On Friday 16th September, Ffion Poole and Christy Taylor attended the Student Learning Disability Conference at the University of South Wales, the theme of which was ‘It’s Good To Be Back’. The conference began with Professor Ruth Northway’s presentation on ‘How Learning Disability Nurses Can Contribute to the Welsh Government Learning Disability Strategic Action Plan (Including COVID Recovery)’.
This was followed by Ffion and Lynne from TRAC, along with two student nurses – Marie and Lisa – talking about what the TRAC (Teaching & Research Advisory Committee) team does. TRAC is a group of people with a learning disability which meets monthly to share their knowledge, thoughts and feelings about key issues that affect them daily. Ffion said that she was very nervous before giving her presentation, but was proud of herself once it was completed.
After the break, six student nurses talked about their experiences of their nursing course, and the challenges of studying during COVID. We also heard presentations from the University of South Wales Nursing Society, the Hiraeth Team from the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, and Dr Ruth Wyn Williams, a nursing officer for the Welsh Government.
The morning finished with Professor Ruth Northway presenting The Paul Wheeler Award to learning disability nurse Clair Gabbidon. This is an annual award given to a third year learning disability student, in honour of Paul Wheeler, a senior lecturer who passed away in 2008.
