around school create fresher, healthier air for everyone plus, they support wildlife and make our school look beautiful. So, let’s grow green to help everyone breathe clean!

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Install air quality monitors by schools - This will enable the council to show real time air quality. This also helps families understand when the air is most polluted and encourages eco-friendly choices.
2. Make sure that every school in Leeds has an “Eco club”- If we do this, this will mean that no matter what school you go to, you have the chance to have more understanding about air pollution and will have the opportunity to take action.
3. Anti-idling campaign - When cars wait outside school, they release harmful gases and tiny particles into the air where children are walking and waiting. I want to create safe breathing zones for children across our city. Through a campaign of bright, friendly posters, reminding people to switch off their engines, assemblies and class discussions to highlight the effects of air pollution, we can emphasise how small actions can make an enormous difference to the quality of our air.

Campaign slogan

Show you care, plant and share, breathe clean air!

Ayaan's manifesto

• Issue: Inclusivity for special educational needs and disabilities

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

There are lots of children in Leeds who have differences that mean that they react in different ways to what is ‘expected’ in some situations. This is because their minds process things differently. Lots of people don’t understand this which leads to confusion and sometimes problems in school and outside.

We need to raise awareness of these differences to improve everyone’s understanding that difference is normal so people don’t make judgements and we all live happy lives. Differences are not a disability they are an ability.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

I am a passionate public speaker and will use this skill to help achieve my goal of raising understanding and awareness about Neurodiversity, in particular ADHD, and improve how Leeds deals with the growing number of children who are neurodivergent (ND).

1. I will create a presentation on ADHD, including some of my experiences like why I might shout out in class; how this is difficult to control and what I feel like after this happens. During the year I will visit classes and give my presentation to them, including a Q and A session. This will encourage other ND kids to share their experiences too.
2. Every half term I will create a short video clip with snippets of information and advice about Neurodiversity, including a short bio of someone famous person with ADHD to show that it shouldn’t stop you achieving your dreams.
3. I will run an ND Day where we have an assembly and do whole school activities to learn about Neurodiversity. We’ve got to get more people talking about it! I am an ND Ambassador and I will identify more ND Ambassadors in school who can help me raise awareness and continue my work when I leave at the end of Year 6.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Encourage all schools to share my presentation on ADHD and access my video clips.  I would be happy to go into schools to present in assemblies or to classes and run Q and As. If possible, I would love to (or ask the Leeds Mayor to) share my videoclips with Leeds councillors so they can spread the word too.
2. Create a job description for an ND Ambassador so that each school in Leeds has ambassadors to raise awareness. This would create a network of ND Ambassadors across Leeds. Share the plans and ideas for an annual ND day in school called ‘You’re Different, I’m Different; We’re All Different! and encourage schools in Leeds to run something similar.  
3. Set up a Neurodiversity Fun Bus that will visit every school in Leeds. There will be lots of activities on the bus that appeal to all children where they can make things and there will be a video screen to show all the video clips that schools have made with the Mayor about neurodiversity and ADHD.  We could try to get some celebrities with ND to turn up sometimes too.

I am very excited about these things.

Campaign slogan

You’re different, I’m different, we’re all different.

Bella's manifesto

•  Issue: Mental health and wellbeing

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

Mental health and wellbeing is important because it affects children and young people in Leeds in different ways. It might make them want to miss school, feel down or feel very lonely. 1 in 5 school-age children or young people has a mental health difficulty (The Big Mental Health Report 2024). This number will increase if we don’t help now.

If we can encourage children to take part in activities that help them, they will start to feel better about themselves and learn how to deal with new challenges in a positive way.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

Children should feel safe at school and enjoy learning. My school could introduce new ideas to help keep positive mental health and wellbeing as an important subject. These could include:

1. Make or Bake day - each year group could make or bake something simple; cake, buns, fruit kebabs or bread. This could help children to work in different teams, learn new skills and get to try what they bake.
2. ‘Five minutes of fun’ - this could be at any time of the day in the classroom, for example telling jokes, having a chat with people or a pass the object game and saying one thing that makes you feel happy. This is something that should make the children smile or laugh.
3. More outdoor exercise – this could include singing assemblies outside, an alphabet scavenger hunt around school or walking step target per class each week. 

If children enjoy learning, they feel happier.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

Leeds as a city could help to tackle this issue by:

1. Adding more activities in parks to create a friendly and inviting space for children of all ages. Most playgrounds have equipment for smaller children but not much for the older ones. A skate ramp, basketball hoop or some benches for people to chill and chat on would be a good idea.
2. Encourage a ‘moving morning’ in all schools. This could be an activity chosen by the pupils inside or outside to help with physical activity. It could be around 15 to 20minutes every 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Leeds Breeze will be 21 years old this summer. The events are important for children to socialise and get physical but most importantly to have fun! It would be good to try and increase the number of events each year so more people have the opportunity to join. We need the people of Leeds to volunteer for more Breeze events to help make this happen.

Campaign slogan

Making young minds of Leeds a happier place. Vote Bella!

Cievah's manifesto

• Issue: Inclusivity for special educational needs and disabilities

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

My name is Cievah and I am neuro-divergent and I don’t think there are enough of the right supplies to support my needs. I was diagnosed a couple of months ago and I think places can be too noisy. This makes it difficult to concentrate and can be very stressful.

Another issue is that we still don't have enough wheelchair ramps in some places like swimming baths and restaurants. Even though things are improving, there is no legal requirement to have wheelchair access and this is wrong.

Another example I have noticed is that sometimes places do not have Braille for blind people to read for example supermarket shelves and restaurant menus. All of these things make life harder for people which is unfair. I want to change all that.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

To help understand people better, we could talk to disabled children about their lives and experiences. This would help us to find out what they need so we can provide it.

1. One idea we could try is to have silent discos in school. These are great because they don’t cause too much noise and you can listen to music at your own volume. Then people like me can enjoy school discos with their friends.
2. It would really help children if we could provide more sensory spaces and toys. This does not have to be expensive and we could raise money to help pay for this.
3. Finally, we could have an awareness week and learn about how we can help support our friends and give them safe experiences. This would help us to all get along even better.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Leeds can help by having sensory spaces. Sensory gardens with herbs and flowers are really good to help people calm down. These could be in or near stressful places like the city centre or even inside shopping centres or supermarkets. This would help people to calm down and cope with how loud and busy these places are.
2. Accessible toilets are nearly everywhere which is good but they are often also used as storage. This makes it very difficult for people in wheelchairs. Some places still do not have accessible toilets because they are expensive but all public places should have them.
3. My final idea is to have more playgrounds with wheelchair swings. I have only ever seen one in my life and I thought it was a great idea. There should be many more in parks around the city. Especially as they can be used by anyone so it makes sense to build these as well as regular swings so everyone can enjoy them. I understand some of this is expensive, but we can fundraise to fix this.

Campaign slogan

My campaign slogan is Disabled Children can do anything.

Faye's manifesto

• Issue: Inclusivity for special educational needs and disabilities

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

One reason I have chosen this issue for children and young people in Leeds is that while at school I have three friends with disabilities and could see there were some limitations on their success and happiness. My friends and I take pride in including and encouraging them.

There are many problems with education around stereotyping and judgement of these pupils and I watch others shy away from playing with them or even encourage them to play in the wrong way. I invite these children to play and to my birthday parties as I am passionate about them being included.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. My school and I could fundraise for local charities supporting children with special educational needs such as Sunshine and Smiles. We could do bake sales, sponsored walks, non-uniform days and school fayre stalls to raise funds and awareness.
2. I would visit places such as soft plays, bowling alleys and cinemas and inspire them to have dedicated days for children with special education needs and their close friends/family. This would mean they would not have the stress of children and parents being embarrassed by the behaviour caused by their disabilities (because deep down they have great hearts).
3. I would fundraise for a sensory room for my school and arrange for other schools to visit this to see the effect it has. These would help children to have a safe space and encourage their independence.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Leeds City Council could run holiday clubs dedicated to children with special education needs and their close friends. Ideally, many of these would be in outside green spaces as these help with mental health. Children with disabilities and those without should be encouraged to work alongside each other.
2. There could be a dedicated ‘quiet hour’ in shopping centres, supermarkets etc for families of children with sensory needs for example. Going shopping can be stressful for these families and this approach may save embarrassment.
3. Leeds could work to improve the amount places that are wheelchair friendly and other ways to be inclusive such as developing groups organising social activities and trips for children with special educational needs. These could include ones staffed so parents do not to attend and have a break from the challenges of parenting.

Campaign slogan

Special needs, equal dreams: let's make a difference.

Henry's manifesto

• Issue: Diversity, bullying and discrimination

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds 

As Leeds Children’s Mayor I will help celebrate diversity and put an end to bullying in Leeds. I strongly believe that this is an issue as various surveys have recorded that 20 to 40% of young people in Leeds and across the country have been bullied or made fun of.

This must be addressed in order to improve children and young people’s futures and help our city.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1.  I would create a day where each student researches a different country or culture and comes in traditional outfit and brings in a dish from that area. They could write facts down on paper, decorate it and read it to the class. The best ones win prizes.
2. Each class chooses 3 people each half term to be on the lookout for people being mean or kind at break or lunchtime and report back to their teacher. Being kind earns a small reward. If you are being mean the teacher will take you out of the classroom to speak to you.  
3. Each class could have one 10-minute session every week on how to be kind. This could include: how to be an upstander, why not to bully as it can change someone’s life and what to do if someone is feeling sad.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Change antibullying week to antibullying month in Leeds with each week in the month representing a different type of bullying. During this month people can compliment their friends and even people they don’t know. Children can design a logo including a part of Leeds they like.
2. More books about different countries, cultures and religions in public/school libraries so that children and young people grow up knowing about these subjects and know what to do if they meet someone who is from one of these countries, cultures or religions. These will be bought through fundraisers.
3. Annual parade through Leeds city centre that anyone can join to represent their culture so everyone knows about it. A festival could be held after with things from other places such as foods, animals, toys and objects. Some of these will be for sale and any money raised will go to charities such as children in need. 

Campaign slogan

Bullying is building up, lets bulldoze it down.

Holly's manifesto

• Issue: Physical activity

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

I was lucky enough to be able to join a football team and push myself. I am now a member of the Leeds United Girls Academy. I would love to inspire more girls into football or any sport. Physical Activity is important every child in Leeds. We live in a society where children can stay inside too much playing games online.

There are a lot of children who love any kind of sport (like football) but haven’t had the same opportunities. Lots of children don’t have any local clubs or communities that they can go and play a sport that they love. Therefore, the small amount of clubs that are actually in Leeds are really expensive which makes it really hard for children who want to play.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. Advertisement - to gain interest, the schools can advertise the benefits of joining a team or club by handing out flyers with tips and instructions on how to join clubs. Plus, where they are – this could also be on social media too. Local sports clubs could go into schools too.
2. Fundraising - to raise awareness of sport – hold bake sales or other fundraisers to make money to go towards the local sports clubs; specifically, the clubs that children from their school go to.
3. Clubs - finally, to help tackle this problem the schools can provide after school sports clubs for the children unable to find a club to join. The advantage of this is to encourage children into sports. There would be a whole school vote, every term, where the clubs could be decided. The money raised could help get specialist coaches in or the clubs themselves could start coming in to run the clubs using the money raised from fundraising. There would be a big push on more girls in sport as that is an issue close to my heart.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Fundraising events for more after school sports clubs with sports specialists. Encourage local teams to visit schools more to inspire the children into sport.
2. School galas where there are opportunities for different schools to mix together in the name of sport. Local teams and companies could get involved to raise money and awareness.
3. A focus on girls’ teams. Have more murals that celebrate female sport is one idea that I have. This would put the word out to girls that not only boys can play sport. This is close to my heart as I would love other girls to enjoy sport as much as I do and have the same opportunities that I have had.

Campaign slogan

Leading Leeds forward: fresh vision, strong voice, brighter future. Together.

Isabel's manifesto

• Issue: Diversity, bullying and discrimination

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

We are still recovering from the impact of being socially separated during COVID-19, but now have the increased understanding of how important of community support and cooperation is for our wellbeing. Despite this, in the 2023 to 24 ‘My Health, My School’ survey the Leeds results showed that the number of primary children who answered ‘not at all’ to being bullied in the last 12 months hit its lowest score (59%).

We must prioritise building a strong, inclusive community where differences are respected, diversity is celebrated, and every child feels safe, supported, and valued.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. Make sure pupils at our school know how to use their voice and have the opportunity to speak out about incidents of bullying and/or discrimination, such as anonymous voice boxes, regular surveys and key people to speak to so that issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
2. Adults at school can raise awareness about how to be an upstander instead of a bystander, so pupils have the skills to support their peers when they see unkindness and develop a compassionate school community. This can be in PSHE lessons, daily Thrive sessions or assemblies.
3. The school can create a buddy system by pairing older pupils with younger ones. Older buddies can be positive role models by helping younger children handle friendship worries and feel safe in school. They can play together during some breaktimes and teach them how to handle fall outs or reflect if they have been unkind. This will help give younger children the skills to manage anger and frustration properly, reducing the chance of them becoming bullies.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. Leeds City Council can create a clear anti-bullying campaign with posters, leaflets and other information. They can send this to schools to display and hand out as well as displaying the information in local areas such as parks and town squares where people would see it regularly. It could include information on how to report bullying and where to go for support.
2. The council can also organise for relevant professionals to visit schools (such as educational psychologists) to talk to pupils and teachers about the causes of bullying and discrimination and how to stop them.
3. Organise community events and projects that celebrate diversity to encourage everyone to appreciate all of our differences and recognise the benefits of a diverse and inclusive society.

Campaign slogan

Be a buddy, not a bully! Kindness is a power!

Maryam's manifesto

• Issue: Diversity, bullying and discrimination

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds 

The reason why diversity, bullying and discrimination is important to children and young people in Leeds is that everyone has the right to feel safe, included and appreciated for who they are. Understanding and respecting the various cultures, skills and experiences that make each individual unique starts when we celebrate diversity. Therefore children can gain confidence by forming friendship base on kindness and understanding. 

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. One way that the school and I could do to tackle this issue is to set up the ‘Team Together’ system. This is where older students (Year 6, Year 5 and Year 4) support/pair younger students (Year 1, Year 2, Year 3) so they can regularly check in with each other this will help prevent bullying by making sure that no one feels alone and left out. Also it helps to build friendship and making students to feel welcome and safe.
2. A second way that the school and I could do to tackle this issue is to start a ‘celebrate us week’ where each day focuses on ability and different cultures examples of some activities that we could do it to wear traditional or cultural clothing, invite guests speakers to talk about diversity and launching a kindness challenge where students complete thoughtful actions each day.
3. A third way the school and I could do to tackle this issue is to set up a kindness and respect team which is a group of students who meet and discuss ideas on how we should tackle bullying. This includes planning FUN assemblies to discuss and kindness inclusion. Also create colourful posters that teach people about respect. This will help make the school a place where everyone feels happy safe and included. 

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. One way Leeds as a city council could do to tackle this issue is to run friendly and fun workshops to help children learn about kindness and bullying this could include telling stories and playing games.
2. A second way Leeds as a city council could do to tackle this issue is to create fun clubs where children from all backgrounds and abilities can share their feelings and make friends.
3. A third way Leeds as a city council could do to tackle this issue is to have a Unity Day where families communities and schools join and celebrate about what makes everyone unique. People could try and wear cultural clothes and learn sign language.

Campaign slogan

Different Together, Strong Forever.

Mustafa's manifesto

• Issue: Climate change

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds 

Climate change is a big problem, and it’s already affecting children in Leeds. Floods, heatwaves, and pollution are making our city unsafe. In 2015, floods caused £50 million in damage, and the River Aire has overflowed, harming homes including schools.

Pollution is also a big issue, with nearly 200 children missing school each year because of asthma linked to dirty air in Leeds. If we don’t act now, our future will be in danger. Together, we can make a huge difference and protect our world for future generations.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. Eco-Heroes Club – Our school could start an Eco-Heroes Club where students become environmental champions. Each term, we’d take on challenges to reduce waste, save energy, and protect nature. The most dedicated Eco-Heroes could earn fun rewards like badges or certificates, inspiring everyone to take action!
2. Bottle to Bench Project – Another idea is to collect plastic bottles from our school and community, and send them to be recycled into benches for our playground. By recycling, we would reduce waste and make our school a greener and more exciting place for everyone.
3. Solar Panel Fundraiser – Our school could hold a fundraiser, like a "Sun Run," where students and parents run or walk in the sun to raise money for installing solar panels. This would help us use cleaner, renewable energy, and teach students about solar power.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. More Trees, Less Pollution – Leeds should plant more trees in parks, near schools, and along streets to help clean the air and make the city feel cooler and greener. The studies show that planting 1,000 trees can remove 1.7 tons of CO2 from the air every year. If Leeds were to plant 10,000 trees, it would help remove up to 17 tons of CO2 annually, making a big difference to the city's air quality.
2. Leeds Green Action Day – Leeds could host an annual "Green Action Day" where schools, businesses, and communities join for activities like litter-picking, tree planting, and energy-saving. Schools could also design logos and badges for the event, promoting climate awareness and sustainability. This day would unite our city to protect the environment and fight climate change.
3. Zero-Carbon Future for Leeds – Leeds City Council could make it a priority to work toward a zero-carbon city. This means switching to clean energy, reducing waste, and investing more in green jobs. If we all do our part, we could create a city where children and adults can breathe clean air, walk in green spaces, and live healthier lives.

Campaign slogan

I will make sure we take action on climate change and protect our future.

Rehab's manifesto

• Issue: Inclusivity for special educational needs and disabilities

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds 

This important issue is critical and vital for children and young people in Leeds because everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging and do things that us ordinary kids can. When schools and public places in the city include people with special educational, physical and mental needs or disabilities, it means no one gets left out and nobody feels uncomfortable or “different”. It doesn’t mean that everybody does the same things, it means that everyone can have fun and be their selves, regardless of what disability or special need they have. Children with diverse needs can form real friendships and learn effectively if they know they can all use their voice, and they all have the same rights. If they have to be in a different room than their classmates, that is okay but if they’re being excluded and treated differently and rudely, that is not okay.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. To make school more inclusive and appropriate for children with special needs we can establish a buddy system, basically encouraging students and young people to support one another in a way that all children enjoy being with one another, regardless of being friends or classmates.
2. We can also enhance and improve classrooms, like providing quiet corners and fidget toys, especially made for those pupils who have ADHD or have difficulty focusing or staying quiet for a long period of time, but also making sure they do not miss their learning.
3. And lastly, creating inclusive and enjoyable clubs (after school and before school, mainly during playtimes and breaks where it’s really loud and disturbing to those who want to relax or just have some quiet time) basically forming a club that is open to all students, obviously and especially for pupils with disabilities and special and diverse educational needs. 

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. To make daily places easier to access for not just children, but everyone in Leeds with disabilities we should enhance accessibilities, like making public places easier to access, with fun and enjoyable equipment for those who have disabilities, making sure members of the public who have wheelchairs and walking sticks can still play on them and enjoy.
2. We should also create a celebration around inclusivity for special educational, physical and mental needs and disabilities, like a special day that is entirely dedicated to normalising people with disabilities and including them in every activity that we do and making sure they are still having fun, they should all be included no matter what (except if they physically or mentally just can’t do it).
3. Finally, we should raise awareness and be aware of discrimination towards those who aren’t like us and don’t have our goods (basically disabilities that affect your physical appearance) because leaving them out is not okay! Basically, we should organise events and workshops to raise awareness about disabilities, for all ages. Everyone should be included no matter what they look like, what area they live in or if they can’t do what you can do.

Campaign slogan

Different abilities – Same rights – We should all still be included!
Being different, is being special!

Sienna's manifesto

• Issue: Diversity, bullying and discrimination

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

In Leeds, many children face bullying due to: appearance, culture, or what they believe in. 30% of young people have been or are being bullied, this can make children feel isolated, sad and unsafe. Leeds is a diverse city, with children from all around the world. But sometimes this diversity leads to discrimination. 1 in 5 children in Leeds live in poverty every child deserves to be respected and included. We must work together to create a safe, accepting environment for all!

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

1. Introduce a school cultural week: each day could focus on a different part of the world. With food, music, art, clothing and lucky charms shared by students.
2. Kindness buddies: we could create a buddy system where older children look out for younger children, and everyone has someone to talk to if they feel left out or are being bullied. They could help find a solution.
3. A “Take What You Need” Board: a board with sticky notes that offer kind words, affirmations or friendly challenges (for example “give someone a compliment” or “sit next to someone new at lunch”). Children can take one when they need a boost.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

1. City-wide “BE U” campaign – a city campaign with posters, videos, and events that celebrate diversity and teach children that it’s okay to be different. Schools, nurseries and libraries.
2. Leeds Children’s Diversity Council – a special group of children from across the city who meet to share ideas, plan events, and make sure children’s voices are heard when decisions are made about our lives and community.
3. Community Champions – involve local figures (athletes, musicians and actors from Leeds) to speak out and serve as role models against bullying. Videos or messages can be shared on social media, in colleges, universities and schools.

Campaign slogan

One city, many voices - let's celebrate us all!