Leeds City Council proudly declares the city of Leeds as a "Child Friendly City, putting children and families at the heart of the city".  There are 56 Children's Centres currently open in Leeds and they provide services to children and families across the city. Leeds City Council is reviewing these centres, with the intention of closing some/all to save money. The council have circulated their own questionnaire, but this is only for parents who have a child aged 7 and under. This questionnaire is to let the council know that there are so many of us who have benefitted from children's centres and want to protect that service for future children and families. 

Children's Centres offer a range of services, activities and resources and their strength is that they are location based and can respond to the needs of the local area. The children's centre in your area will be supporting families with additional needs, domestic violence, poverty, school readiness, housing, benefits, child protection, breastfeeding, mental health, and plenty more. They will be running groups and activities for children, to help them socialise, build networks and prepare for school life. Life without children centres will have a huge impact for some families and a noticeable impact for all schools, nurseries and aspects of the public sector. 

Sign this petition and let the council know that Children's Centres are important to all of us, and not just parents who have young children at this moment in time. 

Please also consider signing the official Leeds questionnaire, if you do have children aged 7 and below. 

https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/GNPUN0/