We were delighted to host a Conference for Carers, celebrating the incredible dedication and role of carers within our sector. We enjoyed an amazing day celebrating the excellence and commitment of carers and speakers from within our sector made this a very insightful day.

The day featured various speakers from within the sector, including Brenda Rushe from RCN, Mervyn Bothwell from NISCC, Valerie Guthrie from the Alzheimer’s Society, Stephanie Patterson from the Northern Trust, Christine Thompson from the Macklin Group, Conor McCarthy and Catriona McKay and Tara McCollum Staff Nurses at Glenkeen Nursing Home.

The day was packed with valuable information from each speaker. We started the day with a family perspective from Conor McCarthy who is the family member of a service user of Hutchinson at Home. Mervyn Bothwell from  NISCC provided an insightful talk on upcoming social care reforms and career pathways for carers. Brenda Rushe from RCN discussed various learning materials and training opportunities, including links to the RCN. Stephanie Patterson addressed safeguarding, while Christine Thompson led an engaging interactive courtroom scenario. Valerie gave a talk on the role of the carer and the impacts of being a carer. Tara & Catriona did a Q&A on their journey of becoming a nurse through the open university whilst working full time as a carer.

Our host for the event was Lloyd Hutchinson and after a inspiring  day we were treated to a fabulous Irish dancing demonstration from Maya McCann and Melissa Pauley

 We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the hotel so a BIG THANKS to all the  events team at Dunadry for their efforts whilst attendees also enjoyed mini treatments from massage therapists and participated in two yoga sessions.

We awere thrilled with the positive feedback from attendees and pleased that staff enjoyed the day. Thanks to everyone on making the day such a success.