Spaces of Belonging – SPPA Gathering 2026
The call for abstracts is live!
The Social Pedagogy Professional Association invites practitioners, educators, researchers, community leaders, creatives, and social entrepreneurs to submit abstracts for our conference on Wednesday, 2nd, and Thursday, 3rd of September 2026, at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, OX2 9NJ. This year, we explore how social pedagogy can serve as a unifying practice framework across the lifespan, strengthening relational practice, creativity, participation, and human dignity in diverse settings.
We welcome contributions that illuminate, question, or expand the role of social pedagogy within and across different fields. Submissions may take the form of presentations, workshops, creative demonstrations, or practice-based reflections.
We especially welcome abstracts addressing one or more of the following themes:
Explorations of storytelling, performance, visual arts, music, or craft-based practice that foster expression, participation, or human connection.
Practice that brings together social pedagogy and eco-social perspectives through outdoor learning, nature-based activities, or environmental stewardship, fostering connection, resilience, and ecological responsibility.
Approaches involving therapy animals, care farms, equine-assisted learning, or other forms of relational practice with animals.
Innovative models of community-led organisations or enterprises that foster participation, shared responsibility, and collective flourishing.
Examples of practice that meaningfully integrate social pedagogy with restorative practice, trauma-informed approaches, youth work, education, social work, therapeutic models, or other disciplines.
Read the full call for abstracts here.
Who should submit?
Anyone who recognises elements of their practice in the Social Pedagogy Standards, whether or not they currently use the term social pedagogy.
We especially welcome submissions from those whose work:
- respects the equal value and dignity of all people, using personal communication to support this
- places relationships at the heart of practice
- values creativity, playfulness, and adventure
- facilitates learning, participation, voice, and meaning-making
- invites multiple perspectives and works collaboratively
- adapts practice to emotional, cultural, social, and developmental needs
- supports individuals and communities to realise their aspirations
Submission Details
- Abstract length: 150–300 words
- Format: Workshop (90 minutes), Discussion Forum (45 minutes), Lightning Talk (10 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A), case study poster or artwork
- Deadline: 3 May 2026
Help us create a conference where people experience social pedagogy to strengthen connection, creativity, and belonging in our communities and across the lifespan.
Abstract Submission Q&A
If you’re unsure about your abstract and would like to discuss it with us informally ahead of submission, please register for one of the following sessions:
Join our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date. If you have any questions, please email conference@sppa-uk.org.
The Super Early Bird Sale is live!
Are you one of those precious super early birds who are not going to miss the gathering, no matter what? Secure your ticket now until 7th June or when sold out!
- If you are a SPPA member, please check your membership account to find the discount code for your member ticket.
- Limited on-site accommodation is available, which can be booked with the ticket to the gathering.
Key information at a glance
Click on the heading below to find out more.
Conference Dates
The gathering takes place from 2-3 September 2026. On-site accommodation is available from 1 September.
Conference Location
Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, Eynsham Road, Farmoor, OX2 9NJ. For arrival by public transport: travel to Oxford railway station, then take a 15-minute bus ride and a short walk. For international arrivals, the nearest airports are Heathrow and Gloucestershire, both ca. 1 hour from the site.
Abstract Submission
Submit your abstract by 3rd May 2026 using this form. You will be notified of the outcome of your submission by 18th May 2026.
Abstract Q&A
Discuss your idea for an abstract with us! This is an informal session to support your idea development. Register for 9th April 6-7pm or 16th April 3-4pm.
Membership Discount
Log in to the membership website and access your profile, where you can find the access code to reveal the discounted tickets for members.