Big Ideas

Big Ideas is an event for young people, young leaders, volunteers and workers to learn new skills, network, share ideas and celebrate the impact of youth work.

Young people and youth workers laugh, enjoying an ice-breaker involving giant coloured footballs
Big Ideas 2023 Team Challenge

Get ready for Big Ideas 2025

The biggest weekend in youth work is back from 30-31 August at the University of Stirling! 

What is Big Ideas?

A fantastic event for young people and youth workers, Big Ideas is all about engaging, inspiring and empowering young people and youth workers to take the lead in their local communities. This residential event comprises an action-packed programme of fun and engaging workshops for young people and a separate workshop list for workers to ignite new ideas and gain new experiences.

Join our celebration of young people and experience an event which is young people led and which showcases youth work’s talents and skills!

Who is it for?

For young people, young leaders, volunteers and workers to learn new skills, network and share ideas to celebrate the impact of youth work. Featuring a fantastic choice of over 20 workshops, to empower action through new ideas, tools and resources.

The Big Ideas Weekend is most suited for:
> Young People (12-17 yrs)
> Workers/Leaders (18 yrs+)

Young People aged (16+) can self-book onto the event.

Young people aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult youth worker/volunteer.

Youth Workers will follow their own training programme during the day, but will be responsible for their young people outwith the formal sessions and during joint evening sessions.

Pricing and Booking

Booking will be available from early March and ticket prices are as follows:

  • Member – Full Event rate (Residential): £125 including rooms and meals
  • Non-Member: Full Event Rate (Residential): £165 including rooms and meals
  • Member – Day Delegate (Saturday only): £60
  • Non-Member – Day Delegate (Saturday only): £75
  • Member – Day Delegate (Sunday only): £45
  • Non-Member – Day Delegate (Sunday only): £60
  • Extra Friday night booking: £75*

*Please note that Friday night bookings are an option for further-travelled groups who need to arrive ahead of the programme. The cost is for bed & breakfast accommodation only. There is no programme on Friday night and you will need to self-cater your time and meals.

Big Ideas Zoom Briefings for Youth Workers

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re a tried-and-true Big Ideas pro, we know you might have some questions as you get ready for the biggest two days in youth work. To help, we will be offering Zoom-based sessions of Big Ideas Briefings for Youth Workers, covering:

  • Information on the delegate pack 
  • Details for the programme  
  • The pre and post workshop schedule 
  • A guide to the areas we’ll be using at Stirling University 

These sessions will be confirmed closer to the time.

All youth work staff, volunteers and support workers planning to attend Big Ideas are welcome to come along!

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