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.)
Children’s Mayor’s Manifesto
In her manifesto, 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.”
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields said:
“It is wonderful to have Freya on board. We had some strong applications this year, but Freya’s ideas impressed us all. I share her vision for keeping Southampton clean, safe and tidy and I’m really looking forward to working with her this year.”
Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning added:
“I am really excited to hear what Freya has planned for the year ahead. It is clear she is incredibly passionate about where she lives and protecting our planet and I feel a lot of people can take huge inspiration from her. We are all so proud of our Children’s Mayor initiative as it gives primary school aged children a voice and a small insight into how the council operates to benefit our local people.”
Invite the Children’s Mayor to your engagement
Use the following form to invite the Children's Mayor to your event:
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 of planned and attended visits
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.
2024
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 17 July | Children’s Mayor announcement at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour |
| Friday 26 July | Children’s Mayor attended Summer Play Day at Hoglands Park |
| Saturday 3 August | Community take over clothes swap at John Hansard Gallery |
| Sunday 4 August | Children’s Mayor opened 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 attended plaque unveiling at Itchen College to commemorate the launch of the Family Safeguarding Model in Southampton |
| Wednesday 18 September | Children’s Mayor joined a litter pick with the Greening Ascension and the Community Environment at the Edge Hub in Townhill Park |
| Thursday 10 October | Children’s Mayor had the pleasure of sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington at the unveiling of the new statue. |
| Friday 11 October | The Lord Mayor visited the Children’s Mayor’s school for a celebration assembly |
| Thursday 31 October | Children’s Mayor unveiled a mosaic celebrating the Children and Young People Strategy at Tesltands Hub |
| Friday 8 November | Children’s Mayor took part in the Armed Forces Network at the University of Southampton NHS Foundation Trust remembrance service |
| Sunday 10 November | Children’s Mayor participated in Southampton’s Remembrance Service and Parade |
| Friday 15 November | Children’s Mayor donated a toy at Southampton’s annual Toy Appeal |
| Wednesday 20 November | Children’s Mayor will be participating in an event at the National Oceanography Centre entitled “Unfolding Our Shared Future”, held jointly in partnership with the US Embassy in London and the American Politics Group |
| Thursday 21 November | Children's Mayor attended the Young Carer's Award Ceremony |
| Saturday 21 December | Children's Mayor to attend the Christmas Event at Testlands Hub |
| Sunday 22 December | Children's Mayor to attend the Christmas Event at Testlands Hub |
2025
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Friday 17 January | Children’s Mayor to hold a clothes swap event at Fairisle Junior School |
Contact details
If you are a group or organisation needing information and guidance about inviting the Children's Mayor to events, please contact us.
Make an invitation using the form above.
This is only for the Children's Mayor only. You can also find out more about the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.
