Our training and resources

SaFest

Safest 2026: From Risk to Resilience

Eight Leading Voices. One Powerful Conversation About the Challenges Facing Our Children and Young People Today.

Join us for a powerful and engaging conference focused on strengthening safeguarding practices, and building resilience in our children and young people – both offline and in the digital world.

  • Wednesday 11 November 2026
  • 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Buckfast Abbey, Devon

Book your place in SaFest through the Devon Education Services website.

Meet the speakers

Dan Barton

Chief Executive Officer – SPACE Youth Services

Belonging: Its place in the safeguarding conversation

Explaining why belonging matters, the importance of trusted adults and how relationship-based approaches help young people stay safe.

 

Amit Kalley

Founder for Working Parents

Navigating the digital world

Understanding social media, gaming, AI, online exploitation and emerging risks affecting young people today.

 

Chloe Gibson-Blackie

Prevention Officer – National Prevention Programme

Language matters

How the language professionals use influence safeguarding outcomes and either reduce or increase vulnerability.

 

Professor Sophie Hill-King

Associate Professor and Author

Reframing masculinity for young men and boys.

Explaining identity, online influences and youth voice to support healthier conversations.

 

Dr Bartosz Zaniewski

Lecturer in Social Work – University of Plymouth

Masking vulnerability, seeking connection

Examining how young men develop unique coping strategies to navigate their identity.

 

Joshua Chisling

County Lines experience, care experienced, lived in every corner of England

Lived experience spotlight

 

Speaker TBC

Out of the shadows

Devon’s developing response to Adult Sexual Exploitation.

 

John James

Service Manager for Devon Youth Justice Service and Links

Beyond the offence: understanding children in Youth Justice

Our focus

Exploring how we move on from Identifying Risk to Building Resilience.

Together we will:

  • Strengthen Early Intervention approaches
  • Address online harms and digital safeguarding
  • Empower communities to protect and support young people