Programme of Event
Too often, assumptions widen the gap between communities and services. This year’s conference invites parents, professionals, and changemakers to challenge stereotypes, confront biases & cultural misconceptions, and build new models of care rooted in trust, understanding, and cultural relevance.
It’s time to listen, learn, and lead—together.
Join us as we break down barriers between families and services. This conference reimagines how professionals and communities can collaborate for the well-being of every child and parent. Together, let’s replace assumptions with understanding, and gaps with genuine partnership.
MAIN CONFERENCE Venue:- Bridge Community Church Conference Hall
Theme: Beyond Assumptions 2.0: Reimagining Parenting, Youth Voice & Professional Practice
Date: Saturday 24th October 2026 | Time: 9am – 4pm
TIME
ACTIVITY
TOPIC
DETAILS
SPEAKERS
REGISTRATION & MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:00 - 09:30
Main Conference Registration Morning Refreshment & Networking
A light grab-and-go breakfast will be available as attendees arrive. Connect with fellow parents, professionals, and community members while viewing an inspiring Afrikindness highlight reel.
Mini Pastries – croissants, pain au chocolat, Muffins, Biscuits, Tea and Coffee
MAIN CONFERENCE STARTS MORNING SESSION
09:30 - 09:35
Welcome
Welcome & Opening remarks
Special welcome by our Host
09:35 - 09:45
Video Show
Parent Voices Video Collage - Unheard, Unseen: The Hidden Weight Parents Carry
A powerful collection of parent voices sharing lived experiences, challenges, and hopes for change.
09:45 - 09:55
Welcome Address
Beyond Assumptions 2.0: Reimagining Parenting, Youth Voice & Professional Practice
Setting the tone for a day of connection, learning, and empowerment.
09:55 - 10:45
Panel Discussion - Parenting
Disruptive Conversation on Parenting in Diverse Context
Unpacking the Complex Layers of Parenting in Diverse Communities — Exploring how cultural identity and lived experiences shape neurodiversity, mental health, bullying, knife crime, and safeguarding, and how these issues intersect to impact the safety and wellbeing of young people and families.
Life Story Collation - Safeguarding
Parent’s journey through Safeguarding & Social Services
Lived Experiences: Navigating Safeguarding Systems in the UK
We kindly ask parents to share their experiences anonymously through our Padlet platform, providing a safe space to express their stories openly and honestly
10:45 - 11:30
Panel Discussion - Safeguarding
Safeguarding Unpacked: Insights from Professionals
Understanding Safeguarding & Social Services: Culture, Care & Protecting Children – (Child protection, Child in Need, Child in Care, Section 20, Section 47, PLO, Child protection plan etc) – What parents need to know
11:30 - 11:45
COFFEE BREAK Networking
Coffee & Tea - Network with other parents, professionals, carers, service providers
Watch LIVE Lived Experience: A British-Nigerian Journey with Dyspraxia - Tumi Sotire
https://youtu.be/ikPF9Ufyodk
11:45 - 12:00
Life story - Neurodiversity
In Conversation with Parents with Neurodivergent Children
A heartfelt conversation with a parent sharing her lived experience of raising neurodivergent children, the challenges, learning, and moments of growth along the journey.
12:00 - 12:20
Presentation - Neurodiversity
Navigating SEND in schools
Practical guidance for parents on understanding and navigating SEND support in schools, including EHCPs, communication with teachers, and accessing the right help for their child.
12:20 - 12:55
Mindfulness in Practise
Mental Health & Wellbeing: Navigating Behaviour, Self-Care & Resilient Parenting
Pause & Breathe – a calming guided space to pause, breathe, and reset your mind through simple mindfulness and breathing techniques.
12:55 - 13:45
LUNCH BREAK
A selection of food vendors will be available offering meals at discounted prices. Please see the Conference Menu for details.
View Catering Menu here
AFTERNOON SESSION
13:45- 14:00
Young People Project
Race, Racism and Education
A short presentation by our young people on their 1-year project with York St Johns University and Liverpool Hope University Racial toolkit participant’s engagement
14:00 - 14:15
Keynote address
Beyond Assumptions 2.0:
Shifting Mindsets, Strengthening Families, Amplifying Voice
A powerful keynote exploring how we move beyond assumptions to better understand parenting, elevate youth voice, and transform professional practice to improve outcomes for families.
14:15 - 15:00
Question Time with Leaders
Ask your Leaders
Ask your Leaders
15:00 - 15:45
Plenary Session
Complex Parenting
Safeguarding
Neurodiversity
Mental health & Mindfulness
Youth Voice
Cultural identity, Race, Parenting in diverse context
Safeguarding challenges and building trust in social care
Understanding neurodiversity – diagnosis, school support, access to appropriate services
Stigma around mental health in families and communities, access to services
Real issues affecting young people—such as bullying, knife crime, and teenage challenges
15:45 - 16:00
Closing remarks
Beyond Assumptions 2.0:
From Voice to Action
A powerful closing keynote reflecting on key insights from the day and inspiring collective action to turn shared voices and learning into meaningful change for families and communities.
16:00
Acknowledgements & Thank you Close
