We are only just a week away from our fifth national conference to be held on Thursday, April 10 in Leeds, its theme ‘The Future of Youth Work? The Future of the Campaign?’. Thanks to the good offices of the Youth and Community Department at the Leeds Metropolitan University the venue is spacious so there are plenty of places left. Therefore don’t hesitate to get in touch to ensure that you can be with us for what is always a lively and challenging debate.

Our keynote speakers, Janet Batsleer and Howard Sercombe are confirmed, alongside an array of contributors in the afternoon, who will be exploring such themes as ‘youth work managers and the cuts’, ‘social action not social philanthropy’, ‘surviving on the streets : a faith perspective’, ‘from young volunteers to young workers’, ‘the contradictions of a voluntary youth project’ and ‘making European links’. In one way or another everyone will be grappling with the dilemmas of the present and the concerns of the future.

In this context we are asking all participants to come prepared for an opening session, where in small groups we will share our hopes and fears for the future of the distinctive practice we continue to defend.Throughout the proceedings we will be making notes for the final session, which will assess the usefulness and appropriateness of our draft Statement of Purpose.

If you can’t get to conference we would welcome your thoughts via e-mail on the issue of ‘hopes and fears’ and on the Statement for inclusion on the site as a part of the ongoing discussion.

It’s necessary to let you know that we have had to add £2.50 to cover some of the costs of providing tea and coffee on arrival and at lunch. We hope this will not deter you from attending. Our conference fees at  £7.50 Students/Unwaged, £12.50 Waged remain low. As ever  we should confirm that you need to bring your own lunch and indeed bottled water if required.

Directions for what is described as the Headingley experience, well known to the sprinkling of rugby league fans in our ranks, can be found at:

We have free car parking at car parks D and F which are situated behind the South Stand on St Michaels Lane at the stadium.

Immediately after our event some of us are attending and contributing to the Social Work Action Network conference in Durham, April 11/12, at both a plenary and workshop level. Reports and photos to follow.

Meanwhile keep visiting our site and Facebook, where there’s a lot going on. Indeed we’ve got a backlog of material, including a fascinating excerpt from a Times interview with Wayne Bulpitt, the Scout Chief Commissioner on the damage being done to the voluntary principle, a Gilbert and Sullivan spoof, new editions of CONCEPT and Youth & Policy and much more.

Contact Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com to book conference places or for any further information.

Hoping to see you soon. If not enjoy your Easter break, providing you get one!