Manchester City Council visits Ilford to build on the experience of the London Borough of Redbridge as it works towards UNICEF recognition for children.

Manchester City Council’s Child Friendly Program project leaders visited Redbridge Council last week to get tips and advice on their journey to make their city child friendly.

Redbridge Council has been working with the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) for two years on the Child Friendly Cities and Communities program and is one of the leading local authorities in supporting children’s rights. During this time, colleagues from dozens of council departments and services worked together, in addition to their day-to-day work, to fundamentally change and develop Council services to make them work with and for children.

Colleagues from Redbridge shared with Manchester City Council how they have reshaped almost all of the Council’s functions, bringing children right into the heart of local decision-making and service design.

Redbridge Council has been working with the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) for two years on the Child Friendly Cities and Communities program and is one of the leading local authorities in supporting children’s rights. During this time, colleagues from dozens of council departments and services worked together, in addition to their day-to-day work, to fundamentally change and develop Council services to make them work with and for children.

Colleagues from Redbridge shared with Manchester City Council how they have reshaped almost all of the Council’s functions, bringing children right into the heart of local decision-making and service design.

Manchester colleagues heard that the Redbridge children worked with architects to design a hub in Seven Kings, ensuring it met their needs, that they had the privacy they wanted from the street, had rooms and spaces only to come to do homework and meet friends. They chose the decor for their spaces in the building, made sure there was space to park the strollers, and considered the security features they thought would be appropriate.

The Redbridge team revealed that not only do the children have play equipment in the pedestrian area of ​​Ilford High Road, local children have chosen the equipment, ensuring the Council really understood what was needed and what would be most popular. Any road trip proves the success of this as musical notes ring out as children play an oversized xylophone and challenge parents to do giant tic-tac-toe.

Redbridge Council workers said children are helping to develop policy in our borough. The young people met with cabinet members in the Council Chamber to discuss mental health support in the local area. Their insights into what is available, and what their peers might need, has fueled a new policy that is being developed. Manchester City Council was interested to hear about the depth of listening carried out in Redbridge and how intrinsic children’s views are to new policies and services in the borough.

Although at an earlier stage in the recognition process, Manchester City Council is clearly determined to ensure that the children of Manchester help develop a city that also protects children’s rights, listens to their voices and is built with in young people.
Redbridge Council and Manchester City Council plan to continue their conversation in the future, sharing knowledge to ensure both places are always at their best as communities that support children’s rights and respect, listen and nurture children.

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council said: “As children are the future of our borough, we believe it is essential to involve them at all levels of decision-making and design spaces in Redbridge that really work for them. Our work to become a truly child-friendly neighborhood is moving forward apace. We are leading the way and hope to become the first borough in England to gain recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly borough.

“Redbridge proudly incorporates children’s views into every part of Council policy and every Council service. I’m delighted that others have noticed the changes we’ve made and it’s a delight to be able to share knowledge and exchange ideas with our friends at Manchester City Council who are also incredibly motivated to put children at the heart of their fantastic . Town.

“I wish Manchester City Council every success in their own journey to become truly child-friendly. Imagine a world where everyone puts children first, where children’s needs and opinions are respected and their voices are truly heard.”

Ruth Denton, Children’s Officer at Manchester City Council, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from colleagues in Redbridge about the progress of the programme. The problems with children and young people that are found in Manchester and very similar in Redbridge. It was such an insightful meeting to hear examples of Redbridge Child Friendly good practice which will help inform our work in Manchester. We look forward to continuing to stay in touch with the Redbridge CFR program team.”

Mushtak Khan, acting head of the Youth, Games and Participation Service, said: “I am amazed at the progress being made by Redbridge Council, partners and key stakeholders with children and young people. This will give the Manchester CFC team food for thought to develop ideas with our children and young people for a joint approach to developing as a child-friendly city. A big thank you to Redbridge Council for sharing the CFC journey with us, which is sure to help Manchester achieve CFC status.”

Sarah Handley, Child Friendly Cities and Communities Program Manager, UNICEF UK, said: “Both Redbridge and Manchester are part of a thriving network of cities and communities working with UNICEF UK to mainstream the rights of everyone child – as enshrined in the United Nations Convention. on children’s rights – at the heart of their policies and services. It’s great to see the sharing of knowledge and inspiring practice happening locally and most importantly to see the ways in which all children and young people are being supported and empowered to enjoy their rights.”