Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service hosts first national emergency services disability conference

Our first national disability conference took place at Service HQ in Washington on Tuesday 3 December (International Day of Persons with Disabilities).

“Ability Not Disability” was organised and hosted by the Disability Network Group, a team of TWFRS employees who are committed to making a difference for people with disabilities, long-term illnesses and caring responsibilities.

They welcomed nearly 100 delegates from 30 organisations across the country, including speakers from Northumbria Police, Greater Manchester and Cambridge Fire and Rescue Services, South Tyneside Adult Carers Service and MIND.

The agenda covered topics including neurodiversity, mental health issues, hate crime and supporting employees. There was also a video message from local comedian Lost Voice Guy and members of the Blue Light Choir were joined by the Percy Hedley Northern Counties Signing Choir for an amazing performance – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

The event was a fantastic networking opportunity, with lots of new connections made. Hopefully this marks the start of lots of joint working in this area.

If you attended the conference, we would welcome your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete the event evaluation survey.