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Reflections on the ‘Stop the Clock’ Conference at Ulster University

 

I recently had the privilege of attending the Stop the Clock Conference held at Ulster University, Belfast, which ran from September 3rd to September 5th, 2024. This conference, co-hosted by the Centre for Youth Research and Dialogue and the Journal of Youth Studies, provided a dynamic platform for academics, practitioners, and youth workers to discuss pressing issues in youth studies, including transitions, inequalities, and participatory research methods. As a PhD student engaged in comparative studies of children's experiences of custody, I found the discussions invaluable to my research.

The atmosphere at the event was warm and engaging. The organisers and attendees fostered a welcoming environment, making it simple to strike up conversations with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Networking during the coffee breaks and lunches allowed for rich exchanges, and I felt supported and intellectually stimulated throughout the event. It was clear that the people who attended this conference shared a passion for youth work and research, which made every discussion insightful and thought-provoking.


                                

        Prof Steven Roberts                                                                                                                                                Dr Siobhan McAlister

 

 While I attended a wide range of talks, I wanted to highlight three sessions that deeply resonated with my current research interests. These sessions offered not only theoretical insights but also practical examples of how scholars and practitioners are grappling with the complexities of youth transitions, participation, and justice systems.

  

1. Transitions Between Youth and Adult Criminal Justice Spaces

This session included presentations by Alison Coyne (PhD candidate), alongside Dr. Brendan Coyle, Dr. Connor Murray, Dr. Siobhan Buckley, and Dr. Jayne Price, which provided an insightful exploration of the challenges that young people face when navigating the transition from youth justice to adult criminal justice systems. The presenters skilfully highlighted the disjointed nature of these systems and the gaps that often leave young individuals vulnerable. The research emphasised the need for more holistic, supportive structures to bridge this difficult transition. I found this session particularly relevant to my PhD research, as it tackled the intersections of custody and justice, offering a rich source of comparative insights between the Northern Ireland and Ireland contexts.

                 
                Dr Conor Murray                                                                                 Alison Coyne (PhD Candidate)

 

 

 

         
                Dr Brendan Coyle                                                                              Dr Jayne Price

 

2. Challenges of Youth Transitions to Adulthood

Alan McKinstry (PhD candidate) kicked off this session, followed by presentations from Zoe Welch and Lauren Stewart (CGL), as well as Tobias Niblock (PhD candidate). Their presentations delved into the multifaceted challenges young people face when transitioning to adulthood, particularly in the context of socio-economic struggles, mental health issues, and criminal exploitation. The session reinforced the complexity of youth transitions in today's world and the necessity of a multifactorial approach to support youth. What struck me most was the strong emphasis on the role of community and youth services, which mirrored some of the themes I am exploring in my own work.


                        

                  Alan McKinstry (PhD Candidate)                                                                                              Zoe Welch & Lauren Stewart

 

  Tobias Niblock (PhD Candidate)



3. Youth and Participation: Collaboration and its Challenges

Dr. Kathy Hampson and Dr. Andrea Nisbet, alongside Pauline JaraOsorio and Eildh Lamb, presented a session that explored the often complex and fraught processes involved in collaborating with young people in research and practice. They reflected on the need for ethical considerations and meaningful collaboration that goes beyond tokenism. This session was an important reminder of the ongoing challenges in facilitating genuine youth participation. The discussions around power dynamics and ethical dilemmas in collaborative youth work were particularly thought-provoking, and I walked away with practical ideas on how to integrate participatory methodologies more effectively into my research.



                                              
                                                                   Dr Kathy Hampson                                                                                                  


                                        

                                     Pauline JaraOsorio                                                                                                                Eildh Lamb (PhD Candidate)


Final thoughts…..

Attending the Stop the Clock Conference was an enriching experience, both academically and personally. The talks were stimulating, but what stood out most was the sense of community and shared purpose among attendees. Surrounded by individuals so dedicated to improving the lives of young people through both research and practical initiatives, it was inspiring. As I continue my PhD journey, I look forward to incorporating the insights and lessons learned from this conference into my own work.

 

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