Livability and Mencap young disabled people conference

Livability and Bromley Mencap joined forces in June 2011 to organise a conference, Getting a Life that Matters, at Nash College in Bromley.

The event provided young disabled people with complex needs in London key information and support on issues such as accessing higher education, employment and housing and how to manage their own care and development through Personal Budgets and support planning.

The event was aimed at all young disabled people in London aged 14 25 and their families as well as professionals working with disabled people.

The programme included: speakers with in depth and personal experience of disability issues and informative and interactive workshops throughout the day. A variety of key organizations working with disabled people will also had stalls at the event to provide visitors with information and advice. They included: Livability, Bromley Mencap, Nash College, Bromley Parent Voice, Camden Society, Music Therapy, Bromley MIND, Tree Jumpers, Sussex Health Care, MCCH, Tuck by Truck, Dorin Court Residential Home, Avenues, Burgess Autistic Trust, Advocacy for All and Magpie Dance.

The transition to adulthood can be a very difficult time for young disabled people and their families and information and support is often hard to access. Livability wanted the event to give young people the advice and support they need on many key issues to ensure that they achieve their potential and enjoy a bright future.

Nash College of further education, for around 65 young people with disabilities, is run by leading disability charity Livability. It is based at Croydon Road, Hayes, Bromley, BR2 7AG.