Children and young people are growing up in a complex social landscape where identity is shaped by family, culture, community, technology and wider societal narratives. Many young people are navigating multiple aspects of identity simultaneously, including race, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, faith, social class and body image. These experiences can profoundly influence mental health, wellbeing, relationships and a sense of belonging. 

Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and practical workshops, delegates will gain insight into the developmental processes that shape identity and learn how discrimination, exclusion, social expectations and systemic inequalities can affect wellbeing. The programme will encourage practitioners to reflect on their own assumptions and develop greater confidence in supporting diverse young people with curiosity, compassion and cultural humility. 

Sessions will explore themes including race and racism, neurodivergence and disability, gender and sexuality, body image and social media influences, faith and culture, socio-economic disadvantage, and the mental health implications of multiple intersecting identities. Delegates will leave with practical tools and evidence-informed approaches to support children and young people in developing positive identities, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging. 

Event aims

This event will explore how identity develops and shapes the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Through an intersectional lens, delegates will consider how different aspects of identity can influence experiences of belonging, discrimination, resilience, relationships and psychological wellbeing. 

The conference will examine: 

  • race, ethnicity and experiences of racism 
  • disability, neurodivergence and chronic illness 
  • gender identity and expression within the wider context of identity development 
  • sexual orientation and emerging sexuality 
  • self-image, body image and social media influences 
  • faith, culture and community expectations 
  • socio-economic disadvantage and social exclusion 
  • the impact of multiple intersecting identities on mental health and wellbeing 

The event aims to support practitioners to think critically, compassionately and reflexively about the experiences of diverse children and young people, and to develop more inclusive, culturally attuned and evidence-informed therapeutic practice. 

Learning outcomes

By attending this event, delegates will have:

  • a greater awareness of how intersecting identities, including race, disability, neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, faith and socio-economic status, can shape young people's experiences and outcomes.  
  • an increased confidence in supporting children and young people who are exploring questions of identity, belonging and self-concept.  
  • an enhanced understanding of the impact of discrimination, marginalisation and social exclusion on psychological wellbeing.  
  • more knowledge of practical, evidence-informed approaches for working in culturally attuned, inclusive and anti-oppressive ways with diverse young people and families.  
  • a greater awareness of relevant ethical, safeguarding and practice considerations when working with identity-related issues in therapeutic settings 
  • a deeper understanding of the processes through which identity develops across childhood and adolescence, including the influence of family, peers, culture and social media, and how these shape personality, wellbeing

Programme

The event will begin at 9.30am and finish around 4.30pm.

Programme to follow shortly.

Key information

Join us on Saturday 6 March 2027 from 9.30am until 4.30pm in Manchester at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ.

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email. Full joining instructions will be sent out nearer the event date.

If you're unable to attend on the day, all bookings include access to the on-demand service, where you can catch up on the recordings from the conference from Friday 12 March 2027 until Friday 11 June 2027. A link will be circulated after the event.

Your booking includes

  • five hours of CPD presentations
  • dedicated live Q&A sessions after each presentation with our hosts discussing key themes with presenters
  • selected presentation slides
  • networking opportunities

Accessibility

For a full list of Events EDI and accessibility commitments please visit our website.

Event Sponsorship

For more information on sponsoring this event and other opportunities, please visit our website.