Inspirational national and local speakers share learning at third annual Thrive Hull conference

The Thrive Hull Partnership, led by Hull City Council and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), works with over 80 organisations, services and projects across health, care, education and voluntary services. This includes 101 schools and colleges in Hull as part of a collaborative approach to tackling health inequalities and to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of Hull’s young people.

This year the Thrive Hull conference is themed around “lived experience” with its keynote speakers recounting key moments in their lives, sharing this learning with frontline services and professionals working with children, young people and families. The event takes place tomorrow, 16 October 2024, at the Hull Truck Theatre and Albemarle Centre.

Alex Beresford is a familiar face on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Evening News. He produced ITV Tonight’s Knife Crime and Me and delivers inspirational talks to young people across the country. Alex’s passion to inspire the next generation led to him being selected as a National Black Role Model in 2008 by the Government’s Reach Role Model Programme. Alex will be interviewed on stage by local youth volunteer Ryan Laybourne on his life, career and his own role models.

Gemma Oaten¬ speaks passionately about the importance of early identification and support for young people with eating disorders: “As someone who has had lived experience of an eating disorder and now runs a Hull based charity, the Thrive conference is one that is close to my heart.

“The voluntary sector is a lifeline for so many, more so in Hull where young people struggle more and more to access the services they desperately need. I am looking forward to not just sharing my story, but that of the work SEED does with young people in schools with our Eating Disorder Educational Toolkit resource and more. It matters”

Jamal Choudhury, from The Peel Project CIC, Hull's pioneering BAME-led youth and community organisation, will talk about the founding of The Peel Project and its impactful work with disadvantaged and underserved communities.

Writer, blogger, podcast host and founder of Born at the Right Time, Rachel Wright, will also speak on how professionals interact with parents.

Other conference themes include:

• Flipping the Lid, dealing with your child’s behaviour
• Dealing with traumatic events and impact on young people, friends and families
• Violence against women and girls
• How to support young people with bereavement
• Racism and impact on emotional wellbeing and mental health

Erica Daley, Hull Place Director, Humber and North Yorkshire ICB said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the Thrive Partnership here in Hull. Over the past few years, it has focused on empowering young people and bringing together healthcare, education, social care, and the voluntary sector to address their mental health and wellbeing needs.

“Each year, the Thrive Conference gathers a diverse range of professionals and speakers, all united by their passion for improving the lives of children and adolescents in the city, providing valuable insights and sharing innovative approaches to support their growth and wellbeing.”

Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, said: 

“The Thrive conference will bring together the vast network of children’s support services, but most importantly, it’s a chance for us all to learn from the lived experiences of children and young people in Hull.”

For further information please contact Joanna Coulthurst at Joanna.coulthurst@hullcc.gov.uk  or hnyicb.communications@nhs.net