The Connection Collective - November 6th 2026

Come along to The Connection Collective, where connection really does count.
About this Event

The Connection Collective is a welcoming space where professionals, parents, educators, leaders, wellbeing practitioners and anyone passionate about supporting children, young people and families come together to learn, connect and be inspired.

Join us for another engaging morning of thought-provoking discussions, practical ideas and meaningful networking in the relaxed surroundings of Cherry Red's Cafe Bar.

Whether you work in education, health, social care, community services, the voluntary sector or simply want to make a positive difference, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, new connections and practical ideas you can take back into your own work and life.

Guest Speakers
Dr Amy Such

Lead Educational Psychologist | Director, Golden Thread Psychology

As Lead Educational Psychologist and Director of Golden Thread Psychology, Amy uses relational approaches to support children and young people to get the very best from their education.

Alongside her growing team of Educational Psychologists, Amy provides educational psychology services to schools across Warwickshire and the surrounding counties. She has extensive experience working across primary schools, secondary schools, specialist provisions and Local Authority services.

Amy is also the award-winning author of The ASD Girls' Wellbeing Toolkit, which received the ERA Educational Book of the Year Award 2020.

Amy will share practical insights into relational practice and supporting children and young people to flourish within education.

Dr Liam Brolan
What Working with Families Bereaved Through M**der Taught Me About Grief

Dr Liam Brolan is a criminologist, researcher, educator and award-winning lecturer whose work explores violent crime, grief, victimisation and the experiences of families bereaved through homicide.

Drawing upon both academic research and real-life experience, Liam's work provides powerful insights into trauma, resilience and recovery following devastating loss.

In this deeply moving session, Liam will explore what working alongside families bereaved through M**der has taught him about grief, compassion and the importance of human connection.

Victoria Bagnall

Author of The Neuroinclusive Educator | Co-Founder, Connections in Mind

What We Call It Matters: Seeing the Skills Beneath Behaviour

Victoria Bagnall is the author of The Neuroinclusive Educator and Co-Founder of Connections in Mind, the UK's specialist executive function training provider.

A Cambridge graduate, teacher and neurodivergent educator, Victoria works with schools, universities, NHS teams, local authorities and organisations to translate neuroscience and psychology into practical, compassionate approaches that strengthen executive function skills and support neuroinclusive practice.

Drawing on the key ideas from her book, Victoria will invite educators to move away from language that frames children as lazy, rude, careless, defiant or unmotivated, and instead recognise the executive function skills that may still be developing beneath the surface.

By shifting from character judgements to skill-based understanding, we create classrooms where children are more likely to feel safe, understood and able to grow. This session offers a practical and compassionate framework for recognising what may be missing, naming it more accurately and responding in ways that support both accountability and development.

Why Attend?

The Connection Collective is much more than a networking event.

It's an opportunity to:

• Hear from nationally recognised speakers and experts.
• Gain practical strategies you can immediately apply.
• Connect with like-minded professionals and parents.
• Share ideas and experiences in a relaxed environment.
• Build meaningful relationships within your local community.
• Leave feeling inspired, informed and better connected.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

• Teachers and school leaders
• Educational Psychologists
• SENCOs
• Family support workers
• Youth workers
• Social workers
• Health and wellbeing professionals
• Therapists and counsellors
• Parents and carers
• Charity and voluntary sector organisations
• Anyone passionate about supporting children, young people and families