LINCOLNSHIRE BOYS’ IMPACT CONFERENCE 2026

Creating Opportunities, Building Connections and Strengthening Belonging

Thursday 10 December 2026 | University of Lincoln

How can we work together to ensure that boys and young men across Lincolnshire have the opportunities, support and sense of belonging they need to thrive?

The Lincolnshire Boys' Impact Conference brings together educators, researchers, youth workers, charities, third-sector organisations, policymakers and young people to explore the challenges facing boys and young men, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, and consider what we can do collectively to make a difference.

Hosted by the Lincolnshire Boys' Impact Hub at the University of Lincoln, the conference will provide an opportunity to share experiences, celebrate good practice, build connections and develop new approaches to supporting boys and young men across our communities.

• Inspiring keynote: Dr Alex Blower, founder of Boys' Impact, will explore the challenges facing boys and young men and the importance of belonging, opportunity and positive relationships.
• Youth Panel: Chaired by Connor J Short, this session will put young people's voices at the heart of the conversation, hearing directly about their experiences, aspirations and ideas for change.
• Adult Panel: Chaired by Ian Jones, CEO of The Priory Federation of Academies Trust, bringing together perspectives from education, youth work and community organisations.
• Interactive workshops: Our workshop carousel will offer delegates the opportunity to participate in two different sessions, sharing ideas, exploring practice and considering practical approaches to improving outcomes.
• Places to Belong in Lincolnshire: An opportunity to meet local charities, voluntary and third-sector organisations, discover the work taking place across our communities and make new connections.
• Creative closing performance: We will end the day by celebrating the talents, creativity and voices of young men through a special performance.
• Post-conference networking: Join us at The Swan, the University of Lincoln's on-campus pub, to continue conversations and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

This conference is for anyone with an interest in improving opportunities and outcomes for boys and young men, including those working in schools, colleges, universities, youth services, local authorities, charities, community organisations, research and policy.

Whether you work directly with young people, shape services and policy, or simply want to contribute to positive change, we would love you to join us.

At the heart of the conference is a simple question: How can we create more places and opportunities where boys and young men feel valued, supported and that they belong?

We hope delegates will leave with new ideas, practical insights and connections that can help us work together to make a meaningful difference across Lincolnshire.

Join us on 10 December 2026 to be part of the conversation.

Info: Registration and Refreshments as well as an opportunity to visit our Places to Belong in Lincolnshire Fair.

Info: Nicki Pierce and Nicki Shore will welcome delegates to the Lincolnshire Boys' Impact Conference, introduce the aims of the day and outline what to expect. This will be followed by an opening address from our guest speaker (to be confirmed), setting the scene for the conversations ahead.

Info:
Dr Alex Blower will explore the challenges facing boys and young men, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the importance of belonging, opportunity and positive relationships. Drawing on the work of Boys' Impact, Alex will consider how education, communities and organisations can work together to improve outcomes and create meaningful change.

Info: Hear directly from young people as they share their experiences, perspectives and ideas about the challenges and opportunities facing boys and young men in Lincolnshire. Chaired by Connor J Short, this panel will put young people's voices at the centre of the conversation, exploring what belonging means to them and what needs to change.

Info: Bringing together voices from education, youth work, charities and community organisations, this panel will explore the challenges facing boys and young men across Lincolnshire. Chaired by Ian Jones, panellists will share their experiences, reflect on what is working and discuss how we can collaborate to strengthen belonging, create opportunities and improve outcomes.

Info: A light lunch will be provided

Info: Our interactive workshop carousel offers delegates the opportunity to take part in two different workshops across two sessions, with four workshops to choose from in each. Led by practitioners and organisations working with boys and young men, the sessions will provide opportunities to share experiences, explore practical approaches and consider how we can strengthen belonging and improve outcomes across Lincolnshire.

Info: We will close the conference with a special creative performance showcasing the talents, voices and perspectives of young men. Through creativity and self-expression, this exciting finale will celebrate the power of young people to tell their own stories, challenge perceptions and inspire us to think differently about belonging and opportunity.

Info: Join us at The Swan, the University of Lincoln's on-campus pub, for an informal opportunity to continue the day's conversations, make new connections and share ideas. A chance to bring together colleagues, practitioners and organisations working to support boys and young men across Lincolnshire, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Event venue & nearby stays

University of Lincoln, MB1020, Lincoln, United Kingdom

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