Building Belonging for Working Class Boys

Lincolnshire Boys' Impact Conference 2026Creating 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.

What can you expect?

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.

Who should attend?

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.

Building a stronger Lincolnshire together

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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.