Staf National Conference 2026: No Cliff Edges: Pathways to Adulthood, Connection and Opportunity
Still time to secure your space!
6 Oct 2026 | | | There is still time if you are considering attending the Staf National Conference 2026. Tickets are selling fast, so act now to attend our unmissable flagship event on Tuesday, October 6 2026, at the Stirling Court Hotel.
This year's conference, No Cliff Edges: Pathways to Adulthood, Connection and Opportunity, will bring together practitioners, managers, policymakers, researchers and people with lived experience to explore how we can create better outcomes for care experienced young people as they move into adulthood.
Our conference agenda is now available to view. Here is a link: Staf National Conference 2026 | Staf (Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum) | | | Charleston Square - Renfrewshire Council Avoiding the Cliff Edge: How Rewriting Our Purpose Changed Our Practice
What's happening?
An interactive workshop exploring how shifting from preparing young people for independence to prioritising lifelong relationships can transform practice, strengthen connection and reduce the cliff edge into adulthood.
| | | Claire Barrett - Manager, Consultant and Coach specialising in Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Services
Hi, I’m Claire Barrett , a manager, consultant and coach specialising in Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Services. I have worked with care experienced children and young people for 20 years across the prison service, secure care, residential childcare and supported accommodation.
Within my current role as Registered Manager of Renfrewshire Throughcare and Aftercare Service (16 Charleston Square), I developed a risk - enabling model of care that promotes the rights of young people living independently whilst continuing to offer high levels of support. I also developed a successful outreach model that offers lifelong support to our young people and ensures they have a safe, reliable place to return to.
Alongside my operational role, I provide consultancy, coaching and service development to organisations looking to develop their Throughcare model.
My particular interests include relational practice, professional boundaries, leadership and how services can create greater continuity and connection for young people beyond the traditional care system.
| | Victoria - Accommodation Support Worker, Charleston Square
Hi, I’m Victoria. I’m an accommodation support worker at Charleston Square, and I’ve been here for nearly six years.
I’ve been working with young people aged 16-25 for 16 years, having previously worked for Blue Triangle and Kibble Education.
What I most enjoy about working for Charleston Square is being able to stay in touch with the young people through our outreach plan, and knowing that we will still be there for them when they leave.
In my spare time, I like to explore abandoned buildings for photography. | | Kirsty - Accommodation Support Worker, Charleston Square
Hello, I’m Kirsty. I am an accommodation support worker at Charleston Square.
I have spent the last seven years supporting young people. Before joining the Charleston Square team, I gained experience working in secure care and with SAMH.
My favourite aspect of our work is how we support young people both within the service and in the community. Through our outreach plan, we ensure all young people always have a safe space and positive relationships to help them reach their full potential. | | Why attend the Staf National Conference?
The conference will provide opportunities to:
✅ Hear from guest speakers and workshop facilitators from across Scotland ✅ Learn about emerging research, policy and practice developments ✅ Share ideas and experiences with colleagues from across the sector ✅ Network with practitioners, managers and decision-makers ✅ Reflect on how we can work together to ensure there are truly no cliff edges for young people moving into adulthood
Whether you work in leaving care services, the third sector, education, housing, health, youth justice or local government, we hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event. Places are limited and we'd encourage members to book now to not miss out.
Book Your Place
📅 Tuesday 6 October 2026
📍 Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling To book your place: 📧 bookings@staf.scot 📞 0141 465 7511
Or visit: 🌐 www.staf.scot/Event/staf-national-conference-2026
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