Helping improve the lives of children and young people

WDH work with our partners to arrange events, activities and learning programmes to help children and young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

We have been involved in Wakefield Council’s Play Strategy, and we encourage young people to use the Council’s ‘Youth Voice’ SMS Panel to have their say on local issues.




Tackling crime, unemployment and illiteracy
We work with a charitable organisation called Fundamental, which supports children and young people at critical points in their lives, and tackles issues like crime, unemployment and illiteracy.

Recent events included a ‘Diary Room’ activity where young people had the opportunity to go on film talking about their lives on their local estate.

Play Strategy
The Play Strategy aims to ensure that fun, exciting, accessible play opportunities are available for all children irrespective of race, gender, age, ability or geographical location. Find out more about the Play Strategy on the Council’s website.

‘Youth Voice’ SMS Panel
The SMS Panel is a quick, easy way for 11–19 year olds across the Wakefield district to tell us their views on local issues via text message. When they vote by text, members are entered into a prize draw. Find out more about the SMS Panel on the Council’s website.

Community Leadership Programme
A leadership programme for young people in the community has been set up by WDH in partnership with Outward Bound Limited. Participants learn practical skills and possibly discover hidden strengths while meeting various challenges. Feedback from participants so far has been very positive. Read more about the community leadership programme.

Tenants’ and residents’ groups
In some areas, tenants and residents have set up their own groups to help young people - for example, Carleton Glen and St Giles View Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and Huntwick and Verner Youth Group in the Pontefract, Knottingley and Featherstone area.