Welcome to the Shine! Celebrate We Who Are Today conference

About the Event:  

We are looking forward to gathering on: 

  Wednesday, 15 April 2026 
  10:00am – 3:30pm 
   Sheraton Athlone Hotel, Gleeson Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 D953 

SHINE! Celebrate Who We Are Today, is a deliberately created space centred on recognition, connection, and learning. The day will acknowledge the realities of the care experience while celebrating resilience, creativity, leadership and community within aftercare across Ireland and Tusla Supports and Services. 

 
What to Expect: 

The event will be MC’d by Shane Casey and Abi McGillen, bringing warmth, humour and energy to the day. 

Throughout the conference, young people will have access to an open exhibition space showcasing creative work by care-experienced young people, alongside youth-friendly supports, music performances, photo booths and plenty of moments for connection. 

We will host: 

1. Two panel discussions bringing together care-experienced young people and professionals across aftercare policy and service delivery 
2. Interactive workshops focused on education, housing, and health & wellbeing, these are designed to be practical, up-to-date and youth-friendly 
3. A national showcasing event highlighting exciting aftercare initiatives and enterprises happening across Ireland 
4. Two exhibition spaces: 

• One featuring initiatives and enterprises led by care-experienced young people 
• •One highlighting supports and services available to young people across the country 

There are no obligations on the day, only invitations: 
to listen deeply, uplift young people’s ideas, support one another, and continue building a system where care-experienced young people can truly thrive. 
 

Food & Conversation  

We will provide refreshments upon arrival, Tea, Coffee, Pastries, Fruit Cups and Smoothies, which will be refreshed mid-morning. 

For lunch you have a choice of  

• Chicken Curry and Chips  
• Roast Beef  
• Vegetarian option 

We have taken note of dietary needs shared during registration. If you want to remind us or have any questions, feel free to check in with us on the day.                                                 
 

Plan for the Day 

Here is how the day will flow, you are welcome to join what feels most useful to you.  

Voices you will hear  

This event brings together a wide range of voices, including people with lived experience and working in services, practice and research. Each person is here to share their perspective, their learning and what matters to them. We’re grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, energy and experience to be part of the day!  

How we will share the space 

This is our shared approach to how we listen, speak and support each other.  

At each table we will:  

•  Celebrate strengths. 
• Listen to each other. 
• Everyone’s voice matters. 
• Share only what feels safe. 

Today’s Takeaways

There is space in the room (a great big banner!) to share thoughts, ideas or reflections from the day. You are welcome to add words, sentences or doodles, whatever stands out to you, big or small!  
 

Postcards

You will find a postcard on your seat, this is an open invitation to finish the sentence, one thing we should celebrate more… You’re welcome to write anything that feels meaningful to you, or leave it blank, whatever feels right! These will not be read aloud. If you choose to leave your card with us, the conference team will collect them at the end of the day. What’s shared may inform future learning and development in aftercare supports and services.  

Getting There

The Sheraton Hotel is in the heart of Athlone Town. It is a five-minute walk from Athlone Bus and Train Station. There is free parking available for those attending the conference. Parking is available in the underground car park associated with the hotel.  

Hotel Information

For any on-site facilities, FAQs, local information and discounts, they can be found on the hotel guest website www.planmysheratonstay.com