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Business. Education. Communities. Young people. One conversation focused on action. 

Across the UK, more than one million young people aged 16–24 are not in education, employment or training (NEET). For neurodivergent young people and those with additional needs, the barriers to taking their next step can be even greater. 

The challenge is national – but meaningful change starts in our own communities. 

Hosted by Petty Pool, Where Possible Happens 2026 will bring together employers, educators, local authorities, policymakers, training providers, community organisations and young people to explore how we can create better pathways into education, training and employment. 

We’ll hear directly from young people, explore how earlier intervention can prevent disengagement, look at what genuinely inclusive employment means in practice and share practical approaches that can create real opportunities. 

Most importantly, we’ll ask: What can we – and our organisations – do next? 

 

Why Attend? 

Hear directly from young people:

  • Put lived experience at the heart of the conversation and hear what young people want employers, educators and decision-makers to understand. 

Understand the challenge:

  • Explore what is driving disengagement from education and employment and what the national picture means for our region. 

Discover practical solutions:

  • Hear what’s working across education, employment, public services and communities – and what we can learn from it. 

Make new connections:

  • Meet people from across sectors who share a commitment to creating better opportunities for young people. 

Take action:

  • Leave with new ideas, new connections and a clearer sense of what you – and your organisation – can do next. 

 

Who Should Attend? 

Where Possible Happens is for anyone with a role to play in improving opportunities and outcomes for young people, including employers and business leaders; education and SEND professionals; local authorities and commissioners; careers, employment and skills professionals; training providers; health and social care partners; policymakers; and voluntary and community organisations. 

Whether you can offer employment, work experience, mentoring, expertise, influence – or simply open a door – you have a part to play. 

A quiet space will be available throughout the day for anyone who would benefit from time away from the main conference environment. 

 

 

Get Your Tickets 

Spaces will be limited, so join us for a day focused on turning conversation into meaningful action for young people across our region.

Connect with employers, educators, policymakers and community partners, hear directly from young people, and discover practical ways you and your organisation can help create more inclusive pathways into education, training and employment.

Be part of the region’s response. Together, we can turn possibility into opportunity.

 

Meet Our Speakers 

We’re bringing together voices from education, employment, public services, youth work and the community – alongside young people and people with lived experience. 

Oly Newton – Founder, LightsOnXP | Headline Speaker 

Oly Newton is a lived-experience speaker and mental health advocate who has shared his story with more than 100,000 people worldwide. Through LightsOnXP, he works with schools, communities and organisations including Microsoft, Burberry, GSK and Virgin Media to create lasting, measurable change. 

Eve H – Founder, Let’s Make a Difference 

After being told at school that her Autism and Selective Mutism would hold her back, Eve H turned those expectations into motivation. Today, her Let’s Make A Difference platform reaches more than one million people, and she uses SSE and BSL to champion inclusion, accessibility and positive change. 

Dan Price – Cheshire & Warrington Labour and Co-op Mayoral Candidate

Dan Price was elected Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner in 2024 following more than a decade in public office. A strong advocate for prevention and early intervention, Dan is focused on creating thriving communities and ensuring local voices are part of shaping solutions. 

 

Lisa Edge – Founder & CEO, GB Shared 

Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award winner Lisa Edge is the Founder and CEO of GB Shared. Drawing on her own lived experience and a 20-year career in education and employer engagement, Lisa is passionate about making opportunities visible and accessible to young people, regardless of their background or starting point. 

 

Professor Sue O’Brien – Head of the Chester School of Education, University of Chester 

Professor Sue O’Brien has extensive experience in teacher education, educational leadership and partnership working. Through her research, teaching and leadership, Sue advocates for equitable opportunities that improve outcomes and life chances for children and young people. 

Stuart Manifould – CEO, The Dome Youth Zone 

Stuart Manifould is CEO of The Dome Youth Zone in Crewe and a Commissioner for the Boys’ Education Commission. With more than 20 years’ experience across youth work, education, sport and community development, he is passionate about creating opportunities that help young people realise their potential.

 

Keren Coney – University of Derby
Keren Coney is a Lecturer in Career Development at the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS), University of Derby, with more than 20 years’ experience as a careers practitioner across schools, further and higher education and adult guidance. Her work focuses on inclusion, social justice and improving career and employment outcomes for disabled and neurodivergent people. Keren’s PhD research explores how autistic students can be better supported to prepare for the workplace, developing a co-creation model for inclusive careers provision that has since been adopted locally and nationally. She also chairs the Disabled Student Commitment’s Transitions to Employment sub-group.

Joanna Moonin – Director of Strategic Partnerships and System Change, Youth Employment UK 

Joanna brings extensive experience across schools, qualifications, further education, apprenticeships and the national skills system. She is passionate about learning and skills and their lifelong importance, bringing a valuable system-wide perspective to conversations about education, training and employment. 

 

Suzie Henderson – Storyhouse 

Suzie Henderson is Creative Director at Storyhouse, leading its artistic programme alongside engagement, community, festivals and talent development. With extensive experience in socially engaged arts, youth leadership and co-creation, Suzie has worked nationally and internationally to amplify underrepresented voices and create opportunities with young people and communities. She is particularly interested in the civic role of arts organisations and the power of creativity to drive social change.

Josh Robhes – WeMindTheGap
 
Joshua Robhes is Director of Operations at WeMindTheGap, overseeing operations across Cheshire and North Wales and working closely with employer partners and wider stakeholders. With a background in organisational development and digital transformation, Josh has spent more than a decade helping organisations develop their people and ways of working. At WeMindTheGap, he brings that experience to creating consistent, long-term support for young people as they navigate their next steps.
Jamie Christon – Chester Zoo 
 
Jamie Christon is Chief Executive Officer of Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s largest visitor attractions and a major regional employer. He joined the zoo in 2013 and became CEO in 2021, following a career spanning retail, aviation and transport. Jamie brings extensive leadership experience and an employer perspective to discussions around developing talent, inclusive workplaces and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

 

Sally Garratt – Chief Executive Officer, Petty Pool 

Sally Garratt has more than 20 years’ experience across inclusive education, leadership and the voluntary sector. A passionate advocate for inclusion and opportunity, she is committed to challenging assumptions, raising aspirations and creating meaningful opportunities for young people and adults with SEND and neurodivergence. 

 

Gareth Edwards – Principal, Petty Pool College 

Gareth Edwards brings extensive experience in specialist education and a strong commitment to preparing young people with SEND for adulthood, independence and employment. He is passionate about ensuring education reflects each learner’s individual strengths, aspirations and goals. 

Kathryn Porter – Head of Alternative Education, Petty Pool 

Kathryn Porter leads Petty Pool’s Alternative Education provision for young people who need a different approach to learning. She is passionate about creating flexible, relationship-led environments where young people can re-engage, build confidence and recognise their strengths. 

 

Dr Jack Fitzpatrick – Neurodiversity Researcher and Advocate
Dr Jack Fitzpatrick is a neurodiversity researcher and advocate whose work combines lived experience with research into creating more inclusive workplaces. His PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, in partnership with Merseyside Police and other UK law enforcement agencies, explored neurodiversity in the workplace. Jack has shared his research internationally with organisations including the FBI, NATO, EU Parliament and UK Government departments.
Dr Emma Arya-Manesh – Senior Researcher, University of Chester
Dr Emma Arya-Manesh is a Senior Researcher in the Chester School of Education and Co-Director of the Centre for Research into Education, Creativity and Arts through Practice (RECAP). With a PhD in Peacebuilding in Education, Emma has led research and evaluation across schools, youth groups and community settings, exploring how education, creativity and collaboration can improve experiences and opportunities for children and young people.
Katie McGlynn – Careers, Employment and Futures Manager at Petty Pool College 
Katie McGlynn leads careers and employment support at Petty Pool College, helping young people with SEND explore their aspirations, develop workplace skills and make successful transitions into employment. Working closely with learners and employers, she is passionate about creating inclusive pathways into work and helping employers recognise the skills, potential and talent young people can bring.

More speakers and panellists will be announced ahead of the conference. You can read the full programme of sessions here. 

 

 

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