The APDS Annual Conference
Embedding Day Services within our Communities
The APDS Annual Conference 2026
đź“… Thursday 8 October 2026 | đź’» Virtual (MS Teams)
Join us for this year’s APDS Annual Conference as we explore how day services can evolve to meet the needs of our communities now and into the future.
With a thought‑provoking keynote from Dr Heather Richardson on “Pivot back to the Community – Day services fit for 2030”, this year’s programme brings together innovative practice, real‑world experiences, and forward‑thinking ideas from across hospices and services.
Throughout the day, speakers will share insights on:
- Transforming day services into wellbeing hubs
- Adapting services through organisational change
- Innovative community initiatives such as bereavement cookery and outreach
- Creative and holistic approaches to care
The programme also includes interactive breakout sessions, offering space to connect, reflect, and discuss the challenges and opportunities within your own services. Whether you are a practitioner, leader, or innovator in day services, this conference offers inspiration, practical learning, and the opportunity to be part of shaping the future of care in the community.
Fees: APDS Member ÂŁ30 | Non-Member ÂŁ50
Hourly Schedule
2026 Conference Programme
- 09:00 - 09:15
- Welcome and Introductions
- APDS Committee
- 09:15 - 10:15
- Opening Keynote Presentation - Pivot back to the Community – Day services fit for 2030
- Dr Heather Richardson
- 10:15 - 10:45
- APDS Member Update - All Change: Experiences of an update to our Hospice name and moving to a brand-new building
- 10:45 - 11:05
- Break
- 11:05 - 11:35
- APDS Member Update - Transition from Day Services to a Wellbeing Hub
- Jenny Dewar and Kara McFie
- 11:35 - 12:05
- Meals on Wheels and Bereavement Cookery Classes at Pendleside Hospice
- 12:05 - 12:15
- Morning Reflection
- APDS Committee
- 12:15 - 13:15
- Lunch Break
- 13:15 - 13:30
- APDS Annual General Meeting
- APDS Committee
- 13:30 - 14:15
- Art Therapy and Holistic Approaches to Care
- Lewis Marsden
- 14:15 - 15:00
- Break Out Rooms - Issues within delegates hospices
- Facilitated by the APDS Committee
- 15:00 - 15:20
- Break
- 15:20 - 16:20
- Closing Keynote Presentation - TBC
- 16:20 - 16:30
- Closing remarks
- APDS Committee