Applications for BIGSPD 2025 now open!
The BIGSPD Bursary Scheme is open to service users and carers who would benefit from attending the annual conference. Due to number of applications outstripping numbers of places available, BIGSPD operates an application process. The process takes into consideration a number of factors including, how many times a person has been in receipt of a bursary in the past; whether the person is in paid employment; what the person feels they would gain from attending the conference etc.
We also ask people to indicate whether they have submitted an abstract, or are named on an abstract, that has been accepted for the conference. We ask this question because BIGSPD is committed to encouraging coproduction. BIGSPD believes, therefore, that an organisation should fund places for ALL of the people giving a presentation – staff, service users and carers. If this is the case, then an applicant would not be eligible for the Bursary Scheme.
We are proud of our exceptionally diverse audience for BIGSPD, with conference attendees including a wide range of clinicians, researchers, people with lived experience of personality disorder and other diagnoses, and family members. We know that some talks are not always easy to listen to and can bring up different feelings for people. We have asked our presenters to be sensitive to this in putting together their talks; however, inevitably, different topics may cause distress for different people. We will be providing a quiet area for anyone needing some space to reflect, and the BIGSPD Executive committee are always happy to have a chat with anyone who would like to say hello.
Once you have completed the application, it will be sent for selection, and you will be informed of the outcome. Please note the bursary does not include travel expenses.
If you are successful, the bursary will provide the following at BIGSPD 2025:
-
- Attendance for all three days of the Conference Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th June.
- Accommodation at the Adelphi Hotel for the night of Tuesday 10th & Wednesday 11th June.
- Networking Event with drinks, canapés & entertainment at the Adelphi Hotel on Tuesday 10th June.
- Dinner and entertainment on Wednesday 11th June 2025 held at St George’s Hall.
Download the bursary application form here.
Please download the application form and apply by 22nd January 2025 to the BIGSPD admin office at bigspd@northernnetworking.co.uk
