Charity Wins Children’s Choice at Leeds Awards

Holbeck Together recognised by young people at Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026

The annual Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026 celebrated organisations and individuals contributing to the wellbeing of children and young people across Leeds. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the awards, with a new category introduced that gave children the opportunity to vote for their favourite local place.

The awards ceremony took place at City Varieties Music Hall, where around 400 attendees gathered for an event themed around carnival spirit. The ‘Children’s Choice Award’ was presented to Holbeck Together, a charity supporting children and families in south Leeds, particularly in deprived areas.

Holbeck Together’s work with families

Holbeck Together provides meals during school holidays and organises a variety of activities and trips for children and their families. These include local park visits as well as outings to places such as the beach, mazes, wildlife parks, and water parks.

Elissa Newman, chief officer of Holbeck Together, said receiving direct feedback from children was important to ensure the charity offers the right services and experiences. She described the emotional impact of seeing children excited for their trips and emphasised the charity’s aim to help children create lasting memories with their families.

Other award winners and commendations

• Child/Young Person of the Year: Chloe Smith, 24, was recognised for supporting care leavers in their transition to independent living. She shares practical advice through social media and workshops. Katie Thirling, aged nine, was highly commended for raising awareness about living with a stoma and promoting inclusion.
• Youth Group of the Year: Moortown West Community Association won for its work providing free and low-cost activities, youth groups, sports, and mental health support in a deprived area. The SEND Youth Council was highly commended for influencing education, health, and care services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• The Sue Rumbold Award (Adult of the Year): Anna Hull, an Active Leeds swimming tutor delivering lessons for all ages including SEND and Special Olympics provision, was the winner. Ed Downer was highly commended for leading initiatives to create child-friendly street designs.
• Inspiring Creativity Through Play, Arts and Culture: Yorkshire Contemporary won for creating Leeds’ first adventure playground in Beeston Hill. Craftea Leeds was highly commended for its inclusive creative café and play space.
• Champion of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes: Family Action’s Leeds Young Carers Support Service won for identifying and supporting young carers. Shakespeare Primary School was highly commended for its work reducing poverty impact and widening opportunities in Harehills.
• Children’s Choice Award – Best Place in Leeds: Holbeck Together won, with Hunslet Club highly commended for providing a valued space for young people to engage in sports, dance, and other activities.
• Overall Contribution to Making Leeds a Child Friendly City:
  • Private sector winner: King Pins White Rose, offering free bowling sessions for children in care and foster families.
  • Public sector winner: The British Library, delivering creative programmes for care-experienced young people.
  • Third sector winner: Afrikindness, supporting families facing poverty, inequality, and cultural barriers.

Event organisation and significance

The 2026 awards were organised and led by young people, who chose the carnival theme and were involved in hosting and production. Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families at Leeds City Council, highlighted the importance of the awards in recognising the work being done to make Leeds a better place for children and young people.

Further details and the full shortlist of nominees for the awards can be found on the Child Friendly Leeds website: Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026 Nominees.