In Control launches its Big Event 2010

Published by In Control for In Control in Local Government and also in Health

A unique convention is being held by In Control, a national social care charity, on 16 March 2010 at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool.

The Big event is the largest of its kind internationally and it will bring together more than 2,000 people to share best practice and experiences of personalisation in the health and social care sectors.

Unlike other events catering solely for professionals, the Big Event encourages people from all walks of life to attend, including individuals, families and carers, key influencers from local authorities, government agencies and providers, as well as professionals from health and social care organisations.

It brings together all those united by a common aim – to help people to be fully in control of their lives. It’s an invaluable opportunity to network, explore the support and services on offer, hear real-life experiences, and to find out the latest developments in Self-Directed Support and personalisation.

Key speakers at the event include: Dame Jo Williams, Chair of the Board of Trustees at In Control; Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA); Philip Collins, Chair of the Demos Board of Trustees; Mark Pollock, adventurer, writer and international motivational speaker, and Tim Spencer Lane from the Law Commission.

In addition to keynote speeches, there will be more than 50 workshops taking place throughout the day on topics such as: citizen leadership; personalisation in health; real jobs; support planning; safeguarding; research and evaluation, and children – hope, creativity and cooperation.

A bustling marketplace area will also host 100 exhibitors and entertainment from the likes of theatre company Moveable Feast and Abnormally Funny People, a group of gifted stand-up comedians.

Caroline Tomlinson, Consumer Support Director at In Control, said: “This really is an event like no other. We believe that together we really are better and through the Big Event we aim to bring professionals and individuals, families and carers together to learn from each other and share experiences.”

The Big event starts at 9.30am and ends at 5.30pm. Delegate admission is £135 plus VAT for members of In Control and £200 for non-members. Tickets for individuals, families and micro-providers cost £20, personal assistants supporting an individual on the day will be admitted for free.

For more information, please visit www.in-control.org.uk/bigevent or contact In Control on 0156 482 1650. The programme and tickets are available online now.

The Big Event is sponsored by Alternative Futures Group and Careworks.