Youth In Mind

What you can expect at Youth in Mind 2024

Theme: Safe spaces – emotional, physical and digital

Youth in Mind is a vibrant, one-day, professional development and networking opportunity designed to educate and upskill anyone working with children and young people. Jam-packed with practical takeaways, it’s a unique chance to meet and learn from cross-sector peers at the only event in Oxfordshire to link up Thames Valley Police, school staff, youth workers, and anyone working with children and young people.

Given the significant challenges young people face in finding safe spaces in the online and offline worlds, we must grab the chance to engage in cross-sector problem solving to continue meeting their diverse and complex needs.

Join us at The King’s Centre in Oxford, to learn from, network with and join workshops run by a variety of experts. This year’s keynote speakers are Kay Rufai, artist, mental health researcher and founder of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project and Mina Fazel, Professor of Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Oxford. Kay will explore how art challenges stereotypes and creates safe spaces with and for black boys in the education, mental health and criminal justice systems. Mina is sharing how she strives to bridge the gap between her groundbreaking research and real-world impact to ensure that effective interventions reach those in need, and are transforming the landscape of child mental health services.

Book your tickets here

With 16 workshops to choose from, here’s a sneak preview of what you can expect…

Digital spaces – supporting young people to act safely on social media platforms

Discover safer digital spaces for young people; how they are using the internet and how we can support them to act more safely. This workshop looks at resources and strategies for improving safety and supporting healthier behaviours in social media spaces.

What do you need to feel safe? A creative perspective on wellbeing for and by neurodivergent people

A fun and practical insight into BLINK Dance Theatre’s mental health and wellbeing methods developed by learning disabled and neurodivergent artists.

Feeling safe in the world – a social anxiety toolkit

Social anxiety is the most common form of anxiety, and it is rising amongst young people. The Recovery College considers what social anxiety is (and isn’t) and provides strategies and tools to help us live better with social anxiety, plus ways to get effective support.

Empowering young people at risk of emotionally-based school avoidance (E.B.S.A.)

This Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, School In-Reach workshop, provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to equip professionals with the tools to raise awareness and support young people at risk of E.B.S.A..

Online friendships, offline impact: the relationship between adolescent mental health and friendships in the digital age

Investigate findings around the complex relationship between adolescents’ online friendships and their mental health. The University of Oxford offer insights and potential strategies for the navigating challenges and opportunities presented by digital connections in today’s rapidly evolving social landscape.

The power of relationships; what a relational approach is and why it matters

Hearts and Heads supports schools and organisations to embed therapeutic and relational approaches across all areas of their practice. Supported by up-to-date research, this workshop explores what a relational approach is and why it matters, whilst offering an understanding of the neurological benefits and will leave you feeling hopeful about the power of human connection.

The digital dilemma: how to navigate domestic abuse in our digital era!

The award winning Make It Mandatory team presents a workshop exploring the world of domestic abuse in the digital era. They’ll be exploring how you can identify warning signs of abuse, what to look out for, and how to approach the topic from a young person’s perspective.

Creating safe spaces through play: playful connections and emotional regulation

Clear Sky children’s charity looks at how to build trust and a sense of safety with children who have experienced trauma. You will be focussing on key relationship skills including playfulness and empathy.

We care, do you? Everything you need to know about young carers and more

Be Free Young Carers will unpack everything you need to know about carers!

Psychologically Safe Practice: How do we do it?

WHY? – because our young people deserve to feel safe in their environments.

WHAT? – exploring psychological safety.

HOW? – what we can do to create environments where young people can heal and flourish.

Creating inclusive communities through nature connection

Where The Fruit Is invites you to join a playful nature-based workshop exploring how the Forest School ethos promotes inclusion and connection. Find out how neurodivergent and neurotypical young people and adults are discovering the joy of creating accepting, reflective, safe enough, fun-filled learning communities together in the woods.

Building bridges for health, linking the NHS and Voluntary Sector through networking by BOB VCSE Health Alliance

Advocating physical activity in a safe, supportive environment by Sport in Mind

“Superb! It hugely benefits professionals and practitioners.”

“We are facing a tsunami of mental health problems for children and young people and unless we do things differently, we simply won't be able to meet demand.”

Kevin Gordon, Director of Children’s Services, Oxfordshire County Council, Youth in Mind 2022