HBC Fest - A Festival for Changemakers

Join this compelling and honest workshop exploring the lived experiences of a frontline social worker who has spent years advocating for children in crisis - children at risk, in care, and supporting people navigating the complexities of adoption. From standing up for children's rights in courtrooms to walking alongside families through their most difficult moments, this session offers rare insight into what it means to practice social work with compassion, resilience, and a non-judgemental approach.

The facilitator will reflect on how to hold space for both vulnerability and hope in some of the most challenging circumstances, and explore how we can all apply some of the reflections in our work, whatever that is,  so that we can engage and relate to others without judgement.

You’ve probably heard of the trolley problem – but what if you had to act it out in real time? In this session you won’t just debate ethical theories, you’ll step into the dilemmas yourself.

Take on different roles – victim, decision-marker, or onlooker – and face high pressure ethical choices

Watch how changing the rules of the dilemma shifts perspectives

Explore the lifeboat problem, where limited resources force tough decisions

You’ll embody different characters, each making their case for survival. Will your values change when the rules change? How do these dilemmas mirror real-world behaviour change challenges?

Through taking a practical approach to engaging in ethical debate, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of decision-making under pressure, the role of values in behaviour change and how ethical reasoning applies to real-life challenges.

Through the lens of her midwifery career, Kelda Folliard explores how meaningful behaviour change can be supported in emotionally charged, high-stakes environments.

This workshop highlights the power of empathy, trust, and lived experience in shaping change, especially when working with individuals and families facing complex challenges.

Participants will reflect on how to create safe, supportive conditions for change, even when circumstances are uncertain or difficult.

A powerful session for anyone working in care, community, or frontline roles where behaviour change is deeply human.

Schools have been around for many years and have served a useful purpose to the way our society functions, and are a key part of delivering positive change in the world. The last twenty years have seen dramatic changes with technology and communication evolving spectacularly. Alongside this we are seeing our children struggle with mental health, and a huge rise in High Needs never seen before! It appears that schools have not changed in the same way; so, are they serving society, communities, and ultimately, the future generation?

Together we can use our collective thinking to start something that should have happened years ago. The evidence is clear and obvious - SCHOOLS NEED TO CHANGE, but how? Pete will take you on a journey including insights from his experience as a pupil, teacher, and Headteacher, so join him and explore what is possible.

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path, sometimes we climb ladders of success, other times, we slide back down into unexpected challenges. But how often do we pause to truly reflect on our journey – where we started, what we’ve learned and where we’re heading next?

What to expect:

Step off life’s treadmill and take stock of your progress in a supportive, engaging space

Play a giant, personalised game of Snakes and Ladders – using this collaborative tool to map your experiences, challenges and triumphs.

Engage in guided reflection – turning past lessons into future strengths

Leave with greater self-knowledge and a renewed appreciation for your unique path

Self-reflection is powerful, but often something we put off – waiting for the ‘right’ time. This session gives you that time.

So join us, and with fun, honestly, reflectivity and connection, we’ll make the process feel less daunting, leaving you with whole-some take-ways, and a greater appreciation of your journey in the game of life so far.

You’ve got a message that matters, but does your voice carry it with the power and influence it deserves? 

In a world full of noise, changemakers need more than just good ideas. We need presence. We need clarity. We need people to listen. The Changemaker’s Voice is your chance to step into and develop that influence. In this energising, hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how breath, body and voice are interconnected with behavioural science principals. You will learn how they come together to help you speak with purpose and presence. 

Whether you're pitching a project, leading a movement, or holding space for others, this session will help you move past nerves, ditch the fidget, and find your true voice. Through live demos, activities, reflection, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to hold a room and inspire change. 

When your voice aligns with your mission, people don’t just hear what you’re saying, they feel it. 

Sometimes being a changemaker can take its toll on our wellbeing – fatigue, burnout, moral and emotional distress, and the need to rejuvenate and restore is strong. Evidence of the power of nature is becoming ever more compelling, from reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, improving sleep and immune function, increasing empathy and cooperation, and lowering the risk of chronic illness, what’s not to like! Jade will take you on a journey to experience these benefits first-hand.

Also known as Shirin-Yoku, forest bathing is the practice of slowing down, engaging your senses and deepening your connection with nature.  In Jade’s guided session, you’ll explore simple yet powerful nature connection activities that you can integrate into your daily life or work to enhance wellbeing.

You might already take a walk in your local park after work, or during lunch to unwind – but how often do you truly leave behind the stresses of life and work? It’s easy to ruminate on daily worries, rather than fully embracing the moment, meaning you may not experience the full restorative benefits of nature.

So, join us in kicking off the weekend with the intentional act of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. You’ll emerge feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more deeply connected to the natural world – an experience that sets the stage for a weekend filled with innovative insights in human behaviour change science.