.png)
.png)
#SaferToBeMe 2026 conference - just a few months away
- ReportOUT
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
'Changing Times ' LGBTQI+ Young People in the UK
Amid Uncertain Times
6th November 2026
Gateshead, Tyneside, UK
Last October, the inaugural #SaferToBeMe Summit brought together more than 600 delegates from 40 countries in the North East of England.
"Changing Times is about giving those people the space to ask questions and leave with practical ideas they can use. If we want young people to feel safe, included and supported, we need to make sure the professionals around them feel equipped to provide that support too." Drew Dalton CEO ReportOUT
Over the course of the week, researchers, educators, campaigners, charities, policymakers, and community leaders explored the growing impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and populism around the world, sharing ideas on how to respond and, importantly, how to keep making progress.
This November, we're bringing that much-needed conversation back to our native North East with a different focus.
On Friday 6 November, ReportOUT will host #SaferToBeMe: Changing Times, in partnership with OUT North East and Pride Action North. Rather than looking globally, this one-day conference asks what all of this means here in the UK - particularly for the organisations working with LGBTQIA+ young people every day.
Over the past year, schools, youth services, local authorities, charities and healthcare providers have found themselves navigating an increasingly complicated landscape. The UK Supreme Court ruling, interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, new Government guidance for schools and a wider shift in public discourse have all raised difficult questions for professionals supporting young people.
The need for support, however, hasn't changed. Young people are still looking for places where they feel safe, valued and able to be themselves. They're still turning to trusted adults for advice and reassurance. The challenge for many organisations is understanding how to continue offering that support with confidence while adapting to changing legislation and guidance.
That's exactly what Changing Times is designed to help with.
Hosted at the ONE Centre in Gateshead, the conference will bring together around 100 professionals from across different sectors. The emphasis throughout the day is on taking ideas away that can actually be used, whether that's in a classroom, a youth club, a local authority, an NHS setting or a community organisation.
For those unable to travel, the conference will also be livestreamed nationally, helping ensure these conversations reach an even wider audience.
ReportOUT CEO Drew Dalton said: "There are a lot of people doing everything they can to support LGBTQIA+ young people, but many are telling us they feel they're working in an increasingly uncertain environment.
"Changing Times is about giving those people the space to ask questions and leave with practical ideas they can use. If we want young people to feel safe, included and supported, we need to make sure the professionals around them feel equipped to provide that support too."
Alongside the conference itself, we're also inviting organisations to become part of the event through sponsorship. Sponsorship helps us bring together speakers, keep the event accessible and extend its reach. If your organisation shares our commitment to improving outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young people, we'd love to hear from you. You can find more information in our sponsorship pack.
Free tickets are available now, and we'd encourage anyone working with or alongside young people to book early.
Whether you're a teacher, youth worker, policymaker, healthcare professional, charity leader or volunteer, this is an opportunity to learn from others facing many of the same challenges and to be part of a conversation that couldn't be more timely.
More info and to reserve your place at #SaferToBeMe 2026:
