Ann Kirkwood, CDN’s Lead in Employability and Key Sectors, and Kerry Musselbrook, Project Manager at Iriss, tell us what to expect from the third What Matters To Us Conference, which will be held online at the end of April.
What Matters to Us returns on Friday 30 April – here to support final year HN students and staff in social care and early years at this important time. Important as students move into jobs or further learning; important in these unprecedented times that we are living in.
This is our third annual conference, and our first online event, providing opportunities to hear from inspirational speakers and take part in workshops. We are delighted to be joined by Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care, who will be talking about human rights in a pandemic. We are also thrilled to be joined by Khadija Mohammed, co-founder and Chair of Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators – Khadija will lead a workshop discussing the importance of taking an anti-racist approach, beginning in the Early Years.
You will also get the chance to hear from Ryan McCuaig, Chair of Who Cares? Scotland. Ryan will speak about his journey, starting out as a young person in care and then becoming a graduate and solicitor. He will tell us what he thinks is needed to ensure that care experienced people in Scotland fulfil their potential.
There will also be inspirational speakers and workshop topics about the following:
• Supporting children affected by parental imprisonment
• The power of stories – how lived experience has informed the Review of Adult Social Care
• My right to thrive – exploring the issues that trap people in poverty and inequality, as led by them
• Creative practices in care homes during COVID-19
• Quality Improvement matters
• Mindfulness
The day will also provide a chance for us to reflect on our experiences of COVID-19, give ourselves credit for dealing with the challenges we have faced, think about what we have learned, and what we can take with us into the future.
Please join us on Friday 30 April to hear about what matters to all of us! A future underpinned by a vision of a Scotland where all can live with human dignity, where everyone’s rights, skills and expertise are recognised. That includes you, and the critical difference you can make to people’s lives.
Vanessa Telfer, Associate Dean – Care, Communities and Supported Programmes from City of Glasgow College said:
“Having had the privilege of hosting the first ever What Matters to Us Conference at City of Glasgow College, it’s great to see that this event has grown from strength to strength. The students who have been involved each year have gained so much from the experience. They have been able to meet other students from across Scotland, chat to care providers within the marketplace and, most importantly, be inspired and enthused by the excellent speakers and fantastic workshops. I cannot recommend this event highly enough!”
Christine Hutchison, Head of Health & Social Care at Ayrshire College said:
“This national conference was held at Ayrshire College two years ago. The speakers were inspiring and knowledgeable, speaking from the heart. The workshops shared excellent examples of leadership in practice and the SSSC presence was very well received. The networking of students from colleges across Scotland allowed them to share practice, discuss issues and make friends. It was a really moving day for all. This year’s event should not be missed!”
The What Matters to Us Conference is a partnership between College Development Network, Iriss, the Scottish Social Services Council, Early Years Scotland, the ALLIANCE, University of the West of Scotland, and representatives from the college sector.
Book your place for the 2021 What Matters To Us Conference here.
