Emergence's First Open Day was bursting at the seams on Friday July 8 - and all 150 delegates unanimously declared it a resounding success.
"Today has the same amazing buzz as the Personality Disorder Congress back in 2009 - but this time I know Emergence will keep the flame burning. We are witnessing the birth of a movement," one delegate said. "Together we will Change Attitudes and Build Lives for all those affected by personality disorder. I can't wait."
This feeling was echoed around the main hall as everyone attending signed the Emergence Pledge to support the service user-led organisation in its campaign to put PD on the map.
Kath Lovell, Emergence managing director, added: "There is an incredible sense that everyone here wants to play their part in ensuring our voices are heard and we can bring about the necessary, lasting change to improve the lives of all those affected by PD. Today has shown me again what incredible and dynamic people are involved with and support Emergence. This event could not have been better."
Emergence's newest recruit, Meredith Vivian OBE, who for many years was Deputy Director of Mental Health Care Pathways at the Department of Health, expressed his delight at being part of the team. "I am looking forward to working with Kath and my fellow directors to start to actually make a tangible difference."
Fellow directors spoke of the particular projects they are involved with and also set out, in a very personal way, what Emergence means to them.
Other highlights included a short play by Resurgence and three songs performed by Kayla Kavanagh - but as many service users and carers explained: "It is the feeling of oneness that is so strong at this event. Nothing else we go to has the same effect on us."
One service user summed up what everyone was feeling at the end of the day as Kayla Kavanagh sang the Open Day to a close: "Thank you Emergence for the most amazing and fantastic day."
Amanda Graham-Leigh, one of the Norfolk Postcard winners added:
"I would like to thank the entire team for their hard work, commitment, enthusiasm, passion and helpfulness before and on the day. I felt very comfortable and at ease and certainly, by the end of the day, there really was a tangible and empowering feeling of how the organisation and its partners and individuals can move things forward in very positive ways. . . the winds of change, perhaps?"
For more details of the day, please read this great blog.
