Fylde coast conference returns to tackle challenges facing young men
"What About the Boys?" event aims for real change through collaboration
The "What About the Boys?" conference is returning for its eighth year this November to address challenges faced by young men on the Fylde coast.
Organised by the Blackpool-based United Youth Alliance, alongside the Coastal Youth Alliance Partnership, the event will gather practitioners, academics, community leaders, and young people to explore support strategies for boys and young men.
Set to be held at The Village Hotel Blackpool on Thursday, 19th November from 9am until 4.30pm, the conference has been pivotal in fostering meaningful discussions around youth issues since its inception seven years ago.
This year's focus is on co-design, youth voice, and cross-sector collaboration, aiming to integrate young people's input into effective organisation partnerships.
A significant highlight will be the launch of the Fylde Coast Boys Impact Hub, a pilot initiative in Wyre co-designed with young men.
Deborah Terras, Joint Chief Executive of United Youth Alliance, emphasized the pilot as a practical application of the conference principles to develop, test, and evaluate initiatives supporting young men.
The event serves as a platform to share knowledge, connect people, and collectively drive change, with activities involving delegates in designing impact hubs and shaping future research and policy priorities.
Keynote speakers will include experts from the Boys Impact Hub, grassroots practitioners, and national figures in youth work, reflecting on research from Ulster University's "Taking Boys Seriously."
Additionally, the Hackathon returns for young men aged 13-18, creating a safe space to discuss daily challenges and equip participants with support tools.
For further details and to book conference tickets, visit the United Youth Alliance website: uyacic.org/exhibitors-watbc .