CoramBAAF Annual Health Conference 2026: Understanding and improving the mental health of care experienced children and young people
Book now to join us on 22 June 2026 at Conference Aston, Aston Street, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET
The annual health conference is a key event in the calendars of health and social care professionals working with children in care, adopted children, care leavers, or their carers and parents. It is a conference that brings together practice and ideas that are current, relevant to you, and which matter.
Children and young people often describe access to mental health support as a “maze” or a “game of chance”. We will explore why this happens, drawing on leading research across health, social care, and therapeutic services. You will leave with strategies to develop your practice and a clearer understanding of how to improve mental health outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
Last year’s conference sold out, and we strongly recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
What you'll learn
- Recognise and respond to mental health needs with confidence: Learn how to identify when a child or young person needs support, and how to respond to distress, including handling disclosures of self-harm in a safe and appropriate way.
- Choose the right support and referral options: Understand the services available and how to access them, so you can make informed decisions and ensure children and young people get the right help at the right time.
- Work effectively with families and professionals: Build skills to support parents, carers, and colleagues, helping you provide joined-up care that improves mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Programme
CHAIR
Dr Rachel Bower, Consultant Community Paediatrician in the East of England,
Chair, CoramBAAF Health Group
KEYNOTE
Dr Rachel Hiller, Professor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, University College London and Co-Director, UK Trauma Council
PROGRAMME
9.30am – 10:00am | Registration
Check in with our team, say hello to colleagues and have a tea or coffee
10:00am | Welcome
Keynote address: Bridging research and practice to meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of care-experienced young people
Dr Rachel Hiller, Professor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, University College London and Co-Director, UK Trauma Council
Psychological wellbeing and mental health support needs of CYPSAR: Findings from the Aegis project
Dr Sophie Esnouf, Clinical Academic Fellow at UCLH within the NIHR-funded AEGIS project
Dr Maria Marcolin, Medical doctor, Public health researcher, Project AEGIS at UCLH
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Refreshment break - networking
Refreshments in the reception area and you can browse posters and stands
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Online harms and preventing suicide
Kate Edwards, Head of Education and Support, Molly Rose Foundation
Workshops round one
Delegates will attend the first of their workshops
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LUNCH
Food and refreshments will be available in the reception area. This will be another opportunity to browse the posters and stands
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Workshops round two
Delegates will attend their second workshops
40 years of getting to grips with the Maze of A s
Ellie Johnson, Health Consultant CoramBAAF with invited guests
4:00pm | CLOSE
Opportunity for networking
FEES
Full or associate CoramBAAF member £230 + £46.00 VAT - Total £276.00
Individual CoramBAAF member £195.00 + £39.00 VAT - Total £234.00
Non-member £320+ £64 VAT - Total £384.00
CONTACT
Telephone: 0207 520 7520 / 0310
Email: events@corambaaf.org.uk
£320.00