The event, held at the Riviera Centre on Thursday 15th November, looked at how the Torbay Children's Trust delivers real improvements for the Bay's young people.

Organised by Torbay Council, it was attended by nearly 300 representatives from health services, the police, schools, youth services and the voluntary sector.

The event also marked the official launch of Torbay Children's Trust's Participation Strategy, which clearly sets out how agencies who work with children in the Bay can engage young people in their services. A group of young people called “Engaged” have also produced a young people's version of the strategy, and they are encouraging other young people across the Bay to get involved and 'Speak Out'.

The theme for the conference was 'Where do I fit in?' and featured a children's puzzle with the 'I' missing from the word 'Children's Services', representing how all staff have a part to play in improving lives for children and young people. Delegates discussed how their individual roles fit into delivering the five local priorities contained within the Torbay Children and Young People's Plan: reducing teenage conceptions; improving attainment at Key stages 2 and 4; strengthening safeguarding; improving the CAMHS (mental health) service; and building on the early intervention service.

Cllr Anna Tolchard, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said after the conference: "We are making great strides within our children's trust towards improving lives for the Bay's youngsters, and this event gave us the opportunity to celebrate our successes and look to the future.

"The conference had a very positive and upbeat atmosphere, and everyone left the event with a clear understanding of how their individual roles contribute to delivering our aims.”

Margaret Dennison, Strategic Director for Children's Services, said: "This is a fantastic annual event that aims to get as many staff and volunteers as possible together to celebrate the positive progress for young people in the Bay. The aim of the event was to inspire everyone to realise what a massive difference we can contribute to the lives of children and young people when we all work together.

“The event focused on the wants and needs of young people so that we can ensure we are meeting them when we set our future priorities. We were fortunate enough to have two groups of young people at the conference to give presentations on their recent achievements, and we were very grateful to have their input.”

Guest speakers Chris Sunley, Lead Advisor for School Standards (DCSF), and Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of the Children's Society, also gave inspiring speeches. Chris Sunley's speech involved a great deal of audience participation and discussed 'Great Expectations' for the life of a child. Bob Reitemeier's speech explained the aims of the Good Childhood Enquiry - the UK's first independent national inquiry into childhood. A series of workshops for all the delegates also took place, which examined priorities for the future.

A whole section of the conference was dedicated to young speakers, with James Roddy delivering an open speech via DVD, “MAD 4 Paignton” demonstrating the difference their work has made to their local area, and “Engaged” launching the young people's version of the Participation Strategy.