Wednesday 30 July 2008

The Association for Supported Living Annual Conference announced

The Association for Supported Living has announced its Annual Conference

Due to take place on 25th November 2008, Supported Living and Personalisation: Money, Power and Control will aim to explore:

  • the implications of increasing power and control being given to people with learning disabilities and others through the development of individual service funds

  • how the gains made to people’s control and independence as a result of supported living can be developed and enhanced through the use of individual service funds

  • how people with more complex needs can remain local and exercise their rights of tenancy


Speakers include:

  • David Behan - Director General of Social Care, Department of Health

  • Simon Duffy - National Director, In Control

  • John O’Brien - Responsive Systems Associates, USA

  • Peter Kinsella - Managing Director, Paradigm International Consultancy Training & Development Agency

  • Caroline Tomlinson - In Control

  • Maurice Harker - Lead Advisor, Housing Options

  • Paul Davies - Valuing People Support Team


The conference will take place at the Weston Theatre, Manchester Conference Centre, UMIST, Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3BB, from 10.00 a.m. – 4.30 pm (Registration 9:30 a.m.)

Booking fees are:


  • All ASL member organisations: 1 free place

  • Additional places for member organisations: £80 per person

  • Early Bird* offer to non-member organisation: £120 per person

  • Non-member organisations after 1 September: £150 per person


*Must be paid for by 1 September 2008
This includes a choice of two from six available workshops.


For more information, and to book please contact Georgina Breen of United Response.
Email: georgina.breen@unitedresponse.org.uk or Tel: 020 8246 5211.


Bob Tindall, Managing Director of United Response is the Chair of The Association for Supported Living.

Friday 18 July 2008

Boundless - Connecting Artists exhibition

Three artists who are supported by United Response will have their work shown at a London Gallery this summer.

Boundless - Connecting Artists is a exhibition of work from 25 inspiring artists.

Some of the artists have learning disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health needs, or conditions such as Aspergers Syndrome and dyslexia.

The exhibition hopes to introduce the work of these artists at the exhibition which will feature photography, abstract and figurative painting, drawing, digital art and cartoons.

Four leading learning disability organisations are backing Boundless - Connecting Artists (Choice Support, United Response, Regard Partnership and the Skillnet Group). The aim of the event is to celebrate the work of the artists taking part and to show that disability does not get in the way of talent.

The exhibition takes place at the prestigious Bankside Gallery in London from 21st July to 27th July 2008.

Monday 14 July 2008

Royal Parks Half Marathon - hurry!

We still have a few places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London!

On 12th October, over 12,500 people will take part in London's first half marathon and you could be part of it. The race will take runners through four Royal Parks, taking in fantastic views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

To guarantee your place, please contact pippi.reader@unitedresponse.org.uk - but hurry!