Council celebrates children’s rights across Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council has engaged with children and young people across the borough in a campaign that celebrates their rights.

November Children’s Rights Month celebrated the work of children and young people across the borough, and was introduced to promote their values, opinions, and ensure that their voices were heard.

The 2023 theme was based on Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that “every child has the right to the best possible health”. A particular focus this year was on the cost of living crisis and how this connects to children and young people’s health and wellbeing, with food poverty and equality being standout themes.

Teams from across the council engaged with children and young people over the course of the month, celebrating events such as National Care Leavers Week – where young people took part in various activities to celebrate their achievements, and the support they receive in encouraging independent living.

During Youth Work Week, the council’s Youth Support Service, engaged with young people across the borough to highlight the positive impact that youth work has on young people’s lives.Members of the Cheshire East Youth Council had their say by attending the council’s Children and Families Committee, delivering a presentation on the benefits of living in Cheshire East and what could be improved. They also displayed a number of ideas and improvements to the school curriculum around tackling vaping and substance misuse.

Notably, on 17 November Cheshire East Members of Youth Parliament Oliver Probert-Hill and Anna Morgan represented young people from the borough at the House of Commons in London, where over 200 young people debated free school meals as part of their ‘food for learning’ campaign.

About his experience Oliver said:

“It was an excellent day that wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the amazing work of the UK Youth Parliament and House of Commons teams. 

“We spoke on five separate debate topics – holiday hunger, quality of food, standardisation, financing and funding and additional pricing, and there were excellent speeches from all over.

“The highlights of the day were speaking in the House of Commons itself and hearing from other passionate young people about politics and the state of the world. It was clear that the politics of tomorrow are bright.”

Cared-for children also received the opportunity to come together for a space-themed STAR celebration day, celebrating their achievements and taking part in engaging activities such as arts, crafts and karaoke. The campaign has also received positive feedback from Cheshire East’s children and young people, helping to increase their confidence, strengthening community relations, while nurturing potential future leaders in the borough.

Councillor Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said:

“Once again Children’s Rights Month has showcased some of the fantastic and inspiring young people we are lucky to have in Cheshire East, and reminds us how we must show our appreciation and gratitude for the work of our younger generation, not just during the month, but always.

“Last month made it clear the great work that is carried out by our young people everyday, and the brilliant engagement from our children’s services teams helped to bring their voices to the forefront, allowing us to identify those that may not always have their voices heard.

“A big thank you to everyone who got involved with promoting children’s rights, and thank you to our children and young people who engaged with us so confidently.”