The Children's Mayor
Southampton's third Children’s Mayor was announced at a 'Children’s Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 17 July 2024 in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour.
Freya Orendecki became the 3rd Children’s Mayor on Wednesday 17 July 2024.
The Children’s Mayor is an annual initiative where Year 5 children will have the opportunity to put together a project that aims to improve the lives of children in the city. The Children’s Mayor was created to help primary aged children understand the council’s democratic system and to create projects that can benefit their local community and beyond.
The winner is chosen by council officers, Southampton’s Youth Council and the Lord Mayor. The Children’s Mayor attends high profile events with the current Lord Mayor and is an ambassador for primary aged children. (Please note, that the Children’s Mayor is separate from the Lord Mayor’s office.)
In her application, Freya, a pupil at Fairisle Junior School, outlined her desire to promote re-using, upcycling, and recycling during her time as the Children’s Mayor. The idea of decorated bins to deter littering and minimise pollution in Southampton is one of her main goals for the year.
Freya said: “We all need to make changes to help our planet and protect our futures. I’m hoping that my ideas will not only make a difference to our environment but also the young people of Southampton by getting children to be creative and learn new skills.”
Invite the Children’s Mayor to your engagement
Before you start
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself a couple of minutes to complete the form. As Freya attends school, she will not always be able to attend events during school hours.
Children’s Mayor diary summary
This diary is updated regularly and every effort is made to ensure all events are accurate and up to date. However, some events and dates may be changed at the last minute, therefore we apologise for any inconvenience caused in such cases.
Wednesday 17 July
- Children’s Mayor announcement at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour
Friday 26 July
- Children’s Mayor attending Summer Play Day at Hoglands Park
Saturday 3 August
- Community take over clothes swap at John Hansard Gallery
Sunday 4 August
- Children’s Mayor opening St James’ Park Family Fun Day
Saturday 17 August
- Children’s Mayor visited the Mayflower Theatre for the Summer Youth Project matinee performance of Bugsy Malone
Tuesday 27 August
- Children’s Mayor attended Superstar Sports Gym event with Kristof Willerton at Regents Park Community College
Saturday 14 September
- Library celebration event
Monday 16 September
- Children’s Mayor attending plaque unveiling at Itchen College to commemorate the launch of the Family Safeguarding Model in Southampton
Contact details
information and guidance for groups and organisations who wish to invite the Children’s Mayor to events. Please note this is for the Children's Mayor only.
