The Exchange hosts autumn events to help families navigate today’s challenges
Help for young people navigating the digital world, spotting fake news, and more, is all on offer this autumn at The Exchange.
This autumn, the University of Birmingham’s city centre location, The Exchange, is hosting a dynamic programme of events designed to help families and young people navigate the challenges of modern life.
From social media pressures to online safety, parenting, baby loss and financial confidence, the programme offers expert-led discussions, creative workshops, and hands-on activities for all age groups.
The events for the autumn programme run from September to November.
Digital Pressures and Identity
Rethinking Masculinity responds to the growing concern around how online content targets young men and boys. This panel brings together academics, frontline professionals, and community voices to explore how stereotypes, algorithms, and social structures shape boys’ identities—and how families, schools, and society can help boys thrive in healthier ways.
How to Say No to Your Phone is a practical, family-friendly workshop for adults and children aged 11+. Dr Anna Lavis will explore how algorithms influence what young people see online, while Jenny Moore, owner of the bookshop, How Brave is the Wren, will lead a conversation about building better digital habits together as families.
Pixel Flesh will see author Ellen Atlanta and University of Birmingham academic Jwana Aziz unpack the impact of beauty culture, filters, and social media on young women’s mental health. Drawing on Ellen’s new book Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women, this powerful conversation explores how digital pressures shape self-image and identity for young girls.
During October half-term, News Detectives Family Day invites children aged 7–11 and their grown-ups to become savvy media consumers. In partnership with the Guardian Foundation, this interactive session helps families learn how to spot fake news, understand media manipulation, and talk about the news in healthy, informed ways.
Supporting Parents and Families
Cry When the Baby Cries is an intimate and moving session, named after cartoonist Becky Barnicott’s graphic memoir, reflecting on early parenthood. Becky and award-winning poet Liz Berry will explore the chaos, wonder, and emotional rollercoaster of early parenthood through storytelling, poetry, and humour.
For Baby Loss Awareness Week, The Exchange hosts a special evening exploring the Graded Model of Care—a research-backed approach developed by Tommy’s and the University of Birmingham. The event includes a panel discussion with clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience, as well as a candle-making activity. Attendees will be able to join Tommy’s Wave of Light, a national moment of remembrance for babies lost during or shortly after pregnancy.
Talking About Money
In November, The Exchange takes part in Talk Money Week with Money Matters—a free, family-focused day of workshops and activities designed to build confidence around everyday money decisions. Experts will offer practical advice to help families and young people better understand budgeting, saving, and financial well-being.
Many of the events at The Exchange explore key themes connected to the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary, including: Our Health, Our Young People, Our Money, Our Environment, and Our Culture.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
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