Our priorities 24/25
In 2024, thousands of Coventry children and young people gave their views on what it is like living and growing up in Coventry in the Coventry One Big Voice survey completed in their schools. This feedback was collated and analysed and has directly informed the Child Friendly Cov priorities for 2024/25 which you can find below.
Promoting a Healthy City Insights from our One Big Voice survey revealed that primary school children prioritise physical health, while secondary school pupils emphasise both physical and mental well-being. We remain committed to offering suitable activities and projects for young people across the city by collaborating with our partners.
Continuing to Empower Youth Voice In addition to the annual Pupil Parliament, the One Big Voice survey, and the city-wide Youth Council, the upcoming year will see the establishment of a ‘Young Person Steering Group’. This group will look to ensure that young voices hold us accountable by guiding the priorities and activities of Child-Friendly Coventry.
A City for All Informed by feedback from One Big Voice, our new pledge, ‘Be and Feel Loved’, underscore our dedication to making Coventry a welcoming city for everyone. The ‘Care To Dance’ program will be providing young people with a platform to share their stories through dance and express themselves creatively in a nurturing environment.
Addressing Climate Change The significance of protecting our planet resonated strongly in responses to the Coventry One Big Voice survey. We are committed to ensuring that young voices are integral in discussions surrounding climate change, including our participation in the ‘Running Out of Time’ run, scheduled to arrive in Coventry in June 24.
Providing Recreational Opportunities Our young people have highlighted the importance of having enjoyable activities in the city. Ensuring access to a range of free activities taking place in school holidays and in Family Hubs are a focus for the upcoming year. Additionally, with the development of Coventry City Centre South, we will ensure that young people’s voices are heard during early consultations.
Prioritising Safety Safety emerged as the top priority among our survey responses. Through our Safe Spaces project, numerous venues across the city will provide support for young people when needed. We aim to expand on this initiative by establishing additional Safe Spaces, including locations outside of the City Centre. We are also working with Hope Coventry to deliver knife crime workshops in schools across the city.
Fostering Pride in Coventry It was notable that young people didn’t actively perceive promoting Coventry as a city of pride as a priority. We aspire for our young residents to proudly proclaim their affiliation with Coventry. Initiatives such as the development of a Child Friendly Coventry map and support for the Lady Godiva: The Musical, to be performed in Coventry primary schools, are underway to promote Coventry as a city of pride.