The Direct Support Workers Conference isn’t just another industry event—it’s a game-changer for people working in the mental health and disability sectors.
Victor, a passionate Mental Health Support Worker, shares how attending the conference sparked fresh ideas, opened valuable networks, and reignited his passion for providing person-centred support.
With years of experience in the field, Victor had been to plenty of conferences, but said this one stood out.
“The Direct Support Workers Conference is a one-of-a-kind event.”
“Everyone there is genuinely eager to learn and improve the services they provide,” said Victor.
From the moment he arrived, Victor noticed the energy was different.
“It wasn’t just about listening—it was about exchanging, questioning, and collaborating. It really opened my eyes to the different ways we can deliver quality support for our clients.”
The workshops were a particular highlight, offering not just best-practice strategies, but meaningful opportunities to connect with peers from across the country.
“For me, the workshops were especially beneficial because I hadn’t had many opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with others in the field.”
An in-depth workshop unpacking how to best support clients living with paranoid schizophrenia provided significant insights for Victor.
“It was incredibly valuable—not just hearing from the facilitator but also learning from other professionals about what has worked for them in real-world situations. They weren’t just helpful—they were transformative.”
“Those insights and opportunities for collaboration are great for professional development and for improving the services we provide.”
Since then, Victor has been promoted into a new role as Service Manager and would like for his team to experience the conference.
“I’ll definitely be encouraging my team to attend. It’s an amazing professional development opportunity, and I know our clients will benefit from the knowledge and skills our team will bring back.”
If you’re working in the mental health or disability sector and wondering whether the Direct Support Workers Conference is worth attending—Victor’s message is clear.
This is more than just professional development. It’s an opportunity to evolve, connect, and thrive.