The event brought together professionals from various sectors such as public health, wider local authority teams, the NHS, education, housing, health and social care, the voluntary and community sector and DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). Individuals with lived experience also participated to advocate for inclusion and promote wellbeing in neurodiverse communities.
Organised by Walsall Council鈥檚 Mental Wellbeing team in Public Health, the conference aimed to drive system-wide improvements and foster a more inclusive society. The event addressed important issues such as mental health, education, cultural diversity and the criminal justice system, through a neurodiversity lens.
Keynote speakers included Dr Claire J. Heath from the Business Insights team at Walsall Council, Dr. Jessica Donohoe, Natalie Duxbury and Gabrielle Monnington from Autism and ADHD Assessment Hub, Professor Megan Lawton from the University of Wolverhampton, Dr. Venessa Swaby, Founder of A2nd Voice, Tracy Hands and Tom Rogers from 3SC and many more.
Breakout sessions explored topics such as supporting neurodivergent families, inclusive education, mental health and creating neurodiverse-friendly workplaces. The event also featured powerful contributions from experts by experience, including parents, professionals and individuals with lived experience of neurodivergence.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: 鈥淭his conference is a milestone in our journey to create a society where neurodivergent individuals are not only accepted but celebrated. We are proud to bring together voices from across sectors to inspire change and collaboration.
鈥淚 would like to thank everyone involved in organising this successful event across our Public Health and Business Insight teams, as well as the community projects we have funded over the last year to deliver neurodiversity projects.鈥
The conference was supported by several community-led projects including Walsall Black Sisters Collective, Onwards, Mosaic, Diverse Minds Community (Mettaminds) and Bread 4 Life, all of which showcased their work during the event.
For more information or to get involved in future initiatives, contact: MWWalsall@walsall.gov.uk