More than 100 people from across England and Wales gathered for Together for Our Young People, a national conference focused on building a safer future for children and young people.
The conference, held on Wednesday 23 September, created space for honest conversations, shared learning and a collective determination to build a safer future for children and young people.
Three Youth Leaders and Change Makers from Positive Youth Foundation helped to chair and facilitate the day, ensuring that young people’s voices remained at the heart of the conversation.
Leaders working across violence and exploitation reduction also shared their expertise, experience and learning with guests from different sectors and communities. These included St Giles CEO Tracey Burley and Junior Smart OBE, FCGI – a renowned expert in child criminal exploitation, county lines, youth violence and safeguarding who founded our work in this space.
The event marked the beginning of St Giles’ 20th anniversary of supporting children and young people affected by violence and exploitation. Two decades of experience have shown that there are no simple solutions: effective action depends on trusted relationships, collaboration, early intervention and listening to those whose lives are most affected.
Professionals and young people explored what needs to change, what has been learned and what can be done differently by working together.
The shared ambition is a future in which young people do not grow up in fear, vulnerability is recognised earlier, support remains available when it is needed and every young person has the opportunity to build a positive future. The anniversary begins a new chapter in that work.