Reflections from the YES Forum Conference in Groningen
Last week, me and Amber, Volunteer Researcher, had the privilege of attending the YES Forum's Annual Event in Groningen, the Netherlands.
The conference brought together youth-focused organisations from across Europe, all committed to strengthening support for young people and challenging the systemic barriers they face.
We kicked off the conference with a guided tour of the Provinciehuis, the provincial government building in Groningen, a brilliant way to connect with fellow delegates and learn more about the region's political history.
As part of the programme, we presented our research into the links between family poverty and children entering the care system in England. Delegates were surprised by the extent of poverty in the UK and particularly shocked by the existence of the two-child benefit cap.
These discussions sparked deeper conversations about how policy choices can shape the life chances of children and families and what more needs to be done across Europe to promote social justice and equality.
We also had the opportunity to learn about some of the incredible work happening across the EU. Representatives from YES Forum member organisations shared learning from inclusive housing projects, creative youth work initiatives, and financial literacy programmes that empower young people with the skills they need to thrive.
One standout moment was our visit to Stichting SCN youth centre, where staff build holistic relationships with young people by tapping into their interests and supporting them to grow in confidence and independence.
Another highlight was visiting Simon Van Hasselt, a SEND secondary school which has embedded Restorative Practice into its daily routines and culture. It was inspiring to see the impact of this approach on pupils' wellbeing, emotional regulation and school engagement.
The event reminded us of the power of collaboration.
Meeting professionals from across Europe gave us the opportunity to reflect on shared challenges, celebrate best practices, and consider what we can learn from one another. We left the conference inspired, energised, and more determined than ever to keep working towards a fairer future for care-experienced children and young people.