2026
Alongside our amazing keynote speaker, we will have a number of workshops on the day, spread over 3 workshop slots.
Key – workshop suitable for those working with: C = Children, F = Families, Y = Youth, S = Schools, Ch = Chaplaincy and P = Parents and Carers
Workshop 1 (10:55-11:55)
Children’s Ministry – getting started by Josey Bryant and Dave Ludbrook (Centenary Project) [C, F].
Are you thinking about the possibility of running a children’s club but are not sure where to start? We hope by sharing experiences and ideas we can help think through not only how to do this but also why? Discernment of opportunities is something important so how are we making sure we are listening to God in this and once we do, how do we get going?
Suitable for: Those who have an idea but are unsure of what’s next?!
Small, but beautiful by Steph Darbyshire (Centenary Project) [C, F].
We will discuss how to celebrate ‘small but beautiful groups’, when children don’t attend every week, how to run a group with very small numbers and managing disappointment. There will be time to share, discuss and think together.
Suitable for: Anyone who works with children and young people where there group numbers can fluctuate. Paid workers, volunteers and lay people and anyone with a passion for children.
Managing conflict in the church by Jon Steel (Details to follow) [C, F, Y].
Conflict is a normal part of human life and relationships and so it is also a ‘normal’ part of life in the Church. This workshop will offer an introduction to some of the reasons behind conflict and how we can respond well, when it happens in our relationships and communities.
Suitable for: anyone and everyone!
All are welcome here? by Beth Goodband [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P].
This workshop won’t give you all the answers and you might leave with more questions than you had when you arrived. But it will give you an opportunity to reflect on your own communities and think about what you can do to make churches and groups more accessible for families and children either SEN. Hopefully you’ll leave with some idea to make a difference.
Suitable for: Anyone who would like to develop some strategies to support inclusion in their communities and reflect on how we can truly welcome people with additional needs to church.
Young People in Leadership by Rachel Baker (Sheffield Diocese) [C, F, Y, S, Ch].
We’ll start by thinking about prayerfully influencing the culture of our churches and youth groups so we can create opportunities for children and young people to step into leadership. We’ll then explore how to encourage young people in their gifts and grow a healthy, Christ-centred, and diverse community of young leaders!
Suitable for: Anyone, but especially those who have children and young people in their groups who show leadership qualities but aren’t sure how to encourage them, or those who are keen to see more young leaders, but feel like they’re competing with other priorities.
Do It Yourself Workshop – think and pray in our prayer space [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P].
If you would really like some space without anyone talking at you (!), you can chose this workshop! Space by yourself, to think and pray and listen to God. Helpful if you struggle to find this kind of space in your normal day!
Suitable for: Anyone needing a quiet space for an hour.
Workshop 2 (12:00-1:00)
Schools work and the church by Aimee Roddam (Doncaster Methodist Circuit). [S, Ch]
I’ll be bringing with me a large range of resources that may help you connect with schools in your area. This workshop will run more like a Q&A session so please bring all your thoughts and questions and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Suitable for: Paid and voluntary children and youth workers who are looking to connect with their local schools.
Understanding Trauma and exploring a Trauma-Sensitive approach to CYF ministry by Lisa Campbell (Wonderful Me!). [C, Y, S, Ch]
In this session we will use the Wonderful Me! Trauma Tree tool to help us explore what trauma is. We’ll consider what it might look like to bring a safe approach that creates opportunity for healing and flourishing and we’ll explore what is often referred to as ‘The Science of Hope’ as we reflect on the power of healthy connection and relationship.
Suitable for: With statistics that talk about 1 in 5 children having a probably mental health condition, this session is for anyone and everyone who is journeying with children and young people.
British Sign Language for Beginners by Hannah Sandoval (Sheffield Diocese) [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P]
This workshop will be a basic introduction to British Sign Language and its importance in providing access for Deaf children and young people in a variety of contexts. As well as learning how to greet others and introduce ourselves in BSL, we will also cover Deaf awareness and think about how to make sure those with hearing loss feel valued and included.
Suitable for: Those working with children/young people/ adults who use BSL. Those whose role means they might meet someone with hearing loss in the course of their work.
More than Toddlers – sharing God’s love, growing community and nurturing faith by Bec Ackroyd and Laura Passo (Centenary Project). [C, F, P]
Do you want to put Jesus at the centre of your toddler group? Do you want to introduce Christian input gently, yet boldly?!!
This workshop aims to explore how you could you take a ‘traditional’ toddler group (non-faith) and introduce faith and Christian input, with some tips and advice on how to make that transition.
We aim to share the issues and opportunities and talk through how you could make changes in your setting find what works for you.
Suitable for: Anyone thinking about being more intentional in making their preschool groups Christ-centred and introduce stepping stones to faith.
The Manosphere, Toxic Masculinity & Misogyny: The Impact on Children, Young People and Young Adults by Adele Gladman (Adele Gladman & Associates, Safeguarding Training & Consultancy). [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P]
Drawing on recent research, as well as young people’s and professionals’ accounts, this impactful workshop will consider:
- What is the Manosphere?
- What are young people accessing there?
- What are some of the terms and concepts?
- What are the risks and potential harms?
- What is the impact?
- Ways forward for those working with young people and young adults.
Suitable for: Any practitioner or manager working with or providing a service to young people and young adults.
Do It Yourself Workshop – think and pray in our prayer space [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P].
If you would really like some space without anyone talking at you (!), you can chose this workshop! Space by yourself, to think and pray and listen to God. Helpful if you struggle to find this kind of space in your normal day!
Suitable for: Anyone needing a quiet space for an hour.
Workshop 3 (14:25-15:25)
Unplugged Wonder: Reclaiming Adventure, Faith, and Well-being beyond the Screen by Lucie Hutson (Muddy Church) [C, F, Y, P]
Step away from the screens and step into God’s creation! In a time when mental health is at a crisis and physical well-being is declining, this interactive session explores how reconnecting children and young people with nature nurtures faith, creativity, and well-being. Based on years of experience as a mum, lecturer and creator of Muddy Church, the session will explore through stories, activities, and reflection practical ways to inspire screen-free adventure, deepen spiritual connection, and celebrate the joy of wandering and wondering together for all ages.
Suitable for: Parents, children and families workers, youth workers, Chaplains, community engagement workers, pioneer Ministers, intergenerational workers. For all those who are interested in discovering fresh wonder in their life and ministry. This session will also be suitable for children and young people interested in their own faith journey development.
Anti-racism conversations by Anesia Cook (Racial Justice Team – Diocese of Sheffield) [C, Y, F, S, Ch, P]
It is a workshop to help people think racial justice and to help us start our journey towards anti-racism. The session will include videos and conversations which will explain about hidden racism in culture/church today and challenges us to think about what we can do to stand up against racism.
Suitable for: Anyone who are interested in engaging on anti-racism practices, are supporting people who have been discriminated, or who wants to learn about the impact of racism in people’s lives today.
Mental Health and Christianity – what in our faith can support young people’s mental health? by Tim Jansen (MHFA Trainer) [Y, S, Ch, P]
The Christian faith is full of supportive ideas and stories that have long been known to provide comfort and guidance in times of distress. What many people don’t often consider is that the stories in the Bible, along with the lives of Christians who came before us, offer a wealth of resources for nurturing our well-being and providing advice that remains relevant even 2,000 years later.
In this workshop, we will explore some of these timeless lessons and discuss practical ways to engage young people with these themes, helping them connect faith, resilience, and personal growth rooted in our Christian faith.
Suitable for: Anyone who works with children and young people.
Volunteers only – no paid staff by Vic Loveday (Methodist District). [C, F, Y, P]
Details to follow
Suitable for: details to follow
Let ‘em in: inviting schools into church by Huw Thomas (Diocese of Sheffield) [Y, S, Ch, P]
Our buildings provide a brilliant resource that we can offer to schools. This workshop will help plan good RE trips to Church as well as exploring some of the other things we can offer.
Suitable for: Anyone involved in a local church setting, that wants to use their venue’s history, geography and religious identity to serve the education of local children (though there will be small Anglican slants to the content in places.)
Do It Yourself Workshop – think and pray in our prayer space [C, F, Y, S, Ch, P].
If you would really like some space without anyone talking at you (!), you can chose this workshop! Space by yourself, to think and pray and listen to God. Helpful if you struggle to find this kind of space in your normal day!
Suitable for: Anyone needing a quiet space for an hour.
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