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Kids Inspire’s Conference

Trauma and neurodiversity conference 

Wednesday 14 January 2026, 9am-4:30pm

at Jobserve Community Stadium, Colchester

Are you a teacher, SENCO, social worker, therapist or someone working with children and young people?  Are you passionate about making a real difference for children who are dealing with trauma and/or a neurodivergent diagnosis?

Then our one-day in person conference in Essex, in partnership with Inspire Wellbeing Services, is for you. It offers expert-led keynotes, hands-on workshops, and actionable insights – all designed to equip you with practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and those experiencing trauma. Join us and invest in knowledge that makes a real impact.

Save £25 with Early Bird tickets!

Get your ticket for £150 until 30 September
(Standard price £175)

Why attend?

Expert insights

Hear from two inspiring keynote speakers who are internationally recognised for their work in trauma and neurodivergence.

  • Kieran Rose, the Autistic Advocate Author, trainer, expert in Autistic Masking, Autistic Burnout and improving the lives of Autistic people.

  • Sue Bell OBE DL, Chief Executive and Clinical Director of Kids Inspire and Inspire Wellbeing Services. She is an integrative arts child and adolescent Psychotherapist and Relational Somatic Psychotherapist (UKCP)

Practical workshops


Take part in hands-on, interactive sessions including:

  • Neurodivergent burnout: how to recognise, manage and support

  • Non-verbal communication through small world play

  • R & R – regulate to relate: embodied self-regulation to help professionals

  • Understanding sleep in neurodivergent children: an experiential approach

  • Welcoming neurodivergent culture and communication – creating nurturing spaces

A child and therapist on the swings together, with the child talking and the therapist listening. The sun us shining, the leaves are coming out and you can see a couple of houses and a park in the background

Meaningful connections

Meet like-minded professionals, share experiences, and grow your support network in a warm, welcoming space. 

You’ll come away with:

  • a better understanding of the hidden signs of distress in children who mask

  • a stronger grasp of neuro-affirmative language and why it matters

  • confidence in trauma-informed, child-centred support strategies

  • tools you can use to support not just the child, but also their parents and school teams

Whether you’re already working in a trauma-informed way or just starting your journey, this day will leave you feeling energised, empowered, and better equipped to support children and young people.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets! Be a part of this important conversation.

FAQs

We’ve answered all the questions we get asked the most about our conference – from parking and hotels to who it’s for and what you’ll learn. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just get in touch – we’re here to help.

  • By train:
    The closest train station for the JobServe Community Stadium is the Colchester Station, which is on the mainline between London and Norwich.

    It is a forty-five minute walk from the station to the stadium via Mile End Road, Nayland Road and Boxted Road, or you could catch a Park and Ride bus (check the timetable before travelling), which will get you to within a 10 minute walk of the stadium.

    By car:
    We recommend using JobServe Community Stadium in your Sat Nav to bring you directly to the stadium as they share their postcode with several other businesses.

    You can also use their what3words location which is ///scrubber.isolating.escaping for the entrance to reception.
    The stadium is served by the A12, easily accessible from Junction 28.

    FROM THE SOUTH (IPSIWCH-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY) - To access the stadium from the south, turn off at Junction 28, turning right at the first roundabout. Go across the bridge and then go straight over the second roundabout, before turning right on to United Way from the third roundabout. You are now at the stadium.

    FROM THE NORTH (LONDON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY) - To access the stadium from the north, turn off at Junction 28, turning left at the first roundabout. Turn right on to United Way from the second roundabout. You are now at the stadium.

    Access to the stadium in a vehicle is only via United Way - there is a barrier blocking access from Boxted Road.

    Use postcode CO4 5UP for sat nav directions. Full address: JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

  • Yes. On-site parking is available free of charge. You need to register your number plate on arrival at the main Jobserve Community Stadium reception. This is located on the ground floor entrance.

  • · Travelodge Northern Gateway (closest to the stadium)
    https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/701/Colchester-Northern-Gateway-hotel
    tel: 08719 846595

    · Dragon Fly Hotel Colchester
    https://www.suryahotels.co.uk/dragonflycolchester/
    tel: 01206 230900

    · The George Colchester
    www.colchestergeorgehotel.co.uk
    tel: 01206 578494

    · Best Western The Rose and Crown Hotel
    www.roseandcrowncolchester.co.uk
    tel: 0333 003 5266

    · Marks Tey Hotel
    www.marksteyhotel.co.uk
    tel: 01206 210001

    · Holiday Inn Colchester
    https://www.hicolchesterhotel.co.uk/
    tel: 0333 320 9326

    ·  The Riverside Hotel
    www.colchesterhotel.co.uk
    tel: 01206 5000200

    · Premier Inn Colchester (A12) Hotel
    https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/essex/colchester/colchester-a12.html
    tel: 0333 777 4623

    · Premier Inn Colchester Town Centre (Castle) Hotel
    https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/essex/colchester/colchester-town-centre-castle.html
    tel: 0333 777 4619

  • This conference is for anyone working with children and young people who have experienced trauma and are neurodiverse. That includes:

    • Charity and voluntary sector workers supporting children and families

    • Early years practitioners

    • Foster carers and residential care staff

    • SENCOs and pastoral staff

    • Social workers

    • Teachers and teaching assistants

    • Therapists and counsellors

    • Youth workers

    If you support children or young people in any capacity, you are very welcome to attend.

  • You will:

    • Gain insights into trauma-informed approaches for neurodivergent children and young people

    • Hear from experts and practitioners about practical strategies you can use in your setting

    • Learn about the latest research and understanding in this field

    • Have opportunities to network with professionals from across education, social care, and health

    • Leave with ideas and resources to better support the children and young people you work with

  • The conference will still be relevant if you work in management, policy, commissioning, or support services relating to children’s mental health, trauma, and neurodiversity. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of children and young people, and the practice approaches making a difference.

  • No prior specialist knowledge is needed. The conference is designed to be accessible, practical, and inclusive, whether you are just starting out in this area or looking to deepen your understanding.

  • Yes. Jobserve Community Stadium is fully accessible, with:

    • Step-free access throughout

    • Accessible toilets

    If you have specific access needs, please let us know when registering or email communications@kidsinspire.org.uk

  • Your ticket includes:

    • Access to all keynotes and two workshops (to be selected from the ten)

    • Refreshments throughout the day

    • Lunch

    • Access to presentation slides post-conference (where speakers agree to share them)

  • Yes. Tea, coffee, and water will be available throughout the day, along with a buffet lunch. Please let us know any dietary requirements when registering.

  • Full refunds are available up to 14 days before the event. After that, tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to a colleague. Please email us to arrange this.

  • Yes. If you can no longer attend, please email communications@kidsinspire.org.uk with the name and email address of the person taking your place.

  • Please email communications@kidsinspire.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.