On 7 May 2019 Save the Children and Chatham House held a one-day symposium, See Me Safe, at Church House Westminster, which brought together experts, policy-makers, academics, philanthropists and business leaders to identify practical solutions to protect children in conflict and rebuild their lives.

The all-day event comprised a key-note speech, panel discussions, and exhibitions of Save the Children’s work around the world, followed by an evening drinks reception.

Attendees arrived from 10 am for registration, along with pastries and coffee served in the Hoare Memorial Hall.

Save the Children Ambassador, Natasha Kaplinsky, kicked off proceedings in the Assembly Hall as she welcomed over 100 guests in her opening speech. Next up was Kevin Watkins, Chief Executive, Save the Children, who took a retrospective look at the last 100 years of Save the Children. The keynote speech was delivered by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Natasha Kaplinsky chaired the first of the day’s panel discussions with the following panelists:

• Rosy Cave, Head, Gender Equality Unit/ Head, Office of the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
• Svenja Geissmar, General Counsel, Arsenal and Chair of The Arsenal Foundation
• Emanuela-Chiara Gillard, Associate Fellow, Chatham House
• Kolbassia Haoussou, Freedom from Torture and Co-Founder, Survivors Speak OUT

By means of a video link, arranged by the in-house AV team of Church House Westminster, attendees heard from two young people from Za’atari Refugee Camp.  They are both actively involved in Coaching for Life – an innovative programme by Arsenal and Save the Children which combines football and life skills to improve the mental wellbeing of children affected by conflict.

Lunch followed, a sumptuous hot fork buffet produced by CH&CO, the in-house catering partner of Church House Westminster. Attendees perused the exhibitions and experienced virtual reality films.

The afternoon session saw three more panel discussions in the Assembly Hall with a tea and coffee break mid-afternoon. Dr Patricia Lewis, Research Director, International Security at Chatham House, drew the day’s proceedings to a close at 5pm.

Attendees were invited to join a reception in the Bishop Partridge Hall which offered an opportunity to network and reflect on the day.

Lisa Allcott, Event Manager and Royal Focal Point of Save The Children, commented: ’It was a pleasure to work with Church House and our guests were delighted to be welcomed into such a historic setting for our Centenary Symposium. We are so pleased with how the event turned out and the feedback so far has been fantastic, including comments on the beautiful venue and incredible food. Rianne, our Event Coordinator, offered incredible support and guidance throughout the event planning, whilst Sue was on hand throughout the day for whatever we needed. I am very appreciative to all involved who helped to make the Centenary Symposium such a success.”.

To find out more about the work Save the Children does and upcoming special events, please contact Lisa Allcott – telephone number: 02037 630 378.

To find out more about hosting charity events at the Westminster special events venue, please contact us using the contact form or on 020 7390 1590.