Let’s Talk Disability and Mental Health

A renowned comedian and writer, the Public Health England national lead for mental health and wellbeing and an LJMU Honorary fellow were among the impressive speakers that informed and enlightened almost 300 delegates at the Let's Talk Disability and Mental Health Conference.

Held in St George's Hall, the event fulfilled its aim to bring together experts in the field of disability equality, mental health and wellbeing to debate key issues and share their knowledge. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill opened the conference that featured the following invited speakers:

• Francesca MartinezGregor Henderson - National Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England
• Professor Val Williams - Professor of Disability Studies at University of Bristol
• Rosie Tressler - CEO of Student Minds
• Ruth Gould MBE DL - Director of DaDaFest, Canon of Liverpool Cathedral and LJMU Honorary Fellow
• Francesca Martinez - Comedian, Speaker, Actress and Writer (pictured right)
• Professor Geoff Layer - Vice-Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton and Chair of the Disabled Students Sector leadership Group

LJMU Deputy Chief Executive (OE) Gary Graham, who co-chaired the conference with POD Director Julie Lloyd, said:

"This conference comes at a time when increasing attention is focused on mental health and disabilities and the impact that these can have on individuals in work and study. It was wonderful to welcome so many people to the conference - health and disability professionals from across the country, staff and students - who all left with tangible solutions and ideas for development in their own environments as they work to promote inclusivity and respect for all. We are looking forward to delivering a range of free events in the coming months that explore and celebrate equality and diversity within the workplace."

Upcoming Equality & Diversity events/workshops include:

NAVAJO Awards Ceremony - Thursday 17 May 2018

GIRES (Transgender Awareness Workshop) - Wednesday 23 May 2018

Result CIC Training - September 2018:

Result CIC Training is designed to provide staff with disabilities (physical, hidden and mental) with additional professional development opportunities.

The workshops run over a three-month period with participants engaging with Result CIC Directors, Jane Cordell and Hormoz Ahmadzadeh, in a series of coaching and training sessions, providing a “safe space” to discuss potential barriers they may face and collaboratively working on positive solutions within the workplace.

This September, we will also be offering a parallel programme for Managers who have their own disability or want to learn how they can best support staff with disabilities. This will be a one-day workshop and includes a 1:1 coaching session.