Framing the future for children of West Yorkshire

18 July 2024

Over 450 children have shared their views on a plan to help create a pioneering ‘Child First’ approach for West Yorkshire. 

The county’s Mayor, Tracy Brabin, will unveil a new framework aimed at placing children at the heart of decision making on local services and issues. 

The launch event today (18/07) called ‘Framing Our Futures’ will see performances from Dance United Yorkshire and a teen rapper from Wakefield. 

Artwork and literature representing the experiences of children will also be exhibited at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds. 

Nine-year-old, Ella Rose Smith is displaying her creation and said: 

“I’ve made a sculpture about keeping my friends safe and showing people what can be done. 

“At my school we have ‘Children First’ written on our jumpers, and I think everyone should speak to us, because we have lots of good ideas.” 

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has made the ‘Child First’ approach one of her key manifesto pledges and added: 

 “To build a future that supports the needs of our children, we must put them at the centre of everything we do, giving them a seat at the table. 

 “They play an important role in the decisions we routinely make across West Yorkshire and should have a voice to influence change. 

 “There is a huge amount of potential to unlock, and by hearing what they have to say, it can only enhance our services and make them more inclusive.” 

The West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) have worked to develop the framework alongside children, professionals, local groups, and organisations. 

VRP Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry said: 

“Our ambition is to create the first network across West Yorkshire, which uses a framework of best practice to amplify the voices of children. 

“If we don’t understand their experiences and listen to their concerns, we can’t effectively respond on issues like community safety, education, and the environment. 

 “From co-producing projects to shaping decisions at the highest level, it can open up the door of opportunity and benefit our local communities.”