Safe Spaces, Stronger Minds Conference

A FREE one-day conference for leisure centres, gyms & activity providers to help create safe, supportive and empowering environments.

Safer Spaces, Stronger Minds Conference

Date – Tuesday March 10th 2026

Time – 9.00am – 4.00pm

Venue – The Pavilion, Branston Golf Club, DE14 3DP

A Conference for Leisure Centres, Gyms & Other Physical Activity Providers

Creating environments where people feel protected, supported and empowered.

Join Us for a FREE One-Day conference

A unique event bringing together leisure professionals, safeguarding leads, gym managers, mental health advocates and sector partners – all committed to creating safer, more supportive spaces for staff and service users.

• FREE to attend (registration required)
• FREE lunch & Tea/Coffee included
• FREE delegate goody bag
• Marketplace of local services & organisations
• Expert speakers & networking opportunities

Conference Highlights

Keynote Speakers

Mhairi Maclennen – Kyniska

CEO & Co-Founder of Kyniska Advocacy and former GB international athlete. After experiencing abuse by her coach in a leisure centre, Mhairi became a leading voice for safe sport, driving systemic change to protect athletes at all levels. Her story and expertise will inspire practical steps to create safer spaces in your gyms and leisure facilities.

NWG Network

NWG will be sharing their sector-leading Active Bystander training, empowering those in leisure, gym and sports environments to confidently respond to abusive and discriminatory behaviours. With practical, scenario-based workshops, they will equip you and your staff to recognise signs of harassment, understand legal and ethical responsibilities and intervene safely and effectively, championing respectful, inclusive spaces in your facilities.

Mandy MacDonald – LADO (Derby City)

Having worked on behalf of Derby City Council as a Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) for approximately 15 years, Mandy will share her experience and expertise to challenge common myths and perceptions about what it means to make a LADO referral when an allegation is received against staff, personal trainers, coaches, or others. She will also outline local procedures, including referral thresholds, the process a referral would follow, and the potential potential outcomes.

Liam Baker - Together We Lift

Founder of Together We Lift, using his own personal journey as inspiration, Liam has created a thriving community initiative that combines strength training with mental health support. Through inclusive lifting events, Liam has raised thousands for mental health charities and built a community that champions wellbeing in gyms and leisure spaces.

Other Attendees expected to attend include;

Mental Health Services

Sport Welfare Officer Network

Women’s Aid

Event hosted by Together Active and Active Derbyshire.

By booking this event, you agree that your registration details will be shared between the two hosting organisations solely for the purposes of managing and delivering this conference. Your details will not be shared with any other third parties.