In James's talk, he explores the role and power of light in our lives and argues it is the most important aspect in the whole design process. James suggests it is also one of the most imprtant considerations for our lives, health and wellbeing. Listen as James explores the central role light plays in our world, from the very beginning of time. James is the founder and CCO of JPLD having dedicated his career to lighting and he has been working in the field of architectural lighting design for over 20 years. James is an expert on light, having given talks and written articles for various journals and publications and is a member and council member for the Society of Light and Lighting and Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers as well as the Institute of Lighting Professionals, where he sits on the education & architectural committees.

Pascal's talk explores the power that changing your language can have to empower others. Pascal vigorously seeks to reimagine and restructure frameworks and metrics that have historically perpetuated bias and lack of Awareness and Accountability through lack of recruitment, lack of progression, non-inclusive workplace cultures and unsatisfactory strategic planning. Pascal is a strong advocate for Inclusive language and a transformational and cultural understanding of how language can simultaneously act as a force of limitation and liberation in the EDI space. "Pascal Matthias is the Associate Vice President for EDI and Social Justice at the University of Southampton working at Winchester School of Art. Pascal vigorously seeks to reimagine and restructure frameworks and metrics that have historically perpetuated bias and lack of Awareness and Accountability through lack of recruitment, lack of progression, non-inclusive workplace cultures and unsatisfactory strategic planning. Pascal is a strong advocate for Inclusive language and transformational and cultural understanding of how language can simultaneously act as a limitation and liberation in the EDI space.

Of all the creative pastimes we participate in as children, painting and drawing are the ones that seem to get left behind in childhood. Jennie uses her talk to explain how drawing and painting can bring joy, enthusiasm and it is for everyone. She shares some 'cheats' that have been used for hundreds of years in creating artwork that any of us can use, no matter what our ability. Jennie Maizels is an award winning illustrator, Pop Up Book creator and inventor of a wellbeing ‘tool’ . Her methods are currently the subject of a major research project at The University of Winchester exploring the benefits of creating artwork well beyond your perceived ability, and the empowerment and euphoria that brings.

We tell young women and girls that they can be whoever they want to be, that the world is their oyster. But we prevent that from being true, because as a society we are obsessed with women’s’ reproductive status. Emily Monsell-Holden talks about her own journey to becoming a ‘non-mother’, what it’s taught her, and why the way we view women without children urgently needs to change. Emily is a Winchester resident, sister, wild swimmer, brand consultant, forager, friend, actor, wife, home-owner, food lover, wine lover, daughter, fermenter, book reader, cat person, doodler, aunty, walker, chatterbox, thinker, mentor, mentee, Swiss citizen, podcast host, apprentice darner, traveller, story-teller, fan of brass bands, cousin, neighbour. But she is not a mother. That’s what her talk is about.

This talk explores the nature of play and how it can change situations. Highlighting the importance of play as integral to enhancing any learning environment with both children and adults, Richard advocates for encouraging the use of play in both teaching and coaching and shows the impact it can have not only for learning but for creating connections with others and supporting well-being. It is the rediscovering of play which is at the heart of his talk. Senior Fellow in Sports Coaching and ‘Play Advocate’ Richard is a nationally and internationally recognised award winning coach educator with a special interest in highlighting the importance of play as integral to enhancing any learning environment with both children and adults. He is an advocate of encouraging the use of play in both teaching and coaching and shows the impact it can have not only for learning but for creating connections with others and supporting well-being. It is the rediscovering of play which is at the heart of his presentation.

The Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association take a couple of minutes to explain their history and purpose and then perform two traditional musical pieces of Ukrainian music. This beautiful and heartfelt performance gives you an insight into how Ukranian's in the UK feel about their country and their culture. The Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association is a non profit organisation, formed in September 2023 with support from Winchester City Council and Partners Community First, the association gives support and provides voices to members of the Ukrainian community in the district. Its purpose is to showcase everything that is great about Ukrainian culture and also bringing people together– there are 500 Ukrainian people in the district.

Professor Werner uses examples from Germany and China and their local banking systems to bring to life ideas that could revitalise the UK Economy by establishing local community banks. Richard A. Werner is professor of economics. A graduate from the LSE he holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford. His professional positions include chief economist at Jardine Fleming Securities (Asia) Ltd. in Tokyo, Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearns Asset Management Ltd. London, senior consultant at the Asian Development Bank and first Shimomura Fellow at the Development Bank of Japan. Richard is involved with establishing Hampshire Community Bank - The first not-for-profit community bank that works for Hampshire that serves the local community and works with SMEs and councils to deliver sustainable economic growth.

Lesley's talk starting in the back of her car on a long journey with family seems all too familiar to many of us. She opens with this brilliant example of how our sensory code differs from others (particularly from those in our families it seems). Help unlock your sensory code by listening to Lesley's talk and discover how your sensory needs may impact your choices. Lesley is an Occupational Therapist with a passion for all things sensory. She initially started working as an Occupational Therapist for individuals with cognitive impairment. Whilst working with these individuals she became aware of the impact of sensory processing on mood and behaviour. Her research in this field has led to international training and workshops for therapists, carers and families supporting sensory processing for people with cognitive impairment. Lesley is now a Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Winchester.

Mark explores the connection between art. space placemaking and the impact involving young people can have right from the outset. Using real life, relevant examples of research and action young people have taken, Mark shows how the local community's ability to own a project has a big impact on it's outcomes. Mark works at the intersection of art, architecture and placemaking, creating multi award-winning buildings and youth projects. Mark works at the intersection of art, architecture and placemaking, creating multi award-winning building and youth projects. Mark is passionate about creating opportunities for people to engage with art, architecture, design and the environment, producing new work as a catalyst for exploration, debate and public understanding. The well-being of local communities is firmly embedded in and underpins all the work that Mark undertakes. This in turn drives the ownership and sustainability of projects.

Holly's talk takes us from London to Nepal via New Zealand. As she explores her adventurous nature, Holly is convinced anyone can set a big audacious goal and transform their life. Holly's story and tenacity for life shines through as she takes us all the way to the top of Everest, including some shocking details of such an experience. When jumping out of a plane becomes as everyday for you as brushing your teeth, you know your goals are audacious! Holly Budge is an adventurer, Everest summiteer and the first woman to skydive Everest. She is an advocate for building mental toughness and has been described as “down-to-earth, funny and incredibly inspiring” by HRH Prince Edward. Holly is the founder of UK Charity, ‘How Many Elephants’ and World Female Ranger Week. Her impactful work has been celebrated worldwide, including by Sir David Attenborough. She was recently listed in the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise and is a UN Women UK Delegate.

Maddy is a passionate advocate for outstanding care at the end of life. In her talk she shares a personal story about end of life care for her father with an emphasis on the importance of planning ahead to get it right. Maddy is a passionate advocate for outstanding care at the end of life. A consultant nurse in palliative medicine and the clinical lead for end of life care here in Winchester for Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust she has spent much of the last 5 years fundraising and raising awareness for an adult hospice in Winchester. The hospice has now cared for over 1000 inpatients and many more in the community with more service developments to come. She has visited Ghana to teach, support clinics and explore end of life care and is delighted to have become a visiting lecturer at the University of Winchester. She will be sharing a personal story of end of life care for her father with an emphasis on the importance of planning ahead to get it right.