Member Article

Rory Bremner and Simon Weston OBE speaking at ADHD conference in Liverpool

Impressionist and comedian, Rory Bremner and Falklands War veteran, Simon Weston OBE and speakers from France, USA and Italy are among a group of 24 speakers heading to Liverpool for a two day conference about children and young people’s mental health.

The ADHD Foundation’s annual two day conference, which is entitled ‘Early Interventions and Transitions’, will examine the escalating need for mental health support for children and young people and address the growing concern about support when they transition into adult services at sixteen.

As patrons of the Liverpool-based charity, Rory and Simon will both be speaking at the event, which is taking place between Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October at the BT Convention Centre.

Rory Bremner said:

“I didn’t realise I had ADHD until very recently, when a relative was diagnosed with the condition, and it dawned on me that we shared many of the symptoms such as impetuosity, distractibility, forgetfulness and disorganisation.

“It’s been a blessing for my career in many ways - for example, it means I am able to spot analogies and to think laterally in a comedic sense - however, it’s no laughing matter for many children and adults living with the condition who simply don’t have the professional help needed to learn how best to deal with their symptoms.

“Half a million schoolchildren have the condition, which is one child in every class who is seen as fidgety, distracted or even disruptive. Yet, with the right diagnosis, approach and understanding these youngsters are often the most creative and rewarding of all students.

“ADHD is a condition whose time has come and it’s crucial that we do all we can to understand it, recognise its effects, and support people living with the condition. The ADHD Foundation is at the forefront in a breakthrough of understanding this condition, so now is an exciting time to really make some differences for children and families living with the ADHD.”

Simon Weston OBE said:

“Although I have never lived with ADHD myself, some of the difficulties faced by children and adolescents with the condition make a lot of sense to me. I understand what it’s like to be different, I understand mental health issues associated with a disability, and I understand being written off by people who simply can’t get to grips with what you are going through.

“Being young is difficult enough as it is, without being judged and dismissed as so many youngsters living with ADHD are. This is why in the UK we need to be offering the training and support, offered by organisations like the ADHD Foundation, which is so crucially needed by these young people so they can get from where they are to where they should be.”

CEO of the ADHD Foundation, Dr Tony Lloyd, said:

“Having two such well known and respected patrons who feel as passionately about raising awareness of ADHD and its related mental health problems and the impact it has on families, as Rory and Simon do, is fantastic for this conference.

“Rory is living proof that people with ADHD can go on to lead very successful lives and Simon is also a wonderful advocate for children and young people who may feel marginalised or judged for something they simply cannot help. A growing number of successful high profile individuals such as singer, Robbie Williams; Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson; England’s football team captain, Wayne Rooney; and Singer Will.i.am are challenging the stereotype of people living with ADHD.

“We are so grateful to Liverpool John Moores University, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Qbtech, Mersey Care NHS Trust, Liverpool CCG and Liverpool Hope University. Without this kind of support, we wouldn’t have been able to attract the breadth of speakers we have for this year’s conference.”

Tickets cost for days one and two £180 and £160 respectively or £220 for both days. You can book by emailing bookings@adhdfoundation.org.uk or calling 0151 237 2661.

Liverpool-based charity, The ADHD Foundation, delivers a range of services designed to support those individuals and families living with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and co-morbid conditions associated with ADHD such as depression, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome.

For more information visit the charity’s website – www.adhdfoundation.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Lowe .