The event took place on Thursday 26 September and was opened by Karen Hall (CEO) and Ian Harper (Service Quality Director) from Aspire. Jill Parker, who is the national learning disability lead for STOMP, updated attendees about the progress of the national strategy.
Jill told attendees: “People with a learning disability are experiencing harm and sometimes dying as a consequence of their medication. However, by acknowledging this one fact, we’re launching ourselves together on a journey to change it.”
MiXiT Theatre Company performed the STOMP story, which received a standing ovation. It was then time to play the STOMP game, which was well-received.
Aspire Growing catered for the event with a selection of delicious homemade soups and rolls for lunch, and freshly baked cakes during the break. The produce was grown at the hub’s allotment.
During the afternoon, attendees listened to a number of presentations about good practice which included the results of a pilot project in Hereford NHS Trust and the benefits of using a positive behavioural support (PBS) approach.
Some of the people that Aspire support also shared their own stories throughout the day. At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to make a personal or organisational pledge to STOMP.
If you would like to make a pledge to STOMP, please contact Karen Pritchard at Karen.Pritchard@aspireliving.org.uk