Empowering Movement: Nurturing Mental Health for People with Disabilities

In the discourse surrounding movement and mental health, the experiences and needs of people with disabilities are often overlooked. However, physical limitations should not be barriers to reaping the profound benefits that movement can offer for mental wellbeing. In fact, for individuals with disabilities, incorporating movement into daily life can be particularly empowering, fostering a…

The Growing Importance of Safeguarding at Events in an Inclusive World

In today’s world, the focus on accessibility and inclusion has become more prominent than ever before. With the increasing awareness and advocacy for diversity and equality, event organisers are facing a growing need to prioritise safeguarding measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants. In this blog post, we will explore why safeguarding…

The Mind-Body Connection: How Movement Nurtures Mental Health

In a world where screens dominate our attention and sedentary lifestyles are the norm, the importance of movement for mental health cannot be overstated. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, the impact on our mental wellbeing is profound and multifaceted. Let’s explore why movement is not just good but essential for nurturing our mental health.…

The Value of Neurodivergent Speakers at Events: Importance of Support and Accommodations

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and celebrates the diversity of neurological differences among individuals, including those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the unique perspectives and talents that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, making them valuable speakers at events. In…

Embracing the Sunflower Lanyard Hidden Disability Scheme at Events: Promoting Inclusivity and Support

The Sunflower Lanyard Hidden Disability Scheme is a subtle yet powerful initiative designed to support individuals with hidden disabilities in navigating public spaces and accessing necessary assistance. The scheme involves wearing a sunflower lanyard or badge to discreetly indicate to staff and others that the wearer may require additional support or understanding due to a…

The Value of EventWell Buddies and Accessibility Hosts: Enhancing Inclusivity and Support at Events

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of events, prioritising the wellbeing and accessibility of all attendees is crucial to creating a positive and inclusive experience. EventWell Buddies and Accessibility Hosts are dedicated individuals who provide personalised support, guidance, and assistance to attendees, particularly those with specific needs or disabilities. In this blog post, we will…

Shifting Perceptions: The Rise of Neurodivergence in Mental Health

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how we perceive and understand mental health conditions. Conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Bipolar Disorder, once viewed solely through a lens of pathology, are now increasingly being recognised as forms of neurodivergence. This shift in perspective is driven by a growing understanding of the…

The Future of Event Management: Embracing a Person-Centric Approach

In the dynamic landscape of the event industry, a paradigm shift towards person-centric event management is not just a trend but a necessity for the future As the expectations of attendees evolve and the demand for personalised experiences grows, event organisers must prioritise the individual’s needs, preferences, and emotions to create truly memorable and impactful…

Person-Centric vs. Profit-Centric Event Management: Striking a Balance for Success

In the realm of event management, a perennial debate rages on: Is it better to prioritise the individual attendee experience (person-centric) or focus primarily on maximising profits (profit-centric)? While both approaches have their merits, the key to success lies in striking a balance between the two, recognising that attendee satisfaction and financial viability are interconnected…

Navigating the Anxiety of Disclosing Neurodivergence to Strangers

In a society that often places a premium on conformity and sameness, individuals with neurodivergent conditions face unique challenges when it comes to disclosing their differences to strangers. The fear of judgment, discrimination, and misunderstanding can create a sense of anxiety and pressure that can be overwhelming. This post explores the complexities of disclosing neurodivergence…

The Realities Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnosis: Beyond the Fad

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a subject of much debate and scrutiny over the past year, with some dismissing its prevalence as a mere fad. However, a closer examination reveals that the rise in ADHD diagnoses is a complex issue rooted in societal factors, historical misunderstandings, and disparities in healthcare. First and foremost,…

Understanding the Neurodiversity Paradigm: We Are All Neurodiverse

How much do you know and understand about Neurodiversity? Have you ever found yourself referring to someone who is Autistic as neurodiverse rather than neurodivergent, when they are really no more neurodiverse than someone who is non-autistic? At EventWell we are firm believers and supporters of the Neurodiversity Paradigm. Neurodiversity (a term coined by sociologist…

Enhancing Event Experiences with Wellbeing Sessions: The Power of Breathwork

In the fast-paced world of events and conferences, where schedules are packed and demands are high, taking a moment to focus on wellbeing can make all the difference. Incorporating wellbeing sessions such as breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation, and chair yoga into your event can significantly enhance the event experience, leaving attendees feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and…

The Vitality of Free Speech: Upholding Diverse Voices in a Polarised World

In a world marked by increasing polarisation, culture wars, and echo chambers, the fundamental right to free speech stands as a beacon of democracy and progress. The ability to express oneself, even when opinions differ or challenge the status quo, is a cornerstone of a thriving society. It is imperative that we embrace and protect…

Navigating Events with Confidence: Top 5 Tips for Neurodivergent Attendees

Attending events can be an exciting but overwhelming experience for neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and other neurological differences. In this blog, we share five valuable tips to help neurodivergent attendees navigate events with confidence, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience. 1. Plan Ahead and Familiarise Yourself with the Event Before…

The Cost of Exclusion: Why Event Organisers Should Prioritise Quiet Spaces for Neurodivergent Attendees

Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at events is essential for accommodating the diverse needs of attendees, including neurodivergent individuals. However, some event organisers may cite budget constraints as a reason for not providing quiet spaces at their events. In this post, we explore why using budget as an excuse for excluding quiet spaces is…

Ensuring Inclusive Events: The Importance of Supervising Quiet Spaces for Neurodivergent Attendees and Vulnerable Adults

Creating inclusive and accessible events requires careful consideration of the diverse needs of attendees, including neurodivergent individuals and vulnerable adults. In line with the Care Act of 2014, event managers have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants. This blog serves as a reminder of the importance of supervising quiet…

Could We Be Doing More? Addressing Neurodiversity in Event Planning.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of neurodiversity in event planning. However, the question remains: have event managers unintentionally excluded neurodivergent individuals from their events in the past, and are they doing enough to change this for the future? Today’s blog aims to explore these questions and discuss the…

Eventwell Expands Team by 150%

To support a 400% growth in business and event bookings throughout 2023,  we are excited to announce that we have recruited 13 new EventWell Hosts. The team has been divided into two groups; one for the South and London, and the other for the North. Each team member is currently receiving safeguarding, neurodiversity, and mental…

Why Event Organisers Should Prioritise Neuroinclusion at Their Events

Neuroinclusion is a critical aspect of event planning that event managers should prioritise to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for all attendees, regardless of their neurological differences. Let’s discuss why event managers should ensure their events are neuroinclusive, starting with several key points that can be highlighted: 1. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion By ensuring…

EventWell to launch new service at International Confex

The charitable social enterprise, EventWell, has announced it will be expanding its support services with the launch of the EventWell® Buddy service at International Confex 2024, at ExCeL London on February 28-29, 2024. Helen Moon, founder and chief executive of EventWell, explained, “It is currently estimated that 15 – 20% of the population are neurodivergent,…

Supporting Others at Christmas

As we are days away from Christmas Day, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences the same joy and happiness that the festive season brings. There are so many other ways to give that don’t involve presents as gifts have many guises. This year, let’s make an extra effort to support those who may…

Essential Neurodivergent Festive Season Self Care

As we navigate the festive season, it’s crucial to prioritise self care and ensure we’re taking care of ourselves while still embracing our neurodivergent selves and our individual needs. Here are some uplifting tips to help you look after yourself over the next few weeks: Create a sensory-friendly space The time of year can be…

Making Your Home Sensory Friendly at Christmas

The holiday and festive season can be pretty overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Here are some top tips to make your home more sensory friendly as we head into 2024: Soft Lighting Consider using soft, warm lighting instead of bright, flashing lights. Opt for gentle string lights or candles to create…

Remembering Christmas isn’t easy for some

The festive season, while often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, can be incredibly challenging for many individuals. It’s important to be compassionate and recognise that not everyone experiences the same level of happiness during this time. Here are a few reasons why the festive season isn’t easy for everyone:  Loneliness For those…

Designing Event Registration for Neuroinclusion

EventWell are here to provide event planners and organisers with valuable event design tips, and this week we would like to share advice on designing event registration forms that are inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent attendees. By considering their unique needs and preferences, you can create a more welcoming and inclusive registration process for all…

Planning Event Session and Keynote Length for Neuroinclusion

How long is too long? How long is too short? What is the perfect session length at an event? Today we wanted to share some valuable insight on planning session and keynote lengths to ensure a neuroinclusive experience for all attendees. By considering the diverse needs and attention spans of your audience, you can create…

Mental Wellbeing in the Event Industry

This month marks six years since the EventWell began the mission of bringing the topic of mental health in the events industry to the forefront of people’s minds, and this got us thinking about how far we have come since October 2017. While progress has been made, there is still much more work to be…

We Need To Talk About Ableism!

Ableism refers to discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. Today, we want to discuss how event organisers can actively work to avoid ableism and create inclusive and accessible events for all attendees. By following these guidelines, event organisers can foster an inclusive environment and promote equal opportunities for everyone. 1. Educate Yourself: Take the…