Over 150 parents, carers and practitioners with a range of specialisms came together to share their experiences and expertise.
The theme this year was legal: enabling understanding of legal issues for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Delegates enjoyed a packed timetable of inspirational talks based on lived experience, interactive workshops and keynote speakers.
Joshua Robertson opened the day with a rather candid and amusing talk about how his brain injury impacted his life, and how he had to” convince people and professionals” that he could actually live independently.
Next up we heard from Birketts solicitors who explained how to get the best out of an Education, Health, and Care Plan. (EHCP)
"I heard such insightful information from some inspirational people and loved hearing their success stories."
After a short break, ICE's own David Leah gave an entertaining and insightful talk about his personal experience growing up with ASD and the strategies he developed to understand the world around him.
We then heard from Essex County Council’s behaviour Advisory Service. They told us all about how they ensure people are fully involved in their Mental Capacity Assessments, and then presented us with the benefits through various case studies. Delegates were presented with an anonymous case study and spent time working in groups to come up with possible solutions and methods for the best outcomes.
In response to feedback from last year's Sharing Day we allocated more time for delegates to visit the market stalls and discover the breadth of communication aids that are available.
"I was amazed to see such a range of resources! This will make a real difference to some of the people I support."
Outside of the main hall Andrew Whitehouse and Gordon Forsyth from PACT held an entertaining and informative workshop on Education, Health and Care Plans.
The Autism Reality Experience and Virtual Dementia Tour, complementing the talks and workshops had a steady flow of visitors throughout the day.
In the afternoon we heard some shocking statistics from Chris Cooper from HM prisons. We were all truly inspired by the work he is doing to support the neurodivergent prison population.
Andrew Whitehouse once again entertained and enlightened us from his world of ADHD. As his talk suggested, maybe it’s the neurotypicals who don’t understand the rules?
We then learnt some fantastic methods from Sharron Howard from ECC around consent. She beautifully brought to life the complexities of gaining consent, whilst showing us some easy techniques we can all use.
Closing the day was Collette and Trevor from the Essex Community Offending Service (ECOS). They introduced us to the ‘Good Lives’ model and showed the impact that this way of working can have on supporting people.
"All day was amazing, I’m already looking forward to the next one!"
Click below to watch a short film from Sharing Day 2024 and we look forward to welcoming you in 2025.