Child Friendly City programme takes a major step forward

THE Cabinet has approved a plan which will see Liverpool move out of the:- 'development' phase of its bid into:- 'delivery.'

Over the last 4 years, the Council has been working in partnership children and young people, and 0er Liverpool stakeholders, such as:- the Universities, health providers and Merseyside Police, receiving expert training and support from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) to make sure children's rights are reflected in policies, programmes and decision making.

As set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and young people will have a say on Council decisions; ranging from major policies and decisions such as:- getting involved in designing new spaces in the City, or introducing new services.

The City Council and its partners have been working with, and have listened, to local children and young people to identify 3 areas, or:- 'badges.' that should be prioritised in order to make the City more child friendly.

The badges are:- 'Healthym,' 'Equal and Included' and 'Place.' These are in addition to the 3 mandatory badges for all candidate UNICEF Child Friendly Cities and Communities, which are:- 'Co-operation and Leadership,' 'Culture' and 'Communication.'

More than 2,500 young people have participated in the consultation process, through youth groups, community and voluntary sector events and surveys.

The:- 'delivery' phase lasts between:- 2 and 4 years, due to the breadth and complexity of the work required to evidence meaningful change.

An action plan has been approved, which will be implemented, with Liverpool assessed on a regular basis throughout the programme.

It will culminate in the City Council submitting evidence that positive changes have been implemented, alongside testimonials by children and young people.

If Liverpool is successful, it will be internationally recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, joining Cities and communities in over 40 countries taking part in the global programme.

What is a Child Friendly City? It's a place where children:-

• Express their opinions and influence decisions that affect them .
   

• Have a fair chance in life regardless of their:- ethnic origin, religion, income, gender, or ability.
   

• Meet friends and have places to play and enjoy themselves.
   

• Have a good start in life and grow up healthy and cared for.
   

• Participate in family, cultural, city / community and social life.
   

• Live in a safe, secure and clean environment, with access to green spaces.
   

• Are protected from exploitation, violence, and abuse.

Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Services, said:- "Everyone, of every generation, has an important part to play in improving our City, and co-designing the future of Liverpool with young people is an important step forward. In partnering with UNICEF UK, we are working with the very best when it comes to improving the lives of future generations and opening up the best possible opportunities for them. A great deal of hard work and consultation with young people has gone into reaching the:- 'delivery' phase. Achieving child friendly City status is, rightly, a long and complex process, but we are committed to the journey."

Naomi Danquah, Child Friendly Cities and Communities Programme Director, UNICEF UK, said:- "After listening to children and young people, Liverpool has now set out an ambitious and achievable plan for making the City more safe, welcoming and child friendly. This is a fundamental milestone in the City's journey towards recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, and we're excited to see how the community comes together over the next few years to take action with and for Liverpool's children and young people."

LJMU honours Bicentenary fellows

LJMU is to celebrate 10 new honorary fellows in its Bicentenary year at a special event, at St George's Hall, this autumn. The new fellows are being recognised in LJMU's 200th year for their inspirational achievements and role model status in the wider community. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries, including:- professional sport, the arts and media, the public sector, engineering, tourism and the judiciary.

The fellows are:-

• Nikita Parris, professional footballer, UEFA Euro 2022 winner and LJMU alum.
   

• Ngunan Adamu, BBC Radio Merseyside journalist, producer, presenter and LJMU alum.
   

• Bryan Biggs, Director of Cultural Legacies at the Bluecoat and LJMU alum.
   

• Andy Cooke, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services.
   

• Professor Joe Rafferty CBE, Chief Rxecutive of Merseycare.
   

• Trish Bennett, Deputy Chief Rxecutive and Chief Nurse, Merseycare.
   

• Louise Shepherd, Chief Rxecutive of Alder Hey Children's NHSFT.
   

• Louisa Flitter, Civil Engineering Senior Project Manager, Environment Agency and LJMU alum.
   

• HH Judge Sarah Wright, Circuit Judge, Sheffield Combined Court and LJMU alum.
   

• Jamie Christon DL, Chief Rxecutive of Chester Zoo.

They will be honoured at the ceremony on:- Wednesday, 8 November 2023.

The event, which will be hosted by LJMU Chancellor Nisha Katona and Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark Power is open to LJMU staff and students, fellows and their guests. The fellows will receive their awards from students in their respective academic areas. There will also be some special performances to mark the occasion.

Professor Power said:- "This is an historic year for LJMU as we celebrate our Bicentenary and I'm delighted to announce our 10 new honorary fellows who will be recognised at a special event in the autumn. These fellows have been nominated and selected because of their outstanding achievements in their respective fields and their contributions to improving lives across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Each of these 10 remarkable people shares LJMU's firm commitment to making a positive difference to our communities and to wider society. The new fellows already support what we do at LJMU in different ways and I'm thrilled that they are all strengthening their ties to the University by becoming honorary fellows. I look forward to honouring them at what promises to be a memorable occasion in the magnificent surroundings of St George's Hall and working closely with them in the future."

The announcement of LJMU's 10 new honorary fellows is part of the University's Bicentenary celebrations of the history and the people who make it the institution it is today. You can find out more about LJMU's Bicentenary on the LJMU website.

The 10 new individuals are added to more than 300 members of the LJMU community who have been awarded an honorary fellowship from the University. The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve R0eram, was also given the 1st Alumni Ambassador Fellowship earlier this year. You can find out more about LJMU's honorary fellows on the Universities website.