The H.E.L.P. Alliance is proud to host the Health, Educators, Learners, Parents (H.E.L.P.) Alliance Conference from 10–11 September 2026 in Melbourne.
The 2026 conference theme, Connected Learning, Empowering Lives: Bridging Health, Education and Wellbeing, highlights the critical importance of collaboration across sectors to support improved outcomes for children and young people with health and mental health needs.
On behalf of the Conference Steering Committee, we warmly invite submissions for oral and poster presentations that showcase innovative practice, research, and collaborative approaches aligned with the work of the H.E.L.P. Alliance.
Submission Information
Key Dates
Abstract submissions close: Friday 12 June 2026
Speaker Notifications: Friday 26 June 2026
Presentation Formats
Oral abstract presenters will deliver content during concurrent sessions.
Three presentation options are available:
- 30-minute presentation
- 45-minute presentation
- 60-minute presentation or workshop
All formats include approximately 5 minutes for questions. Please indicate your preferred presentation length when submitting.
Poster presentations will be displayed throughout the conference, providing delegates with the opportunity to engage with your work. Presenters will also have dedicated time to discuss and explain their poster with attendees.
Abstract Focus
Abstracts should align with one or more of the following:
- Sharing Information
- Sharing Knowledge
- Sharing Practice
Submissions must also reflect the H.E.L.P. Alliance’s core purpose of improving educational outcomes for children and young people with medical and mental health needs.
Strong submissions typically demonstrate:
- Multidisciplinary collaboration (health, education, and families)
- Practical application and implementation
- Positive impact on learners and wellbeing
- Word limit:
- 250–500 words
- 250–500 words
- Recommended structure:
- Background / Context
- Aim
- Methods / Approach
- Results / Outcomes
- Implications / Significance
- Abstracts should emphasise:
- Practical application
- Real-world impact
- Collaborative practice
Abstracts will be reviewed against the following criteria.
A. Relevance & Importance
- Alignment with the conference theme
- Relevance to hospital or health-based education
- Significance for children and young people with health needs
B. Clarity of Purpose
- Clearly stated aims or focus
- Well-defined problem, context, or setting
C. Quality of Approach / Practice
- Appropriate methodology, design, or initiative
- Clear description of what was implemented
D. Outcomes / Findings
- Evidence of impact, change, or learning
- Demonstrated outcomes or emerging insights
E. Implications for Practice
- Transferability to other contexts or settings
- Contribution to policy, education, or health practice
F. Collaboration & Innovation
- Evidence of multidisciplinary or partnership approaches
- Inclusion of families, students, and/or cross-sector collaboration