Preparing to Leave the System

Preparing to Leave the System, Not the Care

About the keynote:

Care isn’t something young people should leave behind—it’s something they deserve. This keynote focuses on supporting young people as they transition out of the system, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to thrive.

It’s a powerful reminder that these young people should not be marginalised by terms their peers don’t face. “Leaving the system, not the care” is a call to action to ensure they feel supported, valued, and ready for the future.

Value and Takeaways:

Empower young people for the future: Learn how to equip care leavers with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Challenge the stigma of care: Explore how to shift perceptions and create a culture of support and inclusion for care-experienced young people.
Practical strategies for transition: Gain insights into how to provide ongoing care and connection beyond the system.
Inspiration to make a difference: Leave with a renewed commitment to ensuring every young person feels valued and supported as they transition into adulthood.

The Ripple Effect: Every Moment Matters

An inspiring keynote exploring how everyday actions build trust, hope, and lasting impact.

The Ripple Effect:

Every Moment Matters

The Power of 1: One Person Can Make All the Difference

A keynote celebrating how one consistent, caring adult can transform a child’s life through presence, belief, and authentic connection.

The Power of 1:

One Person Can Make All the Difference

Connection Before Correction: Compassion Over Compliance

A thought-provoking keynote that reimagines behaviour through empathy, trust, and connection - putting relationships before rules.

Connection Before Correction:

Compassion Over Compliance

Making Sense of Absence: Overcoming Barriers to Belonging

A powerful keynote exploring how belonging, not attendance, is the key to engagement and lasting connection in schools.

Making Sense of Absence:

Overcoming Barriers to Belonging

Mixed Faces in Mixed Places: Finding Connection in a Disconnected World

A deeply human keynote examining how children in care navigate constant change - and how we can help them find belonging and identity.

Mixed Faces in Mixed Places:

Finding Connection in a Disconnected World

“Steven reminds his audience that real change doesn’t come from labels or assumptions, but from relationships built on trust, understanding, and genuine care. His insights challenge you to reflect on your own practice and reaffirm why creating safe environments—full of people willing to spend the time building relationships—matters so deeply.”

Julie Boanas-Petitt,

Head Teacher NPQEL

“The ‘archaeologist of emotions’ is what came to mind after spending an hour in Steven’s company. His story lights the fire to inspire, promoting the importance of empathic connection and the power that consistency in relationships brings to a child. If you’re thinking of booking any training or motivational speakers this year, put this one on your list!”

Deborah Laurie,

Specialist Education Adviser for Children Looked After

“Steven’s ability to use his powerful personal experiences of care to enable people to think differently about forming relationships was on point. His presentation will stay with all of us in the room for a long, long time. Steven is not only a beautiful person but a beautiful presenter who fills the room with thoughtfulness and hope.”

Diane Hull,

Executive Director of Nursing, Nottinghamshire Healthcare

“Steven has brought real insight and fresh approaches, ripping the veil off mistakes schools make daily. His message might be hard for some school leaders to hear, but staff and students will thank you for bringing him in. Make the connection with Steven and make a real difference to young people.”

Simon Larter-Evans,

Founder, Life Narratives

“Steven’s approach is bold, pioneering, and profoundly human. He empowers care professionals to see the extraordinary influence they hold in shaping lives. Through connection, creativity, and courage, he demonstrates how even the smallest action can lead to extraordinary change.”

Victoria Banks,

Virtual School Head, Middlesbrough Council