This year’s conference will bring together practitioners, academics, pioneering projects and policy leaders to explore the future of mental health and wellbeing support for young people, share learning from across Scotland and help shape a stronger national response. The call for workshops and articles is open until 17 July 2026.
To book your place please email your name and organisation to conference@youthlink.scot.
Across Scotland, young people are facing increasing pressures affecting their mental health and wellbeing. Poverty, inequality, loneliness, trauma, digital pressures, family stress and uncertainty continue to shape young people’s lives and communities.
Youth work plays a vital role in responding early – building trusted relationships, creating safe spaces, strengthening resilience and supporting young people before challenges escalate. Through informal education, participation and community connection, youth work is a key part of prevention and early intervention.
As the needs of young people continue to evolve, so too does the role of youth workers. Increasingly, youth workers are supporting young people experiencing anxiety, distress, trauma and isolation, often while working alongside health, education and other services in more integrated and preventative ways. This changing landscape is reshaping practice, partnerships and the skills needed across the sector.
At the same time, innovative projects are emerging across Scotland, bringing together youth work, health, education, local government and community organisations in new ways. There is growing recognition from researchers, policy makers and public services of the value of relationship-based, preventative approaches that improve outcomes for young people and communities.
This conference will bring together practitioners, academics, pioneering projects and policy leaders to explore the future of mental health and wellbeing support for young people, share learning from across Scotland and help shape a stronger national response.
The event will also provide an excellent opportunity for continuing professional development (CPD), networking and cross-sector collaboration, with delegates hearing directly from leading practitioners, researchers, academics and policy makers.
