Social Return’s Re-drawing Identity conference Thoughts from The Compere

Alittle water and some reflection has flowed under the bridge since our ‘conference with a difference’ couple of months ago and we continue to receive fantastic feedback from attendees and from those who have heard about the day. We are delighted by the impact it has had!

We wanted to create ‘a conference with a difference’ by shaking up the usual conference format with the aim of creating something deep, meaningful and immersive. At the heart of this difference was the collaboration between our amazing presenters who gave generously of their time to meet with each other ensuring that topics and content was integrated and there was a flow to the day. I know from presenter feedback that this was a very enjoyable process, from which we learned from each other along the way.

The selection of a theatre space as our venue and a meeting of minds about adding artistic content in terms of the drawings, by Graham Ogilvie, Grace, Currie’s, painting and original music content by Evernova (as well as the guest appearance of a glitterball!) served to strengthen and underpin the messages and learning around the topic of the day. But beyond all of those aspects, the contributions - directly and indirectly - from people whose life changing injury profoundly impacted their identity, was the aspect that fundamentally impacted all of us across the day. It was humbling and powerful to hear their stories and to view therapeutic inputs through the lens of authentic lived experience. I am delighted that we were able to create and share something about such a central aspect for survivors of life changing injury and that the content resonated so meaningfully with those who are tasked with supporting recovery, rehabilitation and re-drawing identity. 97 attendees voted for Social Return to run another conference, so watch this space for information on the next one!

Incredible conference hosted by Social Return Case Management yesterday. My brain was buzzing with ideas! Becky

Coupland

A wonderful day at Social Return Case Management 's re- drawing identity conference with some team members. It was wonderful to present alongside such inspiring and interesting speakers and the day had a wonderful atmosphere. The structure was very creative with Evernova playing beautiful music, Graham Ogilvie drawing as we spoke and painting by Grace Currie. Well done Vicki Gilman and team for a unique event born of creativity, quirkiness and a good chunk of enthusiastic hardwork! Lucy Fallon Great day in Leeds at #redrawingidentity. Fabulous speakers, inspirational client stories and left the venue feeling motivated and energised. I love thinking outside the box Good day at the office.

Emma Fitzsimmons

What type of conference has this kind of line up And a real life artist, musicians and SWEETIE BAGS?!

A Social Return conference that’s what. And it was 10/10. Thank you @ VickiGilman and @SocialReturnCM as a Case Manager, what you did for us all today meant a lot. Caroline

Phelps

Possibly the best conference we have ever attended. Creative, thoughtful, Educational. Human. Inspiring. Well done @SocialReturnCM team. Connected Voice Advocacy