Conference 26

Compassion in Communities: Reports from Conference 2026

In March 2026, the North West Regional Forum Conference brought people together to explore what compassion looks like in our communities and how we can create places where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to belong.

Throughout the day, people shared their experiences, ideas and hopes for change. A clear message emerged: compassion is kindness in action. It grows when we listen to people’s lived experience, include different voices, support one another and work together to turn ideas into practical change.

This page brings together the reports, reflections and resources created from the conference. They capture what participants told us about belonging, strong and diverse communities, self-advocacy, relationships and the importance of shared action. We hope they will help continue the conversations begun at the conference and inspire further action across the North West.

“The Learning Disability Conference 2026 was an inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of why inclusion, self-advocacy and representation matter. It was fantastic to see people growing in confidence, sharing their experiences, making new connections and having their voices truly heard. Supporting the people we work with at ACT to take part, express themselves and embrace new opportunities was incredibly rewarding, and reinforced just how important it is that everyone feels valued, empowered and able to have their say.”

Rachel

Compassion in Communities

What is Compassion

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains what self-advocates said about compassion at the North West Regional Conference in 2026.

Full Report – This report summarizes the findings from the table work in the morning session at North West Regional Self Advocates’ Conference, 2026. The data reflects a collective understanding of compassion not just as a feeling, but as a series of tangible actions and community values.

Infographic – This infographic shows five practical ways to demonstrate compassion, based on what self-advocates shared at the North West Regional Conference in 2026.

Building Belonging in Communities

Building Belonging in Community

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains what self advocates talked about what community means and how to make everyone feel like they belong..

Full Report – The Building Belonging in Communities workshop was an interactive keynote session held in March 2026 as part of the North West Self AdvocatesConferenceThe session utilised digital engagement tools, allowing self advocates to share their views in real-time via mobile devices.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about building communities where everyone feels connected, supported and able to belong.

Workshops

Changes through Our Lives

Changes through our Lives

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains what self-advocates said about changes in their lives, good support, their hopes and worries, and what should happen next.

Full Report – The workshop focused on the lived experiences of people navigating life transitions, moving from being “cared for” to achieving independence. The findings highlight a profound shift: while change is often viewed with apprehension, it serves as a catalyst for building confidence and strength when supported by the right people. The core message from selfadvocates is that “good support” is not defined by a budget, but by being
listened to, respected, and seen as a person with equal rights.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about navigating life changes, getting the right support and having more choice and control.

Strong Communities and Technology

Strong Communities and Technology

Easy Read – This report brings together what self-advocates said about how technology can support independence and connection, the barriers people face and how digital services can become safer, fairer and more accessible.

Full Report – This report brings together what self-advocates said about how technology can support independence and connection, the barriers people face and how digital services can become safer, fairer and more accessible.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about using technology to increase choice, independence and connection without losing human relationships.

Our Diverse Community

Our Diverse Community

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains how celebrating our identities, knowing our rights and speaking up together can help diverse communities stay safe and strong.

Full Report – This report brings together what self-advocates said about identity, diversity, safety and the actions needed to build strong, welcoming communities where everyone belongs.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about celebrating diversity, staying safe and building strong communities where everyone is respected.

Building Inclusive Communities

Building Inclusive and Supportive Communities

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains what self-advocates said about creating inclusive communities through flexible support, meaningful roles, accessible transport and greater choice and control.

Full Report – This report brings together what self-advocates said about housing, changing support needs, transport, employment and the importance of being seen as a person rather than a label.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about building inclusive communities where people have a real home, valued roles and support that adapts as their lives change.

Supporting Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Shining Bright without Burning Out

Easy Read – This Easy Read summary explains why self-care matters, shares simple ways to look after yourself and shows how negative thoughts can be changed into kinder ones.

Full Report – This report brings together what self-advocates said about looking after their mental and physical wellbeing, managing negative thoughts and finding accessible ways to practise self-care.

Infographic – This infographic shares five key lessons from self-advocates about caring for their minds and bodies, recognising their strengths and asking for help when needed.

Get Creative

get creative artwork

Easy Read – This Easy Read report explains how people created ceramic artwork together and shares what their designs and messages meant to them.

Artwork – This image brings together the ceramic bunting created by conference attendees to express the people, experiences, values and messages that matter to them.