What happens when parents, young people and professionals are finally given the opportunity to sit in the same space, hear each other’s experiences and challenge some of the assumptions that can get in the way of effective support?

That is the conversation Afrikindness hopes to create this autumn through APIC2026 – the Afrikindness Parenting & Inclusion Conference.

Taking place across a series of events in October and November, APIC2026 will bring together parents, young people, charities, service providers, educators, health and social care professionals, community and faith leaders and civic representatives from across Leeds, Bradford and wider West Yorkshire.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Assumptions 2.0: Reimagining Parenting, Youth Voice & Professional Practice,”reflects a growing need for families and professionals to understand one another better.

The main conference takes place on Saturday 24 October at Bridge Community Church Conference Hall in Leeds, with discussions covering safeguarding and parental rights, SEND and neurodiversity, mental health, culturally responsive practice, complex parenting experiences and youth voice.

Up to 50 speakers and contributors  are expected to take part, including local civic and community leaders, practitioners, service providers and people bringing lived experience directly into the conversation.

But APIC2026 is not only for parents.

Running alongside the conference will be a dedicated Youth Employability Workshop for ages 15–21, helping young people build practical skills in CV writing, interviews, LinkedIn, career planning, AI and digital literacy, communication and personal branding.

Further Programme Events

The programme continues with an Exhibition & Business Roadshow on 28 October, giving families and communities an opportunity to meet organisations, services and businesses supporting people across the region.

The final event is an Online Neurodiversity Summit on 7 November, exploring autism, ADHD, diagnosis and support pathways, stigma and practical approaches to supporting neurodivergent people and their families.

Afrikindness is particularly encouraging voluntary and community organisations, schools, health and social care services, SEND professionals, youth organisations and family-support providers to take part.

For organisations, APIC2026 offers an opportunity not only to share expertise, but to hear directly from the families and young people their services are designed to support.

For parents, it is a chance to ask questions, access information and connect with people who understand some of the challenges they may be navigating.

And for young people, it is an opportunity to ensure their voices and futures remain at the heart of the conversation.

APIC2026 is open to families, organisations and professionals from across Leeds, Bradford and wider West Yorkshire.

If you work with families, support young people, provide community services — or simply believe that better outcomes begin with better understanding — join the conversation.

Register now for APIC2026:
https://afrikindnessconference.org/

Organisations and Service providers – To exhibit, complete the form here:-https://afrikindnessconference.org/apic2026-exhibition-community-showcase/

Young People, find out more and register here:
https://afrikindnessconference.org/youth-employability-workshop/

Conference Sponsors:-

Nudge Education Limited

The National Lottery Community Fund

AFRIKINDNESS

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