Speakers: Tracy Wood, Children’s Specialist for Leader Development & Richard Prescott, Outreach Mission Partner for Children (CY Team)

This seminar delved into how spiritual development can significantly contribute to a child’s overall flourishing. Examining the role of therapeutic mentoring and the importance of relationships in fostering spiritual growth. Additionally, the semair looked at the critical nexus of school, home and explored how these environments can collaboratively nurture a child’s spirituality.

Speaker: Emma Scott, Psychotherapist & Beacon Partnership Manager at Restored.

Described by the MET police as a crisis equal with terrorism, reports of violence against women are at an all-time high, with 15 year-old boys the most common perpetrators. This seminar explored the online influences that shape young people’s understanding of femininity, masculinity and real-life relationships. Emma looked at how these forces impact identity (and the harm caused), before considering how we can help young people forge relationships grounded in respect, mutual flourishing, and love.

Speaker(s): Yassir Mohammed, Addictions Development Officer with Lee Ball, Addictions Department Director

We discussed actionable plans to build nurturing communities where young people can thrive securely, highlighting the importance of creating safe environments for young people to enjoy a play-based childhood. It opened our eyes to some of the issues and dangers young people face today, such as rising youth violence and county lines, and explore strategies and collaborative approaches to ensure their safety and well-being.

Speaker: Reverend Chris Goswami, Christian minister, award-winning writer & successful tech-consultant

This seminar explored the transformative effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the lives of children and young people, with a focus on how we can support and guide them. It provided insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and discussed strategies for fostering a safe and positive environment for young people in the digital age.

Martin Saunders, Deputy CEO, Youthscape - Examining the nutrients in the soil—the influences fuelling their growth. Young people absorb everything around them: people, digital media, education, and a world in crisis. While this soil may seem familiar, we digged deeper to analyse its impact on their growth.

The Fruit: Lieutenant Kat Whitmore: Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, His masterpiece, each created with a glorious purpose. This is the hope of salvation for our young people who are invited to join in God’s salvation work on earth, embarking on a transformational adventure for themselves and the world.

The Food: Matt Perkins: Focusing on the hope found in Jesus, lived out in our work with children and young people (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The Soil: Commissioner Jenine Main: In Ephesians 4 & 5, Paul calls us to a higher purpose, beyond specific roles or vocations. He invites all believers to follow Jesus, embrace hope, and engage in transformative, kingdom-building work. This is a call to live out our faith with passion and purpose, making a meaningful impact in the world, particularly with the young.