Youth Focus North West - Training & Networks

At Youth Focus North West, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of young people across the region through the power and principles of youth work. We build partnerships, strengthen networks, provide training, and create meaningful opportunities for young people to have their voices heard and shape the decisions that affect them.

Our mission is to champion high-quality youth work, connect people and organisations, and open doors for collaboration that helps young people and communities thrive. By supporting effective practice and amplifying youth voice, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people across the North West.

We work closely with a wide range of partners — from local groups to national organisations — to enhance youth work practice and influence policy. Our initiatives enable young people to participate confidently in decision-making at local, regional, national and international levels. Together, we’re building a stronger, fairer region where young people are supported, skilled, and empowered to create positive change.

How would you rate your current knowledge and understanding of youth voice and participation?

How familiar are you with the Lundy Model of Youth Voice?

Is your organisation based in the Cheshire & Merseyside areas?

Thank you for booking on Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training Date: 28th January 2026Time: 10:00-16:00Venue: Basuto Suite, The National Waterways Museum, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4WFParking: Free parking onsite.Closest transport: Ellesmere port train station 20 minute walk.Please bring your own lunch but there is a cafe onsite for refreshments. If you have any questions, please contact the team: training@youthfocusnw.org

Synergy Project This training is being delivered as part of the Synergy Project.&nbsp;Synergy is a five year programme led by Youth Focus North West and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. If you’d like to find out more about the Synergy Project please get in touch. Please note that due to this funding places on this course are prioritised for professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas. What is this training about?This interactive, one day training explores how professionals can meaningfully involve children and young people in decision making. Using the internationally recognised Lundy Model of Participation as a framework, it focuses on moving from simply listening to genuine collaboration, ensuring young people’s voices shape the services and decisions that affect them. During the training you will learn how to create the space, voice, audience, and influence needed for meaningful participation. Who is the training for?Professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas working with or on behalf of children and young people, including those in education, youth work, local authorities, voluntary sector and community organisations who want to make participation more meaningful and inclusive. What will you get out of it?<ul><li>A clear understanding of children and young people’s rights</li><li>Practical tools and reflection opportunities to develop inclusive, participatory approaches</li><li>Greater confidence to move beyond tokenism and towards co-production</li><li>Insights into the methods and frameworks that underpins participation</li><li>Time to network and share best practice with others</li></ul> Why you should attendBecause listening isn’t enough, acting on what young people say changes outcomes.This training will help you make participation meaningful, measurable, and embedded in your organisation’s culture. Tea and Coffee will be provided - Please bring your own lunchFor more information about our training offer please contact training@youthfocusnw.org.ukPlease note a fee of £25 will be charged for an non-attendance

Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training, Ellesmere Port

River & Canal Trust

Thank you for booking your place to our Spotlight on Youth Work conference 2026! Date: 29th January 2026TimingsArrivals &amp; registration from 09.15amOpening &amp; welcome: 10:00amClose (Plenary): 3:45 – 4.00pmVenue: The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB.Parking is available onsite. We will be providing refreshments and lunch, please state on your form if you have any dietary requirements. If you have any questions, please email the team on: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk We look forward to seeing you in January

With the first <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-matters-your-national-youth-strategy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">National Youth Strategy</a> in 15 years now launched, setting out an ambitious plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade, there has never been a more important moment for the sector to come together.&nbsp;The Spotlight on Youth Work Conference 2026 is a day of connection, learning, and celebration for those working with or for young people in the North West.&nbsp; In partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Youth, and the National Youth Agency (NYA), we’re proud to host the North West National Youth Strategy Roadshow as part of this year’s conference. This will be your chance to:<ul><li>Hear directly from DCMS about the Strategy.</li><li>Explore what the Strategy means in practice with national partners.</li><li>Consider with colleagues what it means for young people across the region.</li><li>Understand the implications for your organisation, workforce, and local systems.</li><li>Shape early conversations about implementation across the North West.</li></ul> Alongside the roadshow, we’re excited to share a programme of interactive workshops that bring the Strategy to life, including:<ul><li>Power in Play: Engaging Young People in Democracy – delivered by The Politics Project and Youth Focus North West.</li><li>Partnerships in Practice – with Young People’s Foundation Trust and Young Manchester.</li><li>Transforming the Youth Work Offer – facilitated by the National Youth Agency.</li><li>Funding Futures: Funding Led by Young People – with young people sharing their lived experience.</li><li>Youth Work Development: Strengthening the Workforce – exploring training pathways, supervision, and future‑ready practice.</li></ul><a href="https://youthfocusnw.org.uk/home/spotlightonyouthwork#agenda" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">You can find full workshop details on our website.</a> Why attend? This conference is your opportunity to:<ul><li>Be among the first in the region to explore the National Youth Strategy.</li><li>Connect with national leaders, regional partners, and frontline practitioners.</li><li>Gain practical tools you can take straight back to your teams.</li><li>Join conversations shaping the future of youth provision in the North West.</li><li>Celebrate and learn from the powerful work already happening across our region.</li></ul> This event is designed for everyone working with or for young people, including youth workers, volunteers, commissioners, educators, health and care professionals, public sector colleagues, allied services and wider partners. TimingsArrivals &amp; registration from 09.15amOpening &amp; welcome: 10:00amClose (Plenary): 3:45 – 4.00pmIf you have any questions or queries please contact&nbsp;training@youthfocusnw.org.uk

The Edge 

Is your organisation based in Cheshire or Merseyside?

Thank you for booking on to Lundy Model Training Date: 12th February 2026 Time: 10:00-16:00Venue: Youth Focus North West HQ, St Michaels Road, Sutton Manor, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4YU. Dress comfortably for fluctuating temperatures.Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, we have fridges to store food on site. If you have any allergies please ensure you have noted this on your booking form or contact the team directly.Car Parking: Parking is onsite but limited, please ensure you arrive on time to park onsite. If you require a disabled space, please contact: training@youthfocusnw.org.ukClosest train station: Lea Green (30 minute walk) If you have any other questions, please contact the training team via email: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk or call the office: 01744 810 838. We are looking forward to welcoming you.

Synergy ProjectThis training is being delivered as part of the Synergy Project.&nbsp;Synergy is a five year programme led by Youth Focus North West and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. If you’d like to find out more about the Synergy Project please get in touch. Please note that due to this funding places on this course are prioritised for professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas. What is this training about?This interactive, one day training explores how professionals can meaningfully involve children and young people in decision making. Using the internationally recognised Lundy Model of Participation as a framework, it focuses on moving from simply listening to genuine collaboration, ensuring young people’s voices shape the services and decisions that affect them. During the training you will learn how to create the space, voice, audience, and influence needed for meaningful participation. Who is the training for?Professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas working with or on behalf of children and young people, including those in education, youth work, local authorities, voluntary sector and community organisations who want to make participation more meaningful and inclusive. What will you get out of it?<ul><li>A clear understanding of children and young people’s rights</li><li>Practical tools and reflection opportunities to develop inclusive, participatory approaches</li><li>Greater confidence to move beyond tokenism and towards co-production</li><li>Insights into the methods and frameworks that underpins participation</li><li>Time to network and share best practice with other</li><li> </li></ul>Why you should attendBecause listening isn’t enough, acting on what young people say changes outcomes.This training will help you make participation meaningful, measurable, and embedded in your organisation’s culture. Tea and Coffee will be provided - Please bring your own lunchFor more information about our training offer please contact training@youthfocusnw.org.ukPlease note a fee of £25 will be charged for an non-attendance

Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training - St Helens

Youth Focus North West

Is your organisation based in either Cheshire or Merseyside?

Thank you for booking on to Lundy Model Training Date: 25th February 2026Time: 10:00-16:00Venue: YMCA Crewe, 189 Gresty Rd, CW2 6EL Dress comfortably for fluctuating temperatures.Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, we have fridges to store food on site. If you have any allergies please ensure you have noted this on your booking form or contact the team directly.Car Parking: South Street Car Park, South St, Crewe CW2 6HL (7 min walk)Closest train station: Crewe Railway station (12 min walk) If you have any other questions, please contact the training team via email: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk or call the office: 01744 810 838. We are looking forward to welcoming you.

Synergy ProjectThis training is being delivered as part of the Synergy Project.&nbsp;Synergy is a five year programme led by Youth Focus North West and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. If you’d like to find out more about the Synergy Project please get in touch. Please note that due to this funding places on this course are prioritised for professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas. What is this training about?This interactive, one day training explores how professionals can meaningfully involve children and young people in decision making. Using the internationally recognised Lundy Model of Participation as a framework, it focuses on moving from simply listening to genuine collaboration, ensuring young people’s voices shape the services and decisions that affect them. During the training you will learn how to create the space, voice, audience, and influence needed for meaningful participation. Who is the training for?Professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas working with or on behalf of children and young people, including those in education, youth work, local authorities, voluntary sector and community organisations who want to make participation more meaningful and inclusive. What will you get out of it?<ul><li>A clear understanding of children and young people’s rights</li><li>Practical tools and reflection opportunities to develop inclusive, participatory approaches</li><li>Greater confidence to move beyond tokenism and towards co-production</li><li>Insights into the methods and frameworks that underpins participation</li><li>Time to network and share best practice with other</li><li> </li></ul>Why you should attendBecause listening isn’t enough, acting on what young people say changes outcomes.This training will help you make participation meaningful, measurable, and embedded in your organisation’s culture. Tea and Coffee will be provided - Please bring your own lunchFor more information about our training offer please contact training@youthfocusnw.org.ukPlease note a fee of £25 will be charged for an non-attendance

Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training- Crewe

YMCA Crewe

Thank you for booking on to Lundy Model Training Date: 19th March 2026Time: 10:00-16:00Venue: YMCA Crewe, 189 Gresty Rd, CW2 6EL Dress comfortably for fluctuating temperatures.Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, we have fridges to store food on site. If you have any allergies please ensure you have noted this on your booking form or contact the team directly.Car Parking: South Street Car Park, South St, Crewe CW2 6HL (7 min walk)Closest train station: Crewe Railway station (12 min walk) If you have any other questions, please contact the training team via email: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk or call the office: 01744 810 838.

Synergy ProjectThis training is being delivered as part of the Synergy Project.&nbsp;Synergy is a five year programme led by Youth Focus North West and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. If you’d like to find out more about the Synergy Project please get in touch. Please note that due to this funding places on this course are prioritised for professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas. What is this training about?This interactive, one day training explores how professionals can meaningfully involve children and young people in decision making. Using the internationally recognised Lundy Model of Participation as a framework, it focuses on moving from simply listening to genuine collaboration, ensuring young people’s voices shape the services and decisions that affect them. During the training you will learn how to create the space, voice, audience, and influence needed for meaningful participation. Who is the training for?Professionals based in the Cheshire &amp; Merseyside areas working with or on behalf of children and young people, including those in education, youth work, local authorities, voluntary sector and community organisations who want to make participation more meaningful and inclusive. What will you get out of it?<ul><li>A clear understanding of children and young people’s rights</li><li>Practical tools and reflection opportunities to develop inclusive, participatory approaches</li><li>Greater confidence to move beyond tokenism and towards co-production</li><li>Insights into the methods and frameworks that underpins participation</li><li>Time to network and share best practice with other</li><li> </li></ul>Why you should attendBecause listening isn’t enough, acting on what young people say changes outcomes.This training will help you make participation meaningful, measurable, and embedded in your organisation’s culture. Tea and Coffee will be provided - Please bring your own lunchFor more information about our training offer please contact training@youthfocusnw.org.ukPlease note a fee of £25 will be charged for an non-attendance

Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training March 2026- Crewe

Have you completed Youth Focus North West's Introduction: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training? 

Thank you for booking on to Lundy Model Training Date: 25th March 2026Time: 10:00-16:00. Please arrive for 09:30 to start on time.Venue: River &amp; Canal Trust, S Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW Dress comfortably for fluctuating temperatures.Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, we have fridges to store food on site. If you have any allergies please ensure you have noted this on your booking form or contact the team directly.Car Parking: Onsite If you have any other questions, please contact the training team via email: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk or call the office: 01744 810 838.

Next Steps: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training This advanced, one day training builds on our ‘Introduction: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training’, supporting professionals to move from understanding the framework to embedding it in practice.&nbsp; The Lundy Model of Participation, based on the four key concepts of Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence, has been adopted by national and international organisations, agencies, and governments to transform how children and young people’s rights are understood and acted upon. ‘Next Steps: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training’ is designed for those who have already completed our ‘Introduction: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training’ and are ready to take their learning further. If you haven’t attended the introductory session yet, please book onto that first before joining this course. <h3>Why this training matters</h3> Delivered as part of Synergy, a five-year programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, this course connects your learning to a network strengthening youth voice across the North West. Next Steps focuses on practical application, organisational reflection, and overcoming barriers to embedding participation.&nbsp; Who is it for? Professionals working with or on behalf of children and young people, including those in education, youth work, local authorities, voluntary sector, and community organisations, who have completed Youth Focus North West’s (YFNW) ‘Introduction: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training’ and want to take their practice further. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, places on this course will be prioritised for colleagues in Cheshire, Merseyside, and the Wirral in 2026. Practitioners from other areas are also welcome, and if spaces are available, we’d be glad to have you join us. What you will get out of the day<ul><li>Practical tools to embed the Lundy Model in your project, service, or organisation.</li><li>Insights into enabling factors, barriers, and challenges to embedding participation.</li><li>Opportunities to reflect on your practice individually and at an organisational level.</li><li>Insights from case studies where the Lundy Model has been implemented.</li></ul> Why you should joinThis training will help you move from theory to practice, ensuring children and young people’s voices are not only heard but acted upon in meaningful ways. Professor Laura Lundy’s endorsement“Training provides an essential foundation to developing strategy and delivery around children’s voice and participation work. I am delighted that Youth Focus North West has taken the challenge set by voice workers from across England and developed training based on my model and it’s even better to hear that they are training both the workforce and young people on the Lundy Model.” Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.For more information about our training, email: training@youthfocusnw.org.uk. Please note: a £25 fee will be charged for non-attendance.

Next Steps: Lundy Model and Youth Participation Training, Ellesmere port