By Jill Stocks
A play event on Horsforth Low Lane Rec in June will be led by a local youth ambassador supported by a Horsforth councillor and Leeds Youth Services.
Victória Martinho Vieira Da Cunha has been working hard to arrange the event with the support of Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth).
The event takes place on Sunday, 22 June at Low Lane Recreational Ground, next to Woodside roundabout between 12pm and 3pm.
The event is free and there will be a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, den building, music, a youth van picnic space and much more.
There will also be a mini Olympics and Victória said the idea came about last year.
Victória said: “It all started with my campaign to be Leeds Children’s Mayor. My manifesto was about the importance of exercising to be healthy and happier. Last year we had the Olympics in Paris and that was very inspiring too.
“After the campaign I didn’t think I would ever have the chance to make this happen. Or at least not before I had a job where I could promote something like this.
“But in the final, I met Emmie and I was super excited when she said we could work together to make it happen.”
Victória is hoping the event will be in good weather.
“I hope it’s sunny! And that lots of people of all ages came and have fun taking part in our activities. There will also be space for families to do a picnic.
“I hope it’s not to chaotic because I like things to be organised! But it’s the first time I’m organising something like this so we can say it’s a pilot! Come it’s going to be fun and I hope it inspires more people to do exercise.”
A couple of things have made it tricky for Victória when organising but she has appreciated the support she has had.
“Many things [have been tricky]. Also… It’s SATs week. But I do quite like discussing with Emmie and Stephen and see just so many ideas just popping up and now I can start to see how this is going to be!”
Earlier this year Victória received a Heart of Horsforth Award in the U21s volunteering category after her success in reaching the final twelve candidates to be Leeds Children’s Young Mayor.
Councillor Bromley is a Leeds City Council Youth Champion and Chair of the Outer North West Community Committee, and in March she championed the Leeds Youth Summit.
She said it had been a pleasure to work with Victòria: “Victòria has been fantastic to work with and I cannot thank Leeds Youth Services enough for supporting this event to come to life!”
The event is also an opportunity for young people to attend and talk to local councillors and share their thoughts and ideas. Cllr Bromley is keen for young people to do so.
“Young person-led ideas are at the core of being a Youth Ambassador, something I’ve continued for two years across all of the Outer North West of Leeds. If this inspires you or your child please get in touch via Emmie.Bromley@leeds.gov.uk.”
Stephen Harper is area manager for Leeds Youth Services. He said: “It’s a real privilege for The Youth Service to be able to support the event.
“Fun days like the one on Low Lane Rec benefit the community by fostering collaboration, improving access to services, and promoting a sense of community.
“It provides a platform for different organisations to work together, build relationships, and share information, ultimately leading to better outcomes for young people and families.
“It is also hoped this event will raise awareness of available resources and support, empowering residents to access help when needed.”
Sponsored content
