The First Big Conversation – Thame

On 15 April, we held the first in a series of High Sheriff’s Big Conversations—a countywide programme of early morning gatherings designed to listen to the needs of young people and the adults who support them. This first conversation took place in the historic Thame Town Hall, thanks to the kind support of Thame Town Council.

Hosted by Linda Newton of Thame Youth Projects, the conversation brought together a thoughtful and committed group of people: educators, councillors, local employers, youth workers, volunteers and community leaders. What united them all was a desire to better understand the challenges facing young people today—and to identify practical, hopeful responses.

Listening Carefully

The meeting was deeply respectful—of young people, and of each other. There was space to speak candidly, to challenge assumptions, and to explore shared responsibilities. Together, we surfaced four key themes:

1. Mental Health and Social Isolation
Young people in Thame are experiencing increasing anxiety, school avoidance, and loneliness. The effects of post-COVID trauma are still very real, with many young people lacking safe spaces and consistent emotional support.

2. Digital Pressure
Concerns were raised about the pervasive influence of smartphones and social media—creating a 24/7 pressure that can erode confidence and wellbeing, and expose children to harmful or confusing content far too early.

3. Pressures on Schools and Youth Services
Schools are working hard but are stretched. They’re managing rising behaviour and attendance issues with limited resources. Similarly, volunteer-led youth organisations need more access to training and sustained funding to meet growing need.

4. Transition to Employment
Employers spoke about the gap between education and work. Some young people are arriving unprepared—having missed out on key experiences during the pandemic, including work placements and contact with adult role models.

Turning Talk Into Action

This was not just a discussion for discussion’s sake. It was action-focused, and forward-looking. At the close of the meeting, participants made specific pledges—both personal and organisational—to make a difference:

• Creating sessions in local schools on digital safety and emotional resilience.

• Working together to co-design activities in Thame’s proposed new youth centre.

• Supporting work experience and employability initiatives like CV writing and mock interviews.

• Reconnecting local employers with schools through human-centred storytelling.

• Expanding access to trauma-informed training and safeguarding resources for volunteers.

• Reaching out to young people who are disengaged or at risk of falling through the cracks.

These are not small promises. They reflect a shared commitment to tangible, collaborative change.

What’s Next

A summary of all pledges has been shared with attendees, who are now forming smaller groups to continue the conversation locally. We’ll come together again at a countywide event in March 2026 to reflect on what’s been achieved.

A Word of Thanks

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who took part—especially to Linda and Thame Youth Projects for convening the meeting, and Thame Town Council for their generous hospitality in hosting us at Thame Town Hall.

The conversation reminded us that progress comes not from grand gestures, but from thoughtful dialogue, mutual respect, and the steady resolve to make things better.

This was just the beginning. Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep acting. Let’s keep hearing the young unheard.