Conferences . . .
. . . the Stockport branch participates fully in the annual and regional conferences.
These events allow us to identify best practice, keep pace with new ideas emerging throughout the movement, and ensure that we maintain real personal contact with other branches. Conferences and regional training seminars remind us that we are a national movement of volunteers from all walks of life, contributing to a common cause. These events are also an opportunity to get together in pleasant surroundings and have a great social time!
York conference
Over 1,100 delegates from branches all over the UK attended the annual conference last September in the picturesque landscaped surroundings of York University. For many years now, Stockport branch has sent a number of delegates. The annual conference gives us the opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the country and abroad, discover something about life in other branches, and generally celebrate. The conference programme is challenging, with workshops and lectures focussing on all aspects of Samaritan work, backed up by plenary sessions generally given by presenters who are either celebrities or well known in their professional fields.
Lancaster conference
The Lancaster conference is held annually in late March/early April, and is the regional conference for the North West branches. Usually over 200 delegates attend, always including a Stockport contingent, and it is a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and to make new friends in the movement. Held over a weekend at Lancaster University, the programme is generally ‘themed’ around a single issue directly relevant to our experiences as volunteers. Challenging but at the same time enjoyable, the Lancaster conference is a key event in Stockport branch’s annual programme of activities.