Dakota from Hunslet Carr Primary School and Libby from St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Beeston are amongst 11 candidates for the position of Leeds Children’s Mayor 2026.

Earlier this year children in Year 5 were encouraged to write a manifesto setting out a project that they would implement if elected by the young people of the city. Each manifesto address one Leeds’ 12 Wishes for a Child Friendly Leeds.

Dakota addressed Wish 1: Children and young people know how and where to get support for their mental health and wellbeing if they need it.

Dakota

Many schools in Leeds have wellbeing teams, learning mentors and activities that help children look after their mental health. There is also MindMate, which gives advice and support to children, young people and families.

These things work well because they give children safe places to talk and ask for help.

One of my ideas to improve is something we do in our school. “Crew time” is an opportunity for a class to come together and discuss feelings. It can include a “sunny check-in” where children share how they are feeling. I think having more time to talk about worries would help some children feel happier and less alone.

Leeds could support schools by organising more wellbeing workshops, putting up posters about where children can get help and creating opportunities for school councils to share ideas about mental health, such as forums.

Children can feel worried, lonely or stressed, and other times they might not know who to talk to. I would like to try and help children all around Leeds know where they can get support if they need it, other than their schools. Mental health is an important part of our wellbeing because it affects how we think, feel and cope with everyday life. Even if it is just talking to a trusted adult, sharing worries with a friend or taking part in a calming activity, these are all ways to support mental health. Even if it is a small thing, it can still help.

Kindness is one of the most important tools that everyone has. By encouraging initiatives, we can help create a kinder and more inclusive environment for everyone.

Libby’s manifesto links to Wish 12: Leeds is an inclusive city for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Libby

In Leeds, children with special educational needs and disabilities can find it difficult to take part in sports. Even though there are some fantastic opportunities available, not everyone knows about them or can easily access them. This can make children feel like they don’t belong and stop them from being active and enjoying the same experiences as their friends.

I believe every child should have the chance to be active, make friends, build confidence and experience the world of sport. I know my own confidence has grown since taking part in new physical activities.

Leeds already has some amazing organisations that support inclusive sport, including the Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Riding for the Disabled, and others. I have been lucky enough to take part in some of these!

I think we could do even more in schools and across Leeds:

  • Hold “Try Something New” sessions in schools where local clubs visit and children can try different sports.
  • Provide more inclusive sports sessions across Leeds.
  • Organise a Leeds Inclusive Sports Festival where children can try new sports, celebrate their success and make new friends.
  • Raise awareness about activities already available in Leeds to families by displaying posters in schools and including information in newsletters.
  • Inclusive sports teams in schools – I feel all children should be able to represent the school in a sports team.

I believe every child should feel included, be proud of who they are and know that anything is possible.

I want to improve access to inclusive sports across Leeds so that every child with special educational needs and disabilities can play, belong and achieve.

Voting is now open for children and young people up to 18 years old. Click here to read all 11 manifestos and cast your two votes. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026, with the new Children’s Mayor announced on 13 October.

 

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