1-2
July 2026
Year of the Child 2026 Summit
Doncaster Corn
Exchange and
Wool Market
It is our shared belief that every child carries a dream—sometimes spoken, sometimes quietly held. These dreams are more than moments of imagination; they are blueprints for the future. They reflect hopes, talents, possibilities, and the belief that life can unfold in brighter, bigger ways.
On 1st and 2nd July, partners across South Yorkshire are proud to host the Dream Big, South Yorkshire Summit at Doncaster Corn Exchange and the Wool Market —two days that bring our region together to imagine what a brighter future for every child could look like.
"Somewhere you belong, Oh isn’t it wrong - to dream, And what a pleasure it is, To Dream so big"
YP, Tracks
Following the momentum of last year’s Place of Hope Summit, this year we look ahead with a new focus: dreams. Throughout early 2026, children, young people and families will share their dreams for the future through a creative campaign, and those voices will shape and inspire the conversations in Doncaster this summer.
The Summit will bring together partners from across South Yorkshire to spotlight bold, sustainable ideas that can help end child poverty and strengthen children’s wellbeing. It also forms the centrepiece of South Yorkshire’s Year of the Child 2026, proudly marking the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Play Street information
We know that play is essential to healthy, happy and joyful childhoods. That’s why, outside the venue we will be hosting a ‘play street’ facilitated by Playful Anywhere and the Sheffield Play Partnership. Join in the fun and have a chat with Sheffield University’s team to learn how children in South Yorkshire can be supported to play more and our big dreams for a ‘Playful South Yorkshire’.
A moment to listen. A moment to dream. A moment to build the future every child deserves.
Dream Big, South Yorkshire will see 300 attendees across both days, including young people, families, community leaders, senior decision makers, policy shapers, funders and investors. Together, we will come together to cocreate solutions that tackle child poverty and strengthen children’s health, wellbeing and opportunities.
Delivered in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Chilypep, the Children and Young People’s Alliance, SYMCA and Save the Children UK, ‘Dream Big, South Yorkshire’ continues to grow as a key moment in the region’s calendar.
Explore the Full Agenda
Join us for two inspiring days across Doncaster Corn Exchange and the Wool Market, filled with conversations, creativity and community action.
Browse the full programme below, discover what’s happening in each venue, and choose the workshops and sessions that speak to you.
Please RSVP here and submit your preference for workshop bookings.
Keynote Sessions & Performances
Our keynote sessions bring together powerful voices from across the UK who are leading transformational work for children and families.
You’ll hear inspiring stories, enjoy youth‑led creative performances, and join thought‑provoking panels including the Child Lens Investment discussion and the Young People’s Commission.
Campaign Workshops
Young people will be getting hands‑on in our Campaign Lab, where we explore how South Yorkshire’s young people can build momentum for change.
These sessions are practical, energising and collaborative — a space to shape ideas, test approaches and connect with others who care about making a difference.
Policy Labs:
Shaping South Yorkshire’s Future
Our Policy Labs create space for deeper, more focused conversations on some of the issues that matter most for children across South Yorkshire:
- Policy lab 1: Families Locked Out: Immigration Policy, No Recourse to Public Funds and the impact on child poverty
- Policy Lab 2: Home Is Not Temporary: The impact of Temporary Accomodation on children, young people and families
- Policy Lab 3: The First Years Last a Lifetime: Tackling Early Childhood and Families Insecurity Through Policy and Participation
Guided by lived experience and grounded in local realities, these sessions help us explore what the region can influence, where we need national change, and how partners can work together. Insights from the labs will directly inform the South Yorkshire Child Poverty Action Plan.
Take a look at our agenda and submit your preference for workshop bookings here
Venue
Information
This year’s Summit takes place across two vibrant Doncaster locations: the historic Corn Exchange and the lively Wool Market.
Both venues are easy to access and offer plenty of space for conversation, creativity and collaboration.
Doncaster Corn Exchange
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN1 1LQ
We want to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all attendees on the day and supporting everyone to travel safely to and from the Summit.
Please let us know here if you have any accessibility needs that you would like us to be aware of and how we can best support you on the day.
If you have any concerns about the costs of attending, please contact Sarah Godfrey, Save the Children – S.Godfrey@savethechildren.org.uk
Transport
and parking:
There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
The name of the car park is Market Car Park, located on Scot Lane.
On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.Please follow the postcode for DN1 1LQ. Accessible via the A630.
Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Doncaster train station is a short walk away.
Food & Refreshments
We’ll be sharing a relaxed, family‑style lunch designed to bring people together.
Expect simple, welcoming food and plenty of opportunities to chat, connect and recharge throughout the day.
Check out our menus below, please do let us know any dietary requirements here.
Sensitivity Statement
During the day, we’ll be engaging with topics that can be emotionally challenging.
We will aim to let you know in advance when potentially triggering content is likely to be discussed, but please be mindful that the impacts of child poverty can show up in unexpected ways meaning that this may not always be possible. We want you to feel comfortable making informed choices about how you engage with challenging subjects during the day and opt to take time out as you need to.
Across the 2 days, we’ll be placing the highest value on hearing directly from children, young people, parents and carers. Please do familiarise yourself with our safeguarding principles, attached, before you arrive.
In partnership with
We want to take a moment to thank the incredible partners who have worked alongside us to get to this point, and to pull this Summit together. We’re excited to keep on building this coalition!
"Dream Big, South Yorkshire’ is a moment to listen, a moment to dream, and a moment to build the future every child deserves."
