Diversity Festival 2014
Programme of events
3rd – 14th March 2014
“Fighting for a Cause”
Across Various University of Chester Campuses and Locations
Date / Time / Room / Booking link
3/3/2014 / 11.30am / Riverside CRV139 / Festival Launch with Simon Weston
In 1982 the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands. On board was Simon Weston, Welsh Guardsman, a name and face that was going to become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries (46% burns) and redefine his role in life. Simon's message is one of achievement, of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding.
Following his injuries, Simon's road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures including 'The Weston Spirit', a Liverpool-based young people's charity. His charitable work earned him an OBE in the 1992 Queen's Birthday Honours.
In a speech not to be missed, Simon will talk about overcoming adversity and positive mental attitude but also his experiences of being in the public eye over the last 30 years. / To book for Simon Weston click here
3/3/2014 / 1pm - 2pm / Warrington Dining Room / Disabled Staff Group Information Stand
A chance to meet members of the University's proactive and supportive Disabled Staff Group and find out more / Just turn up!
3/3/2014 / 12-2pm / Binks Foyer and Binks CBK010 / Disabled Staff Group Information Stand and video
A chance to meet members of the University's proactive and supportive Disabled Staff Group and find out more. The group's informative and entertaining video will be shown, followed by a Q&A session with members. / Just turn up!
3/3/2014 / 12.30pm – 1.30pm / Warrington Sports Hall Martin WMA058 / Hoolanation
Hula is a dance form that was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. In 2014 it is all about Hoolanation! Come along and get fit with a hula hoop!! / To book for Hoolanation click here
4/3/2014 / 12.30pm – 2.00pm / Cloisters Food Laboratory / Nigerian Cookery Demonstration
Tokunbo Osho, Demonstrator in Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, will demonstrate the preparation and cookery a range of Nigerian dishes, with a chance for all participants to sample the delights! / To book for Nigerian Cookery Demonstration click here
4/3/2014 / 1pm – 3pm / Riverside CRV205 / Hate Crime: Your questions answered.
A 2-part event. Delegates are welcome to attend one or both parts.
1pm – Hate Crime and You
Cheshire Constabulary offer a workshop looking at Hate Crime in the local area, and how Hate Crime differs from other forms of crime. / To book for Hate Crime click here
4/3/2014 / 12.30pm – 1.30pm / Rigg CR101G / Introduction to Meditation
Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.
We all wish for world peace, but world peace will
never be achieved unless we first establish peace
within our own minds.
GesheKelsangGyatso
from the book 'Transform your Life'
Odiyana Buddhist Centre, a thriving Buddhist community will introduce you to the art of meditation. / To book for Introduction to Meditation click here
5/3/2014 / 2.00pm – 4.00pm / Westminster CWE019 / Diversity Essentials
An introductory workshop covering the key legislation relating to Equality and Diversity. / Email Felicity Davies to book a place
5/3/2014 / 1.30-5.00pm / Chritchley CCR002/1 & /2 / Men get eating disorders too
This event is designed to raise awareness and provide information about the pressures of the body beautiful on men. In this often overlooked area of male eating disorders, the event will seek to dispel some myths and often practical support regarding men’s health and wellbeing.
Typically eating disorders are perceived to be conditions that affect only women – this is far from the case. Between 10 and 25 per cent of those people experiencing eating disorders are male. We know that the majority of men who have eating disorders struggle to get access to appropriate support and treatment. Therefore it is difficult to know how many men are actually affected by the conditions.
1:30pm – 2:15 – Professor Mike Thomas – ‘The Image that Men Have – Eating Disorders in Males.’
Mike Thomas is the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care and is an experienced clinician and educator, having worked within a variety of settings. He is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Faculty of Health and Social Care within the University of Chester and has membership of University Executive Group. Mike served as a submariner and radio operator for several years within the Royal Navy before entering the nursing profession.
Mike has worked as both a mental health clinician and an educationalist for twenty five years. He is a trustee of three charities.
Mike has published and presented papers annually since 1986 and has written chapters in books ranging from patient assessment, sexual health, professional issues and cognitive behavioural psychotherapy.
2:30pm – 5:30pm – Men Get Eating Disorders Too – Workshop.
‘Men Get Eating Disorders Too’ is an award winning national charity dedicated to representing and supporting the needs of men with eating disorders.
Eating disorders are typically perceived to be conditions that are suffered by only females – this is far from the case. People of either gender are affected irrespective of age, social status, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
The workshop will:
- Explore some of the myths and misconceptions often associated with male eating disorders.
- Look at eating disorders, definitions, contributing factors and other associated conditions.
- Provide an insight into the issues men can face getting help and look at real experiences from men who have suffered themselves.
5/3/2014 / 1.00 – 16:00 / Binks Building / Women and Leadership
This is an event designed for female students but is open to everybody to attend who wants to be inspired and gain some insight into how to succeed in their chosen professional field. With inspirational talks from women who have achieved in their chosen field, this NUS and CSU led event will help graduates make the right sort of impact in their chosen career.
Each speaker will give a short talk about their own experiences with an opportunity for questions.
The speakers (and approximate timings) are as follows:
1:00pm - Start and introduction followed by Dame Jo Williams DBE
Dame Josephine 'Jo' Williams, DBE was the chief executive of Mencap until 1 November 2008. She was chairman of the Care Quality Commission between 2010 and 2012. Williams was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for "services to people with learning disabilities".
1:20pm - Deputy Chief Constable Helen King
Helen started her police career with the Cheshire Constabulary in 1986, working in uniform, CID, Personnel and Complaints and Discipline before leaving to become Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police. After being Gold Command of a number of high profile events and taking over the Force’s Operations portfolio, responsible for the Merseyside’s 6 policing Areas and with line management of over 4000 police officers and staff; in April 2012, DCC King returned to Cheshire Constabulary as the Deputy Chief Constable and is responsible for Force performance management, governance, standards and communication. She is proud to be working again with the Force she first joined in the area where she lives.
1:40pm – Professor Sarah Andrew
Sarah Andrew became Dean of Life Sciences in September 2004, having previously been Head of Biological Sciences at Chester. Her research focus is into mechanisms for the control of growth of cancer cells. She was elected to the Council of the British Society for Immunology in 2007. She has served on several national grant allocating committees and she is a consultant for the Missenden Centre for the Development of Higher Education. Her current responsibilities include management of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Information Systems and Mathematics and Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Break
2:15pm – Lord Mayor Councillor Jill Houlbrook
Lord Mayor for the City of Chester and Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council for the year 2013 to 2014 is Councillor Jill Houlbrook. In 1982 Councillor Houlbrook was elected to Chester City Council, representing Upton and was deputy and then Chairman of the Environment Committee. In 2006 Jill retired and was elected by Upton residents to represent them as a member of Chester City Council. In 2007 she served as the Executive Member for the Environment. Upon local government reorganisation in 2008 Jill was elected to serve on Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council and in 2009 she was chosen for the role of Assistant Executive Member for Community and Environment.
2:30pm – Kelley Temple, NUS Women’s Officer
Kelley Temple is the National Union of Students’ Women’s Officer. Kelley was the NUS Scotland Women’s Officer for two years and has successfully led campaigns on funding for student parents, improving access to education and support for student carers, zero tolerance to sexual harassment and including 40% quotas for women on University Courts within the University Governance Review in Scotland. Kelley has worked with the Scottish Funding Council on introducing Widening Access Outcome Agreements in Universities in Scotland and is a board member of Abortion Rights and policy development organisation Engender.
Break
3pm – Workshops with the NUS and CSU for students.
4pm – Finish. / To book a place on Women and Leadership click here
5/3/2014 / 1.30pm / Critchley
CCR016 / Equality, acceptance and respect
Following on from the success of the 2012 Festival event, West Cheshire Interfaith Forum return for an interactive session covering everything you need to know about religion. Following on from the overview of each religion in 2012, this session will focus on the customs and views of different religions and how we can ensure a culture of equality, acceptance and respect in a community where there are a number of different religions which hold different, and sometimes conflicting, views. This session will enable you to ask questions of representatives of different religions on topics such as same sex unions, marriage, customs and practices, dress, how different religions embrace diversity and much more! The event will conclude with refreshments and time for networking. / To book a place on Equality, acceptance and respect click here
5/3/2014 / 1pm - 5.30 / Binks
CBK107 / Launch of the Forum for Research into Equality and Diversity
The University of Chester Law School introduces a launch conference of the Forum for Research into Equality and Diversity ( the 5th March 2014 1.30pm - 5.30pm. This conference will feature a range of speakers on a variety of equality and diversity issues and in particular is aimed at lawyers, HR practitioners, academics, local businesses and voluntary bodies. / To book a place on Launch of the Forum for Research into Equality and Diversity email Chantal Davies
5/3/2014 / 12pm – 1pm / Small Hall / LGBT and Straight allies : local issue
A showcase of local services and volunteering opportunities related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people in the Chester and Cheshire West area. / CANCELLED
5/3/2014 / 2pm / Kingsway Buildings / Music Therapy
An interactive session from MusicPlace, a music therapy charity who provide or music therapy as an effective treatment for children and adults with educational/physical/ emotional healthcare needs. This session is open to anyone who wants to find out more about the music therapy or who may be interested in music therapy as a career. / To book for Music Therapy click here
6/3/2014 / 12.30-1.30pm / Small Hall / Bollywood dancing
Back by popular demand! Learn how to dance like the Bollywood stars. / To book for Bollywood dancing click here
6/3/2014 / 5pm - 7pm / Riverside CRV139 / Focus on Dementia
Dementia is described as a “global disaster waiting to happen” and the biggest health and care problem of a generation. In response to this, the Diversity Festival and Faculty of Health and Social Care welcome a range of high profile speakers focussing on the key clinical, social and personal aspects of dementia in an exciting evening of events.
The event is open to anyone with a professional or personal interest in dementia. / To book for Focus on Dementia click here
6/3/2014 / 10.00am – 2.00pm / Riverside
CRV 119 / Beyond the Equality Act: Supporting Disabled Students to Achieve in Education.
With a range of academic and practical speakers covering good practice guidance on how we can support disabled learners, followed by the experiences of disabled learners using the education system and their perspective on effective support and challenges to learning.
The event will run as follows:
10am - Introduction of first speaker, Dr Cassie Ogden, Sociology, University of Chester – ‘Beyond the Social Model of Disability’.
Dr Cassandra A. Ogden is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Sociology at the University of Chester. She gained her BA (Hons) at the University of Leeds in 2001 and a PhD at the University of Central Lancashire. Her PhD thesis explored the quality of life and experiences of children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which fuelled her interest in the social disgust of the leaky realities of the body.
Her research interests include the sociology of disability and health and illness and have presented many papers on the topic of my PhD, ‘Quality of life and coping in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)'. This helped fuel her interest in the social disgust of the leaky realities of the body. Much of her current work utilises a critical disability studies perspective and it is this approach she will use when critiquing the common models used for discussing disability which place the disabled person in a disempowered position or as the victim.
11am – Dr Naomi Sharples, Head of Health and Social Care, University of Chester – ‘Failing to Fail’.
Dr Naomi Sharples is the Head of Department for Health and Social Care. She is a dual qualified nurse and has a background in Mental Health and Deafness. Her academic studies have focussed on Linguistics, Deafness, Communication, Leadership, Management and Diversity. Her Prof Doctorate utilised narrative analysis against the philosophical background of Habermas and Freire; exploring the experience of Deaf qualified nurses in education and practice. She currently works with undergraduate nursing students, post grad and Doctorate students.
12:45pm - Alex Lowery – Living and Learning with Autism
Alex Lowery is a professional public speaker and trainer on autism. He was trained in public speaking through Autism Cymru. Alex has contributed to a number of publications which include the book 'Letters from the home front.' by John Clements and a post diagnostic pack for adults. Alex has recently become a Youth Patron with Ambitious About Autism. Alex has written a book about his life with autism from early childhood where he found the world a terrifying place through to becoming a public speaker. He is looking to have this book published in the coming months. Alex is a young man who is committed to raising awareness of autism. To this end he has set up a business as a public speaker and trainer on autism. Alex is keen to improve life for adults, children and young people who have autism in any way he can. / To book a place on Beyond the Equality Act click here
7/3/2014 / 10.00am- 12noon / Small Hall / The University’s Mission, Vision and Core Values
This interactive workshop will look at the historic and current influence of our being a church-founded institution.
Following an open invitation from the Vice Chancellor, a number of Individuals, departments, faculties, and other areas of the University have suggested illustrations of the ways in which the University seeks to live by the distinctive sense of identity expressed in its ‘Mission, Vision and Core Values’ document (MVCV).
This event will initiate a creative project which will continue into the following academic year, during which we mark the University’s 175th anniversary. This project will produce an exhibition centring on 175 years of our Mission, Vision and Core Values. The exhibition will be a centrepiece in Chester Cathedral during our celebration of Founders’ Day 2015 when the address will be given by Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and Visiting Professor in this University. / To book a place on The University's Mission, Vision and Core Values click here
10/3/2014 / 10.00 – 12.00 / Molloy CML104 / Hajj: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
Mikhail and Suada Khan talk about their experiences undertaking the Hajj and the wider motivations for the Great Pilgrimage. / To book a place on Hajj - Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask click here
10/3/2014 / 2.30pm – 4.00pm / ROOM CHANGE: Best Building CBB 115 / Women in Prison: Exploring equality and diversity in the criminal justice system.
Aba Graham, Inclusion Manager from Styal Women’s Prison, to deliver a talk on maintaining human rights in an environment with limited liberty. / To book a place on Women In Prison click here
10/3/2014 / 12.00pm – 2.00pm / Best
CBB117 / Including the Invisible - Meeting the Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Young People
LGBT Youth NW will deliver an informative workshop aimed at all practitioners working with young people, or those who aspire to work with young people, who want to develop their understanding of the issues faced by LGBT young people and ensure that their everyday practice is open, inclusive and meeting their needs.
All youth practitioners are working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans (LGBT) young people. Do we always recognise this? Is our language and practice inclusive? Can we be sure that we are meeting the needs of LGBT young people? / To book a place on Including the Invisible click here
10/3/2014 / 12.30pm – 1.30pm / Small Hall / Hoolanation
Hula is a dance form that was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. In 2014 it is all about Hoolanation! Come along and get fit with a hula hoop!! / To book a place on Hoolanation click here