On Thursday 12 June 2025, the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster became the beating heart of collaboration, inspiration, and action as over 150 delegates gathered for the fourth annual South Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Alliance Conference.
Under the theme “One big coming together and thank you,” this year’s event celebrated the power of youth voice, partnership, and shared vision in shaping a brighter future.
From the opening sing along to ‘Come on Eileen’ and ‘Walking on Sunshine’ led by the talented Latifah Makuyi, to the heartfelt closing reflections, the day was a vibrant showcase of what can be achieved when communities come together around children and young people.
Keynote speeches from influential figures such as Nigel Harrison (Yorkshire Sport Foundation) and Beth Stout (Golddigger Trust) challenged and inspired, while local NHS leaders like Ruth Brown and Cathy Winfield provided a powerful vision for collective change across South Yorkshire.
Throughout the day, delegates were treated to a dynamic programme of showcase presentations and videos featuring innovative projects across the region. Highlights of the speakers on the day included:
- Active Start (Yorkshire Sport Foundation): promoting physical activity in early years.
- Bump, Birth and Beyond (Barnardo’s): supporting parents and babies with holistic, community-based care.
- Youth Homelessness Education (Roundabout): empowering young people to share lived experience and advocate for change.
- Youth Co-Produced Action Plans (Sheffield Hallam University): developing community-driven responses to wellbeing and safety.
Nicola Ennis, South Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Alliance Programme Director, said: “We had a fantastic time at the event in Doncaster. It was great to see so many people from across the system, representing many organisations, come together to celebrate and collaborate.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, this powerful proverb continues to guide the way we work together across South Yorkshire. The stories we heard at the conference was proof that through collaboration and partnerships we are all part of that village.”
In every session, gratitude was a recurring theme – “a space to say thank you” featured regularly, honouring the tireless efforts of professionals, volunteers, and most importantly, young people.
The true stars of the day were the Youth Health Champions and young speakers who courageously shared their experiences, hopes, and solutions. Their honesty, passion, and leadership embodied the very heart of the conference’s mission: to ensure children and young people are not only heard, but central to shaping the services and policies that impact their lives.
Nicola added: “A heartfelt thank you goes out to the young people, practitioners, organisations, and volunteers who made this conference such a resounding success. Your energy, ideas, and action are building the village it truly takes to raise every child.”
To find out more about and become a member of the Children and Young People’s Alliance, please click here: CYP Alliance :: Healthier Together