Turning Point Scotland recently held their Bi-annual TPS Connects Conference at The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel. Originally established in 2011, the TPS Connects Conference is a two-day event for people supported by Turning Point Scotland Learning Disability services.

The first day began with a warm welcome from Craig Winter, Director of Business Development and Improvement. Craig emphasized the importance of this conference for people to have their say and for reflection since the last conference; what the people who use our services told us and what we did. Patrick Mckay, Director Operations followed this welcome by explaining the importance of TPS Connects and why as an organisation, Turning Point Scotland involve the people supported. Craig Winter then hosted a “Turning Point Scotland’s Plans for the Future” session for staff and service users to vote and give opinions on the current 2023-2028 Strategy. 

There was then an opportunity for those who use our services to come on stage and share their good news stories such as new living spaces, opportunities to speak at conferences, what Turning Point Scotland means to them and opportunities they have had to be involved in their communities thanks to the support of Turning Point Scotland.

The first day finished with Liz Lothian, Manager, Positive Behaviour Support team who was joined by Jamie Lee Girven who is supported by Inverclyde Service to share her story of the support she has received. Positive Behaviour Support is a way of exploring what people need. Its primary goal is not to change the person’s behaviour but to change the way the service is delivered, with a focus on improving the quality of life for people.

The evening involved a dinner followed by a disco and karaoke in which 32 people took the microphone and got the crowd up dancing and singing away.

On day two, Dr Mark Shepard from The University of Strathclyde came along to talk about the upcoming General Election and gave guidance on how people should pick their party and to use their opportunity to vote.

Over the two days, there was a variety of workshops of people to get involved with such as: Arts, Music, Bingo, Bushcraft, Ceramic Pot Painting and feedback opportunities with sessions on “Inclusion”, “Have your say” and “What home means to me”. 

The conference finished with members of TPS Connects Committee sharing what being a member means to them and inviting other people who use our services to take the opportunity to join.

Aileen Reid, Inclusion & Access Co-ordinator said, “The committee did a fantastic job of delivering presentations and introducing speakers, and any time a speaker asked for input from the audience, there was no shortage of people who wanted to have the mic to share their thoughts and opinions. That’s what the conference is all about, hearing from the people we support, taking their views away and doing something about them.”

 Well done to Aileen, TPS Connects Committee and everyone else involved in putting such a fantastic event together.