International Children’s Day takes place this weekend (Saturday June 1), celebrating and promoting the well-being of children across the world.

Marking the occasion, Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) are highlighting the needs and rights of children.

The organisations were recently granted funding from the Children’s Safeguarding Assurance Partnership (CSAP) and Youth Focus North West to design training with children and young people that will ensure their voices are heard and their well-being is prioritised.

Adopting the Lundy Model, which is a children’s rights-based approach to participation, the voice of local children informs the way in which services are designed and delivered.

Jacqui Old CBE, executive director of education and children’s services at Lancashire County Council, said: “Participation is a core value in our work with and for children, young people and their families. Only by hearing their views, feelings and ideas can we ensure our services meet their needs.

“Lancashire County Council’s Strategic Participation Board has a priority for 2024 around devising and embedding training for the children and young people’s workforce on their Participation Strategy and the Lundy Model in particular.”

Christine Goodman, ICB children and young people network lead, said: “The funding received will be used to create a video resource made by and with children and young people alongside an e-learning package that would be applicable across the workforce on the importance of participation and the Lundy Model.

“The ICB and LCC have adopted the Lundy Model within our structures and strategies – it’s a model that has been used by organisations around the world to inform their understanding of child rights-based participation for both policy and practice.”

International Children’s Day is celebrated annually on June 1, primarily in United Nations member states, as part of a greater cause that revolves around ending child abuse, ending the deprivation of children of their rights, and making efforts to improve the lives of children all around the world. 

The ICB’s chief nursing officer, Professor Sarah O’Brien, said: “International Children’s Day reminds us of the significance of prioritising the needs of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. 

“They are the future of Lancashire and South Cumbria and we are committed to involve them in our efforts to improve health and care services, listen to their views and act on their concerns and experiences. In doing so we recognise that they are important.”