First-of-its-kind for UON conference tackled issues facing children and young people

Health, education, technology and society experts gathered in Northampton last week (Thursday 23 May) to advocate for our children and young people.

The location was Waterside campus and the event was the University of Northampton’s (UON) first Care and Compassion Conference.

Professionals from UON and beyond involved in children and young people’s services from across the county join us to share ideas, best practice, and their passion to achieve what is best for children and young people and best practice.

University academics from the Faculties of Arts, Science and Technology and Health, Education and Society led a series of ‘Expert Marketplaces’ (see images below). They introduced research and projects about:

• Child poverty and trauma (Professor Eunice Lumsden).
• Supporting young people through technology (Associate Professors Alison Power and Emma Whewell).
• How children and teachers can co-create knowledge (Professor Jane Murray).

Keynote speakers were Naomi Eisenstadt, Independent Chair of Integrate Care Northamptonshire, who introduced how the organisation supports the health and wellbeing of children across the county.

Professor Pat Sikes talked about the perspectives of the young carers of people with younger onset dementia. Renowned physician Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green rounded out the day describing his life-long dedication to advocating for children and young people and challenged attendees to think about how they can ensure compassion is put back into care.

Professor Jackie Parkes was part of the team that created the conference: “This was the first time we have held such an event at Waterside, but it was the right time. Sadly, despite much-needed work to address issues such as poverty, educational attainment and care provision, families continue to suffer.

“The aim and legacy of this conference was to provide professionals with the time and space to learn from research-informed experts, to be empowered to build supportive environments to improve outcomes for our children, young people and their families. We hope to revisit and actively build on this at next year’s planned event.”

For any enquiries about this and future Faculty of Health, Education and Society events, please email fhes.events@northampton.ac.uk