Leading children’s charity Barnardo’s has partnered with health and social care think tank, The King's Fund, for this year’s Children's Health Conference – an event which will unite leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and young people to explore how we can build a healthier future for children and young people.
Taking place on Tuesday 1 December 2026 at The King's Fund headquarters in London, the conference “Working together to raise the healthiest generation of children and young people: how do we build the village of today?” is co-produced with children and young people. The event will examine how a neighbourhood health service can strengthen connections between families, communities and services, creating more joined-up support for children and young people.
Children growing up in England face some of the poorest health outcomes in Europe, with those experiencing poverty significantly more likely to face poor health that can affect their opportunities and wellbeing throughout life.
The conference will bring together voices from across health, local government, education, the voluntary sector and wider society to consider what it takes to build a more connected system that supports all children to thrive. Throughout the day, children and young people will play an active role, sharing their experiences, challenging decision-makers and contributing to discussions about how services and communities can better support their health and wellbeing.
Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, said:
"Every child, regardless of their postcode or circumstances, should have the opportunity to grow up healthy, happy and able to thrive. Yet too many children are experiencing poorer health outcomes simply because of where they live or the challenges their families face.
"Improving children's health is not something any single organisation can achieve alone. It requires strong partnerships across health, education, local government, charities, communities and beyond. This conference is an opportunity to come together, share learning and explore how we can build a more connected system that gives every child the best possible start in life."
Lynn Perry, Chief Executive at Barnardo’s, said:
"Children and young people have told us clearly that they want services that work together, listen to them and respond to their needs. By bringing together professionals, policymakers, communities and young people themselves, this conference will help us explore practical ways to tackle inequalities and create healthier futures for children across the UK.
"At Barnardo's, we see every day the impact that poverty and unequal access to support can have on children's wellbeing. We must work collectively to ensure every child has the opportunity to be healthy, safe and hopeful about their future."
Registration for the event is now open via this link.