Dear All,
As we wind down for the much-needed festive holidays, we wanted to send out season’s greetings on behalf of NADSN!
THANK YOU all so much for being part of NADSN, for always being so supportive, warm and welcoming, and for creating such a strong and active community. It’s been another tumultuous year, and we have been there for each other through the highs and lows. Together we’ve kept reminding everyone that this is a better world because of us! #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs!
It was wonderful to hold our much-anticipated NADSN 10th Anniversary Conference & Celebration on 6th December at the University of Greenwich and online. What a memorable day it was! Many thanks again to Dr Melanie Thorley and her STAART Tribe, and the Disabled Staff Community, for being such amazing hosts. Our brilliant speakers delivered an engaging flavour of the important projects NADSN is leading and the subgroups we’ve formed. There was a real buzz and positive vibe throughout the day, with lots of exciting connections being made! We were able to celebrate NADSN’s 10th birthday by sharing cake with friends old and new. Then the Greenwich campus went #PositivelyPurple for us and the International Day of Disabled People!
Disability History Month draws to a close at the end of this week and it’s sure been a busy one! This year’s theme of “Disability Livelihood and Employment” has been very close to our hearts. The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2024 celebrated a new list of the most influential Disabled people in the UK including some of our own friends and colleagues, and Celia Chartres-Aris winning the top spot! It was also a moment of shear jubilation and Disability Pride to see Chris McCausland become the first ever blind contestant to win the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend! Just before lifting the Glitter Ball trophy, Chris said “this is for everyone out there that got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it and it shows that with opportunity and support and just determination just anything can happen”! Your words resonate loud and clear with us, Chris! Congratulations to everyone who’s hard work and dedication has been recognised and rewarded this year! 🙌👏🏆🥳
Lots more coming up in the year ahead! Of course, we’ll continue with our much-loved regular online catch-ups and engaging with our partners and allies to promote NADSN and our members’ interests! 🤩
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, safe and relaxing festive break and a very happy and prosperous New Year! We hope and pray 2025 holds good times for us all.
Please take care of yourselves, keep warm and look out for those around you if you can.
This time of the year can be a difficult period for some of us. Although this mailing list and social media are always available for people to keep in touch, please note that we won’t be monitoring these over the festive period. Mind’s webpages on “Christmas and mental health” provides useful information and contacts, including how to reach out for urgent support.
We look forward to seeing everyone in 2025! 😍
Many thanks for being you!
Best wishes,
Hamied, Jacquie & Stuart
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