On Wednesday 23 September, more than 100 people from across England and Wales came together in London for Together for Our Young People – a day of honest conversations, shared learning and a collective determination to create a safer future for children and young people.
We were particularly delighted to welcome three Youth Leaders and Change Makers from Positive Youth Foundation, who helped to chair and facilitate the day, ensuring young people’s voices were at the heart of the conversation.
We were also privileged to hear from an inspiring group of leaders working across violence and exploitation reduction, who generously shared their expertise, experience and learning with our guests.
The conference marked the beginning of St Giles’ 20th anniversary of supporting children and young people affected by violence and exploitation.
Twenty years has taught us that there are no simple solutions. Tackling violence and exploitation requires relationships, collaboration, early intervention and – crucially – listening to the young people whose lives are most affected.
Yesterday brought together professionals and young people from across sectors and communities to ask some important questions:
– What needs to change?
– What have we learned?
– And what can we do differently together?
The ambition is clear: a future where young people do not grow up in fear, where vulnerability is recognised earlier, where support stays with them when they need it, and where every young person has the opportunity to build a positive future.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experience and helped make the day possible.
This was the beginning of our 20-year anniversary. And it is also the beginning of the next chapter.