Methodist Conference 2022 reflection
The Methodist Conference first met in 1744 under John Wesley. The Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church and meets to discuss matters affecting the life of the Church, the nation, and the world.
It was the Methodist Conference in 1943 that approved the creation of Methodist Homes (MHA), and whilst we are an independent charity, we are proud of our links with the Methodist Church. Many Methodist Church members support our homes and schemes through volunteering and befriending, churches partner with us in supporting MHA communities, and fundraising through MHA Sunday and other events help to support our specialist services.
Our Acting CEO Dan Ryan had the privilege of speaking at the 2022 Methodist Conference (23 - 30 June). Due to Covid-19, it has been three years since MHA has been in front of this audience, and Dan spoke to the conference about both the experience of MHA throughout the pandemic and our strategic direction.
The main message to the conference was one of awe and gratitude to the colleagues across MHA who we have seen work so tirelessly during the pandemic and who gave their care and love for the people who were most vulnerable to Covid-19. Dan also spoke of our disappointment in the care sector systems that on occasions let us down, but MHA’s determination to speak up and lobby Government, where others cannot. In response, the President of Conference asked him to bring back a message of thanks and encouragement to all MHA colleagues.
Following the presentation, we held a fringe event where we were able to talk to Church members about how we can work more closely with churches local to our services and explored the potential mutual benefits of a closer relationship between MHA and the Methodist Church.
Our exhibition stand showcased some of our fundraised life-enhancing initiatives. Conference representatives were able to momentarily escape the busyness of the Conference by engaging with our initiatives that support people living with dementia. People came to our stand to stroke a robotic pet, receive a hug from a HUG device, play on a Tiny Tablet, and be soothed by the music of a sound bowl by a music therapist.
Our future partnership with the Methodist Church is grounded in our shared passion for tackling injustice and improving life for others, and this really shone through in the conversations that MHA colleagues were able to have with conference representatives.
