Saturday 11 October 2026, 10am–4pm

Youth Leader Conference 2025

Youth leaders from across the Diocese of Blackburn and beyond are invited to gather for the Youth Leader Conference 2025, taking place Saturday 11 October 2026, 10am–4pm at Blackpool Church, St John's.

The day begins with an opening keynote from Rob Steward of Scripture Union, a Fylde coast native with deep experience in youth ministry and church leadership. Rob will offer encouragement and insight drawn from his work with SU and Emmanuel Church, Fleetwood.

Attendees will hear four powerful “Nuts and Bolts” talks, each just 10 minutes long, designed to spark reflection and conversation:

• John Wyatt on building volunteer teams
• Ni-cola Scott on talking about race with young people
• Ali Demet on showing young people they are loved
• Susie Mapledoram on youth mental health and well-being

Participants can choose two out of four practical workshops:

• Bob Goody on contextual youth ministry
• Ben Jones on gaming, faith, and AI
• Tasha Turner and Ni-cola Scott on justice, hope, and love in youth discipleship
• Susie Mapledoram on supporting youth mental health

Lunch is on us! While attendees are welcome to bring their own, we’ll be treating everyone to chips from one of Blackpool’s famous chippys.

The day will close with a keynote from Ben Green, Blackburn Diocese Youth Adviser, reflecting on national and local youth trends and encouraging leaders to stay in step with God’s movement among young people.

Sung worship will be led by John Wyatt and the Blackpool Church worship team, bringing the day to a powerful and prayerful close.

This conference promises to be a day of inspiration, practical learning, and spiritual renewal for anyone involved in youth ministry.