Today in Leeds, the Princess of Wales initiated the “Shaping Us” campaign, a significant endeavor under the Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood. More details can be found in this Lancashire Telegraph article.
The “Shaping Us” campaign is considered the princess’ most significant work, focusing on the crucial early years from pregnancy to age five, as she explained in a video message.
Her day began with a visit to Kirkgate Market, a historic and vibrant market in Europe. More information is available on the official Leeds site.
Since 1857, Kirkgate Market has been a central part of Leeds’ retail environment, offering a unique shopping experience with its diverse array of traders and special events like the Asian Bazaar and farmers market.
The choice of Leeds for the campaign launch ties back to the city’s commitment to being a leading environment for youth development, as detailed in The Daily Mail article.
Leeds has been proactive in its approach to child welfare, with initiatives like Child Friendly Leeds which aim to integrate the well-being of young people into the broader community goals, leading to significant improvements in care, education, and social services.
For more insights into the progress of these initiatives, The Telegraph provides an in-depth look.
Significant strides have been made in Leeds over the past decade, including a decrease in child care cases, improved school attendance, and more young people advancing into higher education and employment.
During her visit, the Princess engaged with local vendors and residents, discussing the positive impacts of the Child Friendly Leeds initiative and the broader “Shaping Us” campaign.
Engaging with parents and local stakeholders, the Princess highlighted the community’s focus on youth and child development as a pivotal aspect of the city’s strategy.
For a closer look at the day’s events and the Princess’s interactions, The Lancashire Telegraph offers additional coverage.