Breeze network transforms culture for young people in Leeds

Young people in Leeds will benefit from improved opportunities in arts and culture thanks to a groundbreaking web development which is attracting national interest.

Breeze Culture Network is the new website for professionals providing cultural opportunities for young people in Leeds. Developed by Leeds City Council and funded by Find Your Talent, the site brings together schools, children’s centres, freelance artists and arts organisations, voluntary and community groups in a growing resource which aims to improve knowledge, develop ideas and increase opportunities for young people.

An essentially simple idea, the network links professionals to a wealth of information about those working in related areas, helping communication and joint planning. The network will develop relationships between the cultural and education sectors, improving the coherence and quality of opportunities on offer to children and young people.

Councillor John Procter, executive member for leisure services, said:
“We want to ensure that every single young person in Leeds is able to access the great cultural activities on offer in the city, and that the best possible opportunities are provided by the sector. Breeze Culture Network represents part of our long term work towards reaching that goal, supporting professionals to connect effectively through partnership.”

The network is free to join and allows access to a comprehensive directory of those working in the youth and cultural sector in Leeds. Members are already uploading images and examples of their work onto online profiles, getting information about funding and jobs, and planning key events using the shared calendar. They are also publicising their events on the related Breeze Leeds website, used by children and young people, which receives over 38,000 hits a month. Until now only council-run activities appeared on Breeze, but now children, parents and schools can find wide ranging information about different opportunities across the city.

By requiring members to meet certain standards, the network also supports safeguarding, without limiting the creation of new opportunities. Smaller organisations are supported to reach these standards through free training. The technology also allows room for connections with sports clubs, centres and other activity providers, so the resource has huge additional potential.

Councillor Richard Harker, executive member for youth services, commented:
“Over 120,000 children and young people in Leeds now own a Breeze card, giving access to the Breeze website and one of the best co-ordinated activity programmes in the country. With a vast amount of background work complete, we can now make things even better for our young people by joining up with colleagues across Leeds.”
National interest in Breeze is emerging through the Find Your Talent programme, as Leeds is one of ten areas funded to develop new ways of offering creative activities for children and young people. Breeze Culture Network is seen as a key innovation in providing sustainable improvement.

To register your organisation on Breeze Culture Network visit www.BreezeCultureNetwork.org and follow the instructions. To find activities for children and young people visit www.breezeleeds.org

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