Overview

Now in its eighth year, What About the Boys? returns in 2026 with an ambitious vision: the official launch of the Fylde Coast Boys Impact Hub.

Bringing together youth workers, teachers, police officers, academics, health professionals, researchers, voluntary sector leaders and young men themselves, this year’s event will move beyond discussion and into action. Together, we will co-design a Fylde Coast-wide approach to improving outcomes for boys and young men through a collaborative test-and-learn programme coordinated by Wyre Youth and Community Alliance CIC (WYCA).

UYA’S work has been guided by a commitment to listening to young people and placing youth voice at the centre of decision-making. Through seven years of What About the Boys? conferences, boys and young men have consistently highlighted challenges relating to mental health, identity, belonging, educational engagement, stereotypes, social media, crime, opportunities and access to positive male role models.