Oxfordshire Youth’s Youth Work Conference 2024 – book your place now

We are thrilled to announce that our annual youth work conference will be taking place at Mercure Oxford, Hawkwell House on 23rd February 2024, exploring youth work in the contemporary context. The event is designed to refresh, upskill and support anyone working in the youth sector, and you can rely on us to attract speakers with superb insight and lived experience. 

Book here! We will provide you with the space to network and engage in critical conversations inspired by the wonderful work taking place in different contexts across the county. Participants can also choose from six workshops facilitated by professionals from Oxfordshire Youth’s Changemaker Network and beyond, sharing their own experience and knowledge.

Youth Participation through drama, Tristan Jackson-Pate, Cherwell Theatre Company (C.T.C.) Tristan is excited about sharing C.T.C.’s practice and will be combining practical drama exercises with moments for discussion and reflection. He will also be finding out how you might already be using your own inclusive practices in your youth settings.

How can we use data for greater impact? Starting with the end in mind, Pippa Trench, Oxfordshire Youth

In this workshop Pippa will explore with you, why we are collecting data and apply key principles to making your life simpler and ensuring your data is more effective.

Young womens’ voices in accessing green spaces, Nafeesa Khan, Oxford Youth Enterprise Ltd. (Name It Youth Project)

During this workshop, Nafeesa and Ansa will share with you their journey and experience of delivering a never-done-before piece of work involving women in East Oxford and green spaces. They will discuss the project’s methodologies, recruitment, outcomes and their personal reflections on the challenges and rewards of the project and how it evolved beyond its original design and continues to be a piece of work that engages more and more young women.

Engaging with young men, Kingsley Pratt-Boyden, In-Spire sounds

In-Spire Sounds will be sharing experience in engaging with young men who might not be interested in typical services by creating safe and supportive environments that allow them to thrive. Kinglsey will be leading an open discussion where you can share your successes and look at where things can be improved in order to make sure young men are supported and aren’t falling through the cracks. 

Preparing for funding, Kate Hood, National Lottery Community Fund

Kate Hood shares her top tips on funding applications. During the workshop, she’ll give pointers on pitfalls to avoid and some top tips on how you can always be funding ready.

The Balancing Act: Striking the Right Balance in Addressing Substance Use Amongst Young People, Rachael Kerrigan, Here4YOUth

Tailored for professionals working with young people and their families, this workshop equips participants with skills to respond thoughtfully to diverse drug use situations and strike the right balance between concern and compassion without unnecessary escalation. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will gain practical insights into effectively addressing various levels and types of drug use through fostering supportive relationships and creating non-judgmental environments.

Book here! Friday 23rd February 10:00-16.30, Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House, Church Way, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4DZ