Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026

08:30Breakfast session

• From insight to implementation: tackling racial inequalities in mental health services, supported by Maudsley Charity

  Racial inequalities continue to drive unequal access to mental health care, negatively impacting people’s experiences and outcomes, and perpetuating disparities across services. This is widely acknowledged within the sector, but how do we move from “admiring the problem” to taking action to solve it?  

  This session will highlight the practical, evidence-based approaches being taken to reduce racial inequalities. We will explore how Advance Choice Documents (ACDs) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust are empowering individuals and building trust, explore the impact of PCREF on disparities affecting staff and patients in Birmingham, and discuss the distinct challenges faced in less diverse areas of the country. 

  Speakers to include:

  • Dr Lade Smith – President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
  • Sarah Holloway – Chief Executive, Maudsley Charity
  • Representative from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

09:00Registration, networking and exhibition

• Registration, networking and exhibition

09:45Chair's and Vice Chair's welcome

• Chair's and Vice Chair's welcome

  • Dr Buki Adeyemo – Chair, Mental Health Network and Chief Executive, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Marsha McAdam – Peer Ambassador and Vice-Chair, Mental Health Network

09:50Panel discussion

• Unlocking potential: supporting people with mental health conditions to achieve sustainable employment

  Government’s mission-led approach is to reduce unemployment and economic inactivity and build an inclusive and thriving labour market and achieve strong economic growth. The biggest driver behind the increase in economic inactivity is poor mental health, with about 40% of working age adults with a common mental condition being unemployed and about 1.3 million people with mental health or behavioural conditions claiming disability benefits. This is particularly the case for young people with mental health conditions who are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive. To achieve this change and enable people with mental health issues into the workplace, we need to give them the right support while they are ill and prevent them becoming ill in the first place. 

  Session aims:

  • The session will discuss the role of providers and ICBs in responding to this growing challenge. Attendees will leave with a   greater understanding of the busy landscape of work and health and the different trailblazers, pilots, and available funding.
  • This session will provide an overview of the trends in relation to mental health and work, and evidence base for effective interventions. There will be a specific focus on young people who are not in employment, education or training and how to support them to become economically active.    

  Speakers to include:

  • Salma Yasmeen – Chief Executive, Sheffield Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
  • Adam Memon – Director of Strategy, NHS England
  • Kim Shutler – Sector Lead for VCSE & Senior Responsible Officer for Harnessing the Power of Communities, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board 
  • Craig Cleeton – Expert by Experience, Sheffield Partnership University Foundation Trust