For World Children’s Day this year, community groups in Salford have shared their commitment to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City.
Salford will join ten other cities across the UK that will be working towards this prestigious accreditation that will look to benefit children across Salford.
The prestigious accreditation will mean that voices, needs, priorities and rights of children are an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions.
The achieved accreditation status takes three to four years to gain, but is formal recognition of the positive way a city treats its children and young people.
A bid will be prepared to begin the the formal process, as it will be a key priority in its corporate plan – as it will look to provide the best opportunities for the next generations.
Ahead of the announcement on Wednesday 20 November around 40 young people were joined by Salford’s City Mayor Paul Dennett and representatives.
The list of representatives included members from the council, the NHS, schools, police, Salford Reds and Salford FC and other community groups.
The collective meeting ahead of World Children’s Day was used to set out and agree the ambition for a Child Friendly City in Salford and to gather commitments for future action.
The plan will encourage the city to become a space for children and young people to grow up and feel safe.
And this was reinforced by Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services at Salford City Council.
As Cllr. Jim said: “Becoming a Child Friendly City means making Salford a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to learn, work and play.
“By working towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City, we will take Salford on the next stage on our journey to champion the voices and rights of children and young people in the city.”
Salford City Council will be aiming to use this to continue to build on its already established commitments to improve the city for young people.
The council have been aiming to promote young people through many different avenues, opening family hubs at locations across the city to give tailored support to families.
Partnering with the National Literacy Hub and Dolly Parton Library to provide opportunities to learn and enjoy reading from an early age at sessions and facilities that are local and accessible to families.
The decision will be an impactful one for the youth of Salford, and could be a major success for the development of young voices in the community.
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