ContinYou annual conference 2009
This year’s conference, held at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon, focused on how we can work towards a fairer future by creating real opportunities for those who are most disadvantaged in society.
Graham Badham CBE, conference Chair and visiting Professor at the University of London’s Institute of Education, set the scene when he told delegates that ‘…whether we like it or not, the widening welfare gap affects us all.’
The conference took place in the context of the current challenging economic climate, but historical precedents were never far from the surface. Memorably, obesity was described as ‘the new rickets of the poor’.
For more detailed information about the conference inputs please browse the links below:
Conference highlights
Highlights of the two days were:
- Graham Badman CBE dealt with the problems and necessity of engaging with those who are least likely to want to engage.
- Professor Alan Dyson from the Centre for Equity in Education, University of Manchester, explored our efforts to date on dealing with inequality.
- Pam Boyd, Acting Chief Executive of ContinYou, reflected on the current state of inequality on the tenth anniversary of the government’s commitment to end child poverty by 2020.
- Tim Levell, the Editor of Blue Peter, spoke about and showed clips from ‘Mission Nutrition’, which is Blue Peter’s current appeal (with ContinYou as a key partner). This seeks to galvanise young people into helping others, and also shows why breakfast clubs are important to all children and young people.
- A memorable singing performance from the all boys choir Boyz Noyz (PDF document, 100 KB) brought the house down with their talent and spirit.
- Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for England and the Chief Executive for 11 Million, emphasised the importance of nutrition in order to properly access learning opportunities.
- A panel, with representatives from Policy Unplugged, Synergy TV and Channel 4, discussed how we can engage with the YouTube generation.
- Young people from Radiowaves interviewed delegates, which they compiled into a short film summarising day one and screened before dinner.
- An inspirational, thoughtful and, at times, hilarious after-dinner speech was given by Steve Parry, former Olympic swimmer and current BBC broadcaster, who readily acknowledged the opportunities that unconventional pathways gave him to escape the poverty trap.
- The Breakfast4Life seminar, organised by Change4Life and ContinYou.
- Alexa Gooder from Change4Life life spoke about how the government has sponsored but independently branded this programme, which seeks to change the behaviours that lead to children becoming obese.
- A warm tribute was made by Pam Boyd to recently retired Julian Piper OBE.
- Christine Davies CBE, Chief Executive, C4EO, gave an impassioned plea for the narrowing the gap agenda to finally just work.
- Julia Unwin, Chief Executive, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, spoke about how children living in poverty have different expectations of education, which leads to endemic poverty, and why it was therefore vital to improve their aspirations.
- And, finally, Joe Hayman, National Programme Director for Extended Services, ContinYou, spoke about what was next for extended services.
Exhibitors
Below is a list of conference exhibitors:
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Breakfast Club Plus and Blue Peter Mission Nutrition Appeal
Comments from delegates:
'I genuinely thought the conference was excellent; I certainly took a lot away from it ... I look forward to next year's conference.' (County Councillor Peter Fox, Leader, Monmouthshire County Council)
'The conference was excellent, the speakers were inspirational and there were lots of opportunities for networking.' (Delegate)
'Congratulations, it was a lively, thought provoking and challenging conference.' (Delegate)
