'Support and opportunities to thrive' - Everything you need to know about What About The Boys? conference

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has thrown his support behind a conference in Blackpool aimed at improving opportunities and outcomes for boys and young men.

The What About the Boys? 2026 conference, organised by United Youth Alliance in partnership with the Coastal Youth Alliance, will take place at the Village Hotel on November 19. The event will also see the launch of a new initiative - the Fylde Coast Boys Impact Hub, which aims to strengthen support for young men and encourage organisations to work more effectively together.

Now in its eighth year, the event has spent the past seven years bringing people together to listen to boys and young men, challenge assumptions and discuss the issues affecting their lives.

The hub will initially begin as a test-and-learn pilot in Wyre, co-designed with young men themselves. It will provide an opportunity to develop, test and evaluate new approaches alongside young people and the professionals who support them.

Organisers hope the findings will help establish a wider Fylde coast approach and contribute to the national Boys’ Impact Hub. The conference will bring together young men, youth workers, teachers, police, academics, health professionals, researchers and voluntary leaders to explore how young people's voices can influence decisions and services.

Frontline workers, educators, local authority staff, community safety teams, businesses and other organisations supporting young people are also being invited to attend.

Mr Webb said: “Every boy and young man in Blackpool deserves the support and opportunities to thrive. That’s why I’m looking forward to joining What About the Boys? 2026 here in Blackpool with United Youth Alliance. As Blackpool South’s MP, I’m keen to listen, learn and support the people working to give our young people the best possible start in life.”

The What About the Boys? 2026 conference takes place on November 19 at the Village Hotel, Blackpool. For more information, head to: https://uyacic.org/watb26/