“A truly outstanding event — exceptionally well organised and filled with enthusiasm and purpose. My heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and all participants for making it such a success.” (Participant)

Big conversations. Real learning. Powerful connections.

On 4 November, more than 60 people from 48 organisations gathered in Birmingham for our Big Event, coming together to share ideas, experiences and hope for young people across the country.

Held at Millennium Point, the day was filled with honest conversations, fresh thinking and lived experience from youth-focused grantee partners. This second edition of our annual gathering offered a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the growing community we are building together through initiatives such as online courses, residentials and learning journeys.

A powerful start to the day

We opened with an inspiring keynote from Professor Carlene Firmin MBE, who spoke about the importance of communities coming together to create protective networks around young people. Her session set the tone for the day and encouraged us to think differently about how safeguarding really works.

Drawing on the principles of Contextual Safeguarding, Carlene reminded us that young people’s safety is shaped not just at home, but in schools, peer groups, neighbourhoods and online spaces. She highlighted why safeguarding must reach into these everyday contexts, and how communities themselves can help create safer, more supportive environments.

“The event provided a vital platform for sharing knowledge, best practice, and innovative approaches to preventing youth violence, exploitation, and social exclusion. It focused on empowering youth voices, strengthening local safeguarding networks, and building collaboration to create safer, more inclusive environments where every young person can thrive.”
(Participant)

Learning by doing

The workshops brought energy and creativity into the room. Grantee partners Akoma, Bridgin’ the Gap CIC, A Father’s Child’s Services CIC with Niyyah Community Enterprise CIC, and Mary Magdalene CIC led hands-on sessions that showed what their work looks like in practice.

These sessions sparked open, thoughtful conversations, shaped by lived experience and a shared commitment to supporting young people.

We also heard from Anne-Marie Twumasi from Global Fund for Children, who reflected on The Phoenix Way journey. Using an interactive quiz, she highlighted the impact and achievements of our grantee partners and reminded us just how much has been achieved together.

Holding the space

A big thank you to our brilliant MC, Nasra Ayub, Programme Officer at Global Fund for Children, who guided the day with warmth, calm and humour. Rowan Carr and Drew Sinclair helped keep us grounded with moments of body and mind reset, which were warmly welcomed by everyone in the room.

Drew also captured the day through graphic harvesting, and we are excited to share these illustrations in our upcoming newsletter.

“Rowan created a gorgeous safe space for everyone involved. Carlene’s talk was truly eye opening and I hope to hear her speak again with more time.”
(Participant)

A meaningful close

We ended the day with an open mic, where people shared reflections on the impact of their work. These moments were powerful and moving, and a reminder of how TPW grants are helping to change lives across our communities.

The Big Event felt like a true celebration of connection, courage and community leadership in action.

Missed the day or want to catch the highlights?
You can watch the full version of our short film here.