Obstacles and Opportunities - Presentations

Session 1: A Challenging Climate - growing up in poor areas on low incomes

• Loss of targeted neighbourhoods programmes
• Families under many pressures in poor neighbourhoods
• Public spending cuts, loss of youth and children provision and jobs
• Very high unemployment among school leavers and NEETS

• Naomi Eisenstadt, University of Oxford (Founding Director of Sure Start and Chief Adviser on Children's Services)
  
  
• John Stephens, Director of Children and Young People's Services, Cheshire West & Chester Council

Session 2: Playing 2 Learn - families need to let off steam

• Why children's play opportunities are shrinking
• Why being outdoors matters to children
• What children learn by play
• Role of sport

• Adrian Voce, Director, Play England
  
  
• Kath Stott, Former Co-ordinator of Family & Youth training programmes, National Communities Resource Centre, and experienced family and youth worker
  
  
• Dr Neil Pease, Strategic Development Director, Hull Kingston Rovers RLFC; formerly Deputy Director of Earning, Learning & Innovation at NHS Hull

Session 3: The best days of your life - schools, out-of-school activities and the kids who miss out

• How schools can uncover talent
• How youth organisations can attract disaffected kids
• Enticing school 'drop-outs' into training

• Jackie Perry, Neighbourhood Director /Julie Tomlinson, Youth Engagement manager, PLUS Group
  
  
• Rachel Zipfel, Progressions Co-ordinator, Street League
  
  
• Maria Gardiner, Chief Executive, Manchester Settlement