A Breakfast Conversation in Didcot

On 29 April 2025, an influential group of education leaders, youth workers, and community advocates gathered at SOFEA in Didcot for the second of eight Breakfast Conversations being held across Oxfordshire. Hosted by Richard Kennell of SOFEA and chaired by High Sheriff John May, the morning was not about organisational flag-waving, but about honest dialogue and real listening — with young people at the heart.

The session was part of the High Sheriff's "Hearing the Young Unheard" initiative, aimed at surfacing the voices, challenges, and hopes of young people across the county.

Themes from the Morning

Several powerful themes emerged:

• Belonging and Disconnection: Young people long to belong — but too often find this belonging outside formal systems, in peer groups or online spaces that may fuel alienation and risk.

• Mental Health: Symptom or Cause? Rather than viewing poor mental health as an isolated issue, participants challenged us to address the deeper roots: poverty, housing insecurity, family breakdown, and lost opportunity.

• Early Disengagement from Education: Schools spoke of children entering secondary education already disconnected. Pandemic aftershocks continue to affect social skills, resilience, and the ability to engage.

• Hidden Young Carers: Many young people juggle responsibilities that remain invisible — especially in school environments that can unintentionally overlook them.

• Access to Opportunity: While activities exist, they are not always affordable, welcoming, or visible to all. Provision must be paired with genuine inclusion.

• The Power of the Arts: Creativity, physical expression, and performance were highlighted as vital, yet undervalued, avenues for helping young people build self-worth and connection.

• Place-Based Approaches: Didcot's needs are not identical to those of Abingdon or Wantage. A local, co-ordinated vision — one that spans schools, charities, police, and community groups — offers the best hope for lasting change.

Moving Forward: Our Collective Pledges

The real strength of the morning lay in its focus on action. Participants pledged to:

• Deepen collaboration between schools and local charities.

• Strengthen youth wellbeing initiatives like the Didcot Wellbeing Web.

• Advocate for better recognition and support for young carers.

• Build a more coordinated youth offer, including accessible spaces and arts opportunities.

• Pursue a place-based youth strategy tailored to Didcot's specific needs.

Each commitment, while modest on its own, contributes to a growing tapestry of collective action — exactly the kind of approach needed to create systemic change.

Closing Reflections

As High Sheriff John May reminded everyone in closing: no one organisation can fix everything. But a united community, fuelled by honesty, compassion, and shared purpose, can change the lives of the young unheard.

The next steps will see participants stay connected, build networks, and reconvene in March 2026 to reflect on progress. One breakfast conversation at a time, we are hearing — and acting upon — the voices that too often go unheard.