The Changing Places Conference 2015

Championing Changing Places Together: The Conference

In February 2015, Aveso invited campaigners and supporters to finally meet each other at the very first official Changing Places Conference held at Chesterfield FC. Everyone had the chance to celebrate joint success and Aveso said a big thank you for their hard work and dedication. Aveso arranged for industry experts and key campaigners to speak about their journey and how we can all support each other moving forward.

Jane Carver from Accessible Derbyshire said: “When you are out there on your own campaigning for change it can sometimes be a lonely journey so to be in a room full of so many like-minded people felt wonderful!”

As you will have seen from our ‘Guest Speaker Announcements’, the schedule for the event was based around the knowledge and information shared by each of our guest speakers. On the day, we gladly welcomed Martin Jackaman (consortium member), Accessible Derbyshire, The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, Samantha Buck, Visits Unlimited, Euan’s Guide, Hop Skip & Jump and a guest appearance from the team at Aveso (of course!).

The aim for gathering together so many Changing Places enthusiasts in just one room were to, for the very first time provide a ‘note swapping’ environment for successful Changing Places campaigning. We gained valuable campaigning techniques from families, ideas for fundraising from charities and learnt the best methods for sharing and building relationships online.

There were many people young and old, existing campaigner and brand new to the campaign who had fantastic ideas for carrying the campaign forward in the UK for those 250,000 people (or 1 in 4 people) who need Changing Places every day.

During the Changing Places Conference, everyone took part in workshops, quizzes and networking sessions to get the creative juices flowing. We were treated to lunch at Chesterfield FC who hosted the event and have their very own Changing Places toilet, complete with ceiling hoist and changing bench installed by Aveso in 2014.
The very first “People’s Choice Changing Places Award” winner was announced with Arsenal FC taking home the award due to becoming the first Premiere League Football Club to have a Changing Places toilet and embrace the needs of their disabled supporters and their families.

Check out our event video to see all the action and get a taste of what the Changing Places Conference 2016 will look like.