Times Like These: People, Pride and Purpose in Social Care

The National Social Care Conference 2026 #NSCC26 will take place in Cardiff on Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 October, marking the first time the conference has returned to the capital since 2024. Following the incredible energy and insight of last year’s conference in Llandudno, we are excited to bring the sector together once again for two days of inspiration, learning and connection.

Tickets will go on sale from Monday 23 March, with full details and booking available on TicketTailor.

Shaping the conversation together

In the coming weeks, ADSS Cymru Members will be invited to vote on the key themes that will shape the programme for #NSCC26. Early discussions with the conference planning group suggest several important areas we may explore together, including:

• Positivity in social care – creating space to celebrate the pride, commitment and impact of the sector, while acknowledging the challenges we face.
• Telling our story – amplifying the powerful individual and collective stories that demonstrate the value of social care to communities across Wales.
• Responding to the world around us – exploring how social care leadership responds to environmental, cultural and societal change.
• Being a force for good in times of change – shaping tomorrow through innovation, partnership and courageous leadership.
• From individual experiences to our shared story – recognising how lived experience, practice insight and community voices shape the future of care.

Partnership and exhibition opportunities

Invitations will also be sent out shortly to organisations interested in partnership and exhibition opportunities at #NSCC26. The conference provides a unique platform to connect with leaders, practitioners and innovators from across Wales’ social care sector. Contact louise.sweeney@adss.cymru for further information.

Celebrating creativity and connection

The popular Connect evening event will return, offering a chance to come together in a more informal setting to celebrate the joy of creativity and expression through a social care lens.

Further programme details, speakers and announcements will follow in the coming months. In the meantime, save the date and join us in Cardiff for #NSCC26 on Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 October.

Watch the highlights from NSCC25