Celebrating disability as a strength

To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) this year, we were pleased to share inspirational stories of those living with a disability, overcoming adversity and breaking down barriers – with their insights helping us all to think about what more we can do be more inclusive in our workplaces and our lives.

Among members who made a prominent contribution was Dr Onike Ijete, who tragically died unexpectedly, shortly after she was a speaker in the College’s webinar. A tribute to Onike is included in the President’s December blog post.

Improving inclusion and workforce wellbeing

One of the highlights was a free webinar on Improving inclusion and workforce wellbeing.

Chaired by Dr Amrit Sachar, Presidential Lead for Equity and Equality with speakers

Dr Onike Ijete and Dr Mhairi Hepburn from the College’s Disability Task and Finish Group, and Emeritus Professor Tom Sensky from UCL, the webinar considered disability within the workplace and the impact that discrimination and support – or lack of – can have on individuals personally and professionally, both to thrive in their workplace and to provide the best patient care.

Our speakers shared their experiences and what would have helped them have a more positive workplace experience.

Life as a neurodivergent psychiatrist

We also published two blog posts that reveal what working in psychiatry is like for a neurodivergent person. Dr Anna Rebowska, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist talked about life as a neurodivergent psychiatrist and trainee psychiatrist Dr Wamique Gajdhar, wrote a fantastic article titled 'Embracing Neurodiversity: My journey from diagnosis to psychiatry trainee'.

Supporting people to thrive

We also published a blog post from our President, Dr Lade Smith CBE – 'Supporting people to thrive' – that argues for a benefits system that supports people with severe mental illness.