Thursday 8th October was the inaugural Support Worker Conference.
This landmark event aimed directly at support workers aimed to demonstrate they were recognised and valued.
What we did:
The organising team of Susan Pattison, Ryan Price, Daniel Bamber, Matt Brown and Kat Whitemoss demonstrated both the need and the support of the brain injury community in the Northweat for such an event.
The teams initial investigation identified several barriers to support workers attending including funding for and paid study leave to attend; and worked to provide an event that was accessible to as many as possible.
From the start, the team were focused on including as many organisations as practical to facilitate a conversation about the barriers faced by support workers to create meaningful change.
This meant the traditional and established conference model was redesigned including;
– Delegate sponsorship from the wider MDT by inviting individuals and businesses to sponsor a delegate place in return for nothing more than knowing they were part of something meaningful.
– Delegate places were only open to support workers.
– Exhibitors were chosen from small organisations whose mission was to provide accessible activities for ABI community
– Exhibitors were asked to donate a free taster experience to a prize draw.
– Round tables rather than theatre style seating facilitated conversation and integration.
– The whole event was not for profit and any monies raised were donated to Headway Salford.
Outcomes:
Sponsoring delegate places directly through individual MDT members worked and 127 delegate places were secured, meaning there was no cost to attend the event to the support workers.
Speakers and exhibitors willingly provided their time, indicating a sector-wide recognition and support.
The response on the day and the feedback received indicated this was a well-received event. 97% of delegates said the event had made them feel valued and recognised, whilst 100% said they would recommend the event.
Support workers were asked if their time was paid, of the 56, that answered 50 reported yes, suggesting a discrepancy in the paid support made available. However, 6 of support workers were willing to attend in their own time, indicating an appetite for self development.
But not every sponsored place translated into registration and attendance. Indicating cost to attend an event can’t be the only obstacle and points to structural barriers:
- Unpaid attendance
- Shift cover, or employer release time,
- Or simply never being asked before
Those who attended reported a positive experience, and it is anticipated this will be a significant influence in promoting future events among those who were nervous about attending.
Delegate feedback
“One of the strongest messages I took away was that SW are much more than people who implement care plans. We are an integral part of rehabilitation, and our observations and relationships with patients, documentation and willingness to speak up can make a meaningful difference to client outcomes”
“I have benefited greatly from this experience. It has challenged me to reflect on my own practice and strengthened my commitment to maintaining high standards of documentation, promoting independence, communicating effectively with the MDT’s and advocating for the people we support”
“Your sponsorship has contributed to my growth, and I am grateful to be a part of an experience that has left me feeling more informed, reflective and purposeful in my role”
“I hope to share the key lessons with my colleagues and apply them within our service, so that the benefits extend beyond my professional development to our wider team and most importantly our clients. Ultimately, I want to use what I have learned to contribute to more effective, compassionate and person-centred rehabilitation”
Employer feedback
“They all came away having thoroughly enjoyed the day and with new information and resources that they will take back to their clients. I think it was more than just an excellent opportunity to learn about the value of their roles, as they connected with people in the same role – they have already asked me when is the next one!”
Discussion:
Of the sponsored places only 97 support workers took up the opportunity indicating funding to attend was not the only barrier. 87% of the delegates identified that they received paid study leave to attend. Indicating a discrepancy in paid access but also demonstrated a willingness for self development in the absence of paid support.
However, most importantly, the planning of the event has put a spotlight on the conversation surrounding support worker access to such activities and directly asked if when we say we value support workers our actions support this statement. The list of thank yous below indicated an overwhelming yes from the Northwest community.
Conclusion:
The BABICM “Perfect Storm” report identified the recruitment and retention problem in support workers and the low morale relating to not feeling recognised or supported. This event, we believe the first of its kind directly and successfully tackled those issues. Whilst one event was never intended to resolve a complex issue it highlighted a sector wide support for such an initiative.
Next Steps:
The plan is to present a poster of our outcomes at the NWABI meeting and at UKABIF in November 2026 and at BABICM in 2027. If you would like more information Susan Pattison would be willing to speak directly to you or your team about the outcomes of the event. Please contact her on 07961352182 or susan.pattison@sptherapyservices.co.uk.
The organising team are now building on the success of this inaugural event and plan to make it an annual staple in the events calendar watch this space for details.
Thank you:
Turning an idea into a reality needed the support of the entire ABI community – and we are grateful to those who stood next to us in making this event happen.
Headline sponsors: Hugdells solicitors
Buffet sponsor: Neuro Rehab Nutrition
Tote bag sponsor: Millercare
Delegate Sponsors:
| A Chance for Life |
| Ability Case Management |
| Active Case Management |
| Advance OT |
| Beacon Case Management |
| Browns Case Management |
| CFG Law |
| CHM Case Management |
| Communication Rehab |
| Community Case Management Ltd |
| Compassionate Care Group |
| Cornerstones SLT |
| EMG Solicitors |
| Evolve Case Management |
| Gannon Case Management |
| Hudgell Solicitors |
| Inclusive Case Management |
| Irwin Mitchell |
| JMW |
| Link Case Management |
| Manchester Occupational Therapy Services |
| N Able Services Case Management |
| Newby Psychological |
| NWCPP Neuropsychology Ltd |
| Phoenix Rehabilitation |
| Pointer House Psychology Services |
| Prestige Nursing & Care Manchester |
| Rachel James Brain Injury Training Solutions |
| Reconnect Psychology |
| Red Pepper Nutrition |
| RFI |
| Simply Moving |
| Slater Gordon |
| Summerseat Physio |
| The Brain Injury Group |
| Total Case Management |
| Westmoreland Care Expert Ltd |
Speakers:
Rachel DiClementi, Hudgells Solicitors
Daniel Bamber, Prestige Nursing & Care
Susan Pattison, SP Therapy Services
Ryan Price, Heads Up Therapies
Catherine Davis, SLT for Life
Dr Penny Trayner, Clinical Neuropsychology Ltd
Dr Emma Weymouth, Newby Psychology
Matt Brown, Hudgells Solicitors
Ruth Wright, EMG Solicitors
Louise Wolsey, Active Case Management
Sam Ashcroft, Headway Salford
Exhibitors:
Hudgell Solicitors
Neuro Rehab Nutrition
CB Fitness
Millercare
BPM Rehab
Heads Up Therapies
Reel Recovery
Aspire Education
Head Forward
Wilder Things
Headway Salford