Colleagues from across Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) came together on 9 July for the Disability and Wellbeing Staff Network (DAWN) Disability Awareness Event, held as part of Disability Pride Month.

Hosted at the Legacy Centre of Excellence, the event provided an opportunity for colleagues and allies to learn, connect and reflect on disability inclusion and wellbeing in the workplace.

The day featured a range of engaging sessions designed to promote understanding, celebrate lived experience and encourage open conversations about disability and neurodivergence. Attendees heard from a guest speaker from Purple Space, the world’s leading network for disability employee resource groups, who shared insights on creating more inclusive workplaces and empowering disabled colleagues.

A powerful lived experience panel gave colleagues the opportunity to share personal stories about living with disability and neurodivergence, helping to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and highlight the importance of fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Interactive discussions throughout the day encouraged attendees to explore practical ways to strengthen disability inclusion across the Trust and consider how colleagues can work together to create a more accessible and supportive working environment.

The event concluded with a wellbeing-focused Sound Journey led by Martine from the Spiritual Care team. The session provided a calm and reflective space for attendees to pause, unwind and focus on their wellbeing after a day of learning and discussion.

The Disability Awareness Event formed part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, while supporting the health and wellbeing of colleagues across BSMHFT.

By bringing people together to share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate Disability Pride Month, the event highlighted the important role colleagues play in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.