News
 

2011 National Conference

Forum co-chair Venerable Arthur Hawes addresses a rapt audience

Conference participants in reflective mood

Workshop leader Emma Louis (8^th from left) and workshop participants

Conference Report

The first national Forum conference, entitled ‘Wanted: Spirituality in Your Trust’ took place at the Training and Education Centre, Kingsway site, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, on Friday 6 May and was packed with people buzzing with ideas and inspirations. The event was oversubscribed and the feedback from those who were able to fit in the packed main room was overwhelmingly positive. The venue was excellent and the Forum team and colleagues from Derbyshire Trust worked very hard to ensure that the day was well prepared and enjoyable for all.

   Professor Peter Gilbert, Project Lead and Emeritus Professor of Social Work and Spirituality at Staffordshire University and Dr Ewan Kelly, Senior lecturer and Programme Director for Healthcare Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, NHS Education for Scotland, were the keynote speakers who gave informative, challenging, sometimes emotionally charged, and funny presentations that were warmly received by the one hundred delegates. Participants described the workshops which followed as ‘exciting’ and ‘just what I needed for my work’. The lunchtime guided meditation walk and engaging afternoon were also much appreciated.

  The day was opened by Kathryn Blackshaw, Deputy Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who said:   “This conference is being held to allow us to explore how spirituality can improve outcomes for mental health service users, as well as enabling us to examine how it can be integrated into mental health services more generally.  It is also an important opportunity for staff to gain a better understanding of their own spirituality, which in turn helps them to recognise and encourage the spiritual needs of those in their care. By aiding the overall wellbeing of a person this in turn encourages positive mental health.”  

  Since the event the Forum has received masses of appreciation for the day and requests for further networking and work. We hope that it provided support and affirmation for people in the front line, many of whom are having a torrid time, and with whom we continue to be connected.

  For copies of presentations shared at this vital event please click here.