United for Change for Care Leavers is heading to The Vox in Birmingham on Tuesday 17th November 2026!
Brought to you by
Brought to you by Catch22’s National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum (NLCBF), Young People’s Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF), The National House Project (NHP), and Care Leavers National Movement (CLNM), this event offers a powerful day of cross-sector collaboration. It has been shaped with care experienced people from the very start, ensuring that lived experience is front and centre.
The event brings together care experienced young people, local authorities, government, charities, businesses, and representatives from public bodies to:
- Hear from care experienced young people
- Share good practice
- Commit to collective change and action
The day will be hosted by YPBMF Legends, CLNM Representatives, and a special guest co-host.
Whether you’re care experienced, a professional directly or indirectly supporting care experienced people, or simply passionate about making a difference, this space was built with you in mind. It is a chance to listen, learn, and take meaningful action.
Join us at The Vox from 9am on Tuesday 17th November 2026. Let’s make change happen — together!
Speakers
Ashley John-Baptiste
Broadcaster, TV Presenter, Author and Inspirational Speaker
Ashley is an inspirational speaker who shares his hard-hitting and inspirational story of navigating through the care system. He is an ambassador for The Fostering Network charity and the founder of “Be Inspired” events, supporting young people leaving care and helping them fulfil their aspirations.
Lucy Barnes
Trustee and Co-Founder, Lawyers Who Care
Lucy is an award-winning barrister at East Anglian Chambers and Co-Founder of Lawyers Who Care, the UK’s only charity to support care-experienced aspiring lawyers, which has already supported over 77 care-experienced people since its launch in May 2024.
Kiyia Atkinson
Care Leavers National Movement Champion
In his role, Kiyia supports the National House Project, helping to ensure young people remain central to decision-making. He joined the Care Leavers National Movement to amplify the voices of care-experienced young people, create meaningful opportunities, and advocate for greater equity within the systems that impact their lives.
Victoria Odude
Young People’s Benchmarking Forum Steering Group Representative
Victoria ensures that the voices and experiences of care experienced young people help shape the direction of the Forum. She regularly presents young people’s views to the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum Steering Group, local authorities, and policy makers at a national level.
Event Highlights (Full Agenda Coming Soon):
- Care Experienced Co-Hosts
Led by care experienced voices alongside key sector representatives (to be announced) - Keynote Speakers
A powerful line-up of speakers bringing lived experience and professional insight - In Their Own Words and Care Leavers National Movement
Key messages shaped by care experienced individuals, sharing their views and the solutions they have discovered - Panel Discussions
Senior policymakers and corporate parents responding to the key asks of care experienced individuals - Show & Share
Best practice showcased through presentations from services who have solved challenges and co-produced solutions with care experienced individuals - Performances
Creative contributions celebrating the voices and talents of care experienced individuals - Networking & Connection
Dedicated time to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration
FAQS
Got a question? Take a look through our FAQs.
When and where is the event?
United for Change for Care Leavers takes place on Tuesday 17th November 2026 at The Vox in Birmingham.
How do I get there?
The Vox is
The Vox is located within the Resorts World complex (next to the NEC) and is easy to reach by train and car.
- Travelling by train? Your nearest station is Birmingham International. The Vox is a 10-minute walk from the station.
- Driving? The Vox is signposted on major routes including the M42, M40, and M6
Will food and refreshments be provided?
Yes, refreshments and catering will be available throughout the day and are included in the ticket price.
If you have any dietary requirements, let us know when booking your ticket.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, The Vox is accessible.
- There is step-free access with lifts for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
- Unisex, wheelchair-accessible toilets
- An infrared loop audio system for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
If you have any specific access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to support you.
I can’t make it in-person – can I join online?
We have chosen to run United for Change for Care Leavers as an in-person event only to encourage as much connection and collaboration as possible. We hope you can join us on the day!
I’ve booked a ticket but I can no longer make it — what should I do?
We understand that plans change. Tickets are non-refundable but they are transferable which means you can transfer your ticket to a colleague or donate it to a care experienced individual. Get in touch with us via unitedforchangeevent@leavingcare.org and we can help you handle it.
I’m interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at the event — how can I get involved?
To discuss sponsorship and/or exhibition opportunities, please register your interest here.
I can’t find an answer to my question – who can I contact?
If you have any other questions, please send us an email via unitedforchangeevent@leavingcare.org and we’ll be happy to help.