Achieving Potential: Changing the Perspective Conference 2025

Introducing a flagship conference designed by parents and professionals to support your child / young person and yourselves as parents through the world of disabilities, SEND, fostering and adoption and many more.

The conference is being held at the Møller Institute set in the tranquil grounds of Churchill College in the University of Cambridge. (Click on the links to find out more about getting there and a 360 tour of the venue).

Keynote speeches will cover a wide range of topics, such as 'Sensory and Motor Development through a trauma informed lens', 'Situational Mustism- the importance of attachment in developing strategies to support' and 'School avoidance and educational trauma.'

There will also be pre-booked drop-ins with professionals such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, play therapy and SEND Advocates to answer your individual questions and provide active support.

These professionals and experts by experience will also join you for a sit down hot/cold buffet to discuss their roles further and answer any additional questions you may have.

There will also be a range of stalls available throughout the day for you to browse and increase your knowledge of what is available across Cambridgeshire and also different equipment to support your child/young person's needs.

Spaces for the conference will be limited in order to give everyone a better chance to connect with professionals and stallholders, giving more time for meaningful conversations and interactions.

Claire Ginty

Claire is the director of Achieve Occupational Therapy Ltd a multi-award winning OT service, including Most Trusted Children’s Occupational Therapy Provider and Occupational Therapy provider of the year. Achieve OT offers exemplary independent therapy services to children from birth to young adult age, with its particular areas of specialty including treating those with cerebral palsy, autism, brain injuries, attachment disorders, multi-sensory impairments, and other such acquired or genetic conditions that result in delays with development, learning difficulties, and broader sensory integration needs. This fantastic work is carried out in partnership with a number of local authorities, schools, the NHS, social services, charities, and other such entities.

Claire is a consultant specialist independent occupational therapist, working in the avenues of mental and physical health. Renowned in industry circles for her advanced work in the Bobath Method and sensory integration. Claire’s thirst for knowledge resulted in her completing a master’s degree in attachment studies, whereby she learnt the importance of elements such as intimacy, social connection, and emotional regulation, all things that are today staples across her business. With this wealth of experience to boot, Claire supports her clients, their families, educational settings, and more, with this specialist knowledge even sought after abroad. For a number of years now, Claire has been offering training in many of the fields discussed above, most notably have been her efforts in Romania and her support with the University of Hertfordshire’s clinical psychology programme. Regardless of where she is, Claire’s passion and dedication to her craft remain unwavering. Claire leverages the innate skill and professionalism in order to engage impactfully with even the most challenging cases, understanding signifiers such as body language and the physical symptoms of mental conditions to engage in a way that is both meaningful and participatory.

Find out more about Claire and Achieve OT here.

Melissa Mcininey

Melissa is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist in Complex Needs and Autism, BSC (Hons), Certified Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and a registered member of the Health and Care Professionals Council. She has 15 years’ experience working with children and young adults with Autism, Complex Needs, and moderate/ severe learning disabilities, and in a range of health, education, and community settings, both independently and within the NHS. She has a range of training in different therapy approaches for this client group including sensory integration for Autism, Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Elklan: communication support for verbal pupils with ASD, Down Syndrome Association Speech and Language Therapy and Eating and Drinking, PODD books, Lidcombe, Selective Mutism Course, CBIT supporting in the classroom, Intensive interaction, Lego Therapy, Sensory and attachment practioner, Attention Autism, SCERTS, Grid 3 AAC., Tobii Dyvanox Snap and Core first, talking Mat foundation stage, SEMH in SCLN, Attachment and trauma in SLCN and currently taking her Post Grad in Augmentative Alternative Communication. She is a big beliver in self advocacy and supporting each individual young person to find their own ways to communicate effectively.

Find out more about Melissa and Powerful Voices here.

Sue Peacock

Sue works as an independent SEND advocate with families in England. She holds a combined degree in psychology and sociology and is currently completing a Masters in Critical Autism Studies focusing on education and neurodivergence. Sue has 5 autistic children aged between 16 and 21.

Find out more about Sue and SEND Support here.

Booking your tickets:

Main Conference Ticket (£5) : Please ensure you book a parent/carer ticket to attend the conference, which will include lunch and refreshments. During the booking process, you will have the opportunity to specify any dietary requirements. We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific needs at this time, as we may not be able to accommodate requests made after your ticket has been purchased.

Drop-In Session Tickets: These sessions will be limited to 10 minutes each, and you may book only one session per professional (Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Therapist, SEND Support, or Play Therapist). Due to time constraints, we will have a limited number of appointments available. After booking your ticket, you will receive a separate email with your allocated time slot, but this might take some time. If you have not received an email one week before the conference, please contact us at [email protected] and mark your message for the attention of the Conference Team.

Host or Publisher Achieve Occupational Therapy LTD