Cornwall Hosts First Children’s Rights Celebration Day at County Hall

Around 100 young people gathered at New County Hall on Friday for Cornwall’s first ever children’s rights celebration day, described as a “huge success” by organisers and councillors alike.

What Is Article 12 Celebration Day?

The event, called Article 12 Celebration Day, was named after Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It recognises every child’s right to have their views listened to and taken seriously.

Young people from schools and youth organisations across Cornwall took part in creative workshops including screen printing, graphic design, clay sculpting and poetry. One group even wrote and performed a song called Listen Up, expressing their hopes for the kind of world they want to live in.

Special Guests and a Message of Encouragement

There were also video appearances from Kathy Allan from UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award and children’s rights expert Professor Laura Lundy. Speaking to the young people in Cornwall, Professor Lundy said:

“Don’t give up! Keep at it and you’ll see continuing change.”

Later in the day, members of Cornwall Youth Council and CD Kids Theatre Company performed the Horrible Histories song Work Terrible Work inside the council chamber. The performance showed what life was like for children during Victorian times, and even saw Council Leader Leigh Frost have his pockets picked during the dance.

Kids in Charge: The Annual Conversation

The final part of the day was this year’s Annual Conversation, a chance for children and young people to share their views directly with decision-makers at Cornwall Council.

The first Annual Conversation took place in 2021 after young people got heavily involved in discussions around the G7 Summit held in Cornwall that year.

This year, they discussed five key topics with councillors and senior council officers:

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

• Outdoor spaces

• Transport

• Mental health support

• Period dignity

All of the topics were chosen based on the Cornwall Youth Council’s current manifesto.

Councillors Praise the Day

Hilary Frank, Cabinet member for children, families and schools, said:

“It’s been such a joy to be here and to really listen to what these young people have to say, not just their concerns and worries but also their hopes and dreams for the future.

Every child should feel part of Cornwall’s story, valued and included. That’s why we’re listening to children and young people and making sure their voices shape the way we do things. They are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today.”

She added:

“I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part and would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Hannah and the Children’s Rights team, and also Cornwall Youth Council, for putting on such a fabulous event. It’s been a huge success.”

Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, also praised the event:

“A huge ‘thank you’ from me to everyone who organised and took part in the Article 12 Celebration Day and Annual Conversation. The energy and passion on display were incredible to see.

Young people make up one in five residents here in Cornwall so events like this are really important to ensure their voices are heard so we can meet their needs and create a better future for them.”

More information about the Annual Conversation can be found on the council’s website:
👉 Visit the Annual Conversation page