Children focus the lens on community safety

Children focus the lens on community safety

They say a picture can paint a thousand words, and that’s precisely what children in Leeds are doing to share their experiences on community safety. 

Using disposable cameras, they’ve captured images on the theme of ‘safe spaces’, which will now feature in a unique exhibition at Leeds Beckett University on Wednesday 17^th September.

From neighbourhood meeting places to friendship groups and police interactions, it tells the real stories from six different areas, all through a child’s eyes.

It’s part of a collaboration between the Violence Reduction Partnership and Leeds Youth Service, which is also helping to shape the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Serious Violence Strategy.

The idea follows a UK Youth Parliament report in 2024, which indicated that crime and safety was a key concern for children and young people in the city.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“It’s crucial that we understand the experiences of our young people on big issues like community safety, education, and the environment.

“This approach helps to overcome barriers, letting the pictures do the talking, whilst capturing their relationship with the world around them.

“It makes this exhibition absolutely unique, not only supporting our younger generations but showcasing the fantastic talent we have in West Yorkshire.”

Miley from the Richmond Hill area took part in the ‘PhotoVoice’ project and said:

“Before the project I was blind to the changes around my area. Doing the project helped me realise how Leeds needs to be changed to help keep the areas safe.”

Kavan and Tyler from East Leeds were also involved and added: 

"Taking photos helped us see our area differently. We got to show what feels safe and what doesn’t. It was fun to explore and show the places that make us feel safe and happy.”

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: 

“At the heart of what we do as a council is the ambition for all people in Leeds to feel safe and be safe.

"This exhibition is a fantastic way of letting young people show us how they feel about their city and will help us improve things for the future.”

Daniel Wheeler from the Leeds based Take It Easy Lab helped design the exhibition and added:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside the young people involved in this project, not only to see the photographs they have created, but also to watch them engage with photography and with each other in such a creative way.

“This project was a joy. By simply giving participants a film camera, we enabled them to see their environment and community differently. Sharing their images, exploring how to tell stories, and expressing themselves through photography opened up meaningful dialogues about their lives and offered us new perspectives.

“The enthusiasm and engagement of the young people has been remarkable. Hearing them speak so proudly about their photographs and their lives highlights just how vital creativity is within our communities.”