Derry and Strabane's Child Friendly journey showcased in Portugal

Derry City and Strabane District Council has showcased its journey in progressing the rights of children and young people at an international World Health Organisation Conference in Portugal.

Clare Maguire, Children and Young People's Coordinator with Council, attended the European Healthy Cities Annual Business Meeting and Technical Conference in Viana do Castelo, Portugal to share the City and District’s experience as the first Council area on the island of Ireland to be recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child Friendly Community.

The conference is the flagship event of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, bringing together city leaders, policymakers, practitioners, researchers and community representatives from across Europe to share learning and innovative approaches to creating healthier, fairer and more sustainable communities.

Representatives from other local projects including Acorn Farm, DEEDs project, Developing Healthy Communities, The Conservation Volunteers, The Community Foundation and Health for Life also shared their experience of contributing to community resilience and health and wellbeing at the conference.

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"It was a genuine privilege to be invited by the WHO to share Derry and Strabane's Child Friendly Community journey with colleagues from across Europe,” Clare said.

"Our UNICEF UK recognition reflects years of commitment and collaboration across the Council area to ensure that children and young people are valued, respected and involved in decisions that affect their lives.

"We were particularly pleased to showcase how children's participation is helping to shape major regeneration projects such as the Riverfront development and the Strabane Public Realm Scheme.

“Children and young people have had opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, share their ideas and influence plans for the future of their communities.

“As these projects progress, they will be able to see how their ideas have helped shape what is ultimately built."

The conference theme Healthy Cities for Healthy Generations focused on how cities can create environments that enable people to thrive at every stage of life while promoting equity, wellbeing and resilience for future generations.

As part of the plenary session From Playgrounds to Care Hubs: Reimagining Urban Spaces Across the Life Course, Clare shared the stage with speakers from USA, Portugal, Amsterdam and Denmark.

The discussion explored how urban spaces can be designed and developed to support health, wellbeing and inclusion at every stage of life.

The presentation highlighted the journey towards achieving Child Friendly Community status and the collective efforts of partners across the City and District to embed children's rights and meaningful participation within local decision-making.

A key focus of the presentation was demonstrating how Derry and Strabane are putting children's rights into practice through major regeneration initiatives, including the Riverfront regeneration project in Derry and the Strabane Public Realm Scheme.

Delegates heard how children and young people have been directly involved throughout the planning and engagement stages of these transformative projects.

Through workshops, consultations and dedicated participation opportunities, young people have been provided with meaningful space to share their views, aspirations and ideas for the future of their communities.

Importantly, they have also been given direct access to decision-makers, planners and project teams, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest level.

This approach reflects the core principles of a Child Friendly Community, where children's views are not only sought but are actively considered in shaping the places where they live, learn and play.

As these projects move forward, children and young people will be able to see how their contributions have influenced the final designs and developments, helping to create public spaces that reflect their needs and ambitions.

For further information on Derry and Strabane Council’s services for children and young people, including details of their Unicef Child Friendly City and Community Journey visit www.derrystrabane.com/community/children-and-young-people