NVDi Launch
The initiative was launched at Rochester Cathedral on Friday, 3 September 2021, and was opened by the Mayor of Medway, her Worshipful Cllr Jan Aldous, and by the Dean of Rochester Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr Philip John Hesketh. Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Bill Cockcroft, also presided and gave his support to NVDi.
The event included a breakdown of the NVDi strategy, an overview of Medway‛s initiative and speeches from partners, such as Professor David Wilkinson from the University of Kent and others. Justin Tomlinson MP, the former Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work sent a video message providing an overview of government‛s Strategy on non-visible disabilities. The keynote speech was delivered by Jenny Walsh, CEO Headway (Kent) and James Williams, Director of Public Health (Medway), gave the closing remarks.
Many thanks to all who contributed to the Success of the Launch, including: Master of Ceremonies Jim Gilmour (Hempstead Players), Rotary Club of Rochester who provided refreshments, and Medway Street Angels who provided bottled water,
The event included a breakdown of the NVDi strategy, an overview of Medway‛s initiative and speeches from partners, such as Professor David Wilkinson from the University of Kent and others. Justin Tomlinson MP, the former Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work sent a video message providing an overview of government‛s Strategy on non-visible disabilities. The keynote speech was delivered by Jenny Walsh, CEO Headway (Kent) and James Williams, Director of Public Health (Medway), gave the closing remarks.
The participants were heralded into the Launch event by the Medway Skylarks singing & movement therapy group and a video of their performance can be viewed HERE. Stallholders representing a wide range of organisations and charities that supported the NVDi were present to provide information and help raise awareness; please click HERE to see the programme that lists the stallholders and the talks that were presented.
Many thanks to all who contributed to the Success of the Launch, including: Master of Ceremonies Jim Gilmour (Hempstead Players), Rotary Club of Rochester who provided refreshments, and Medway Street Angels who provided bottled water,
Most especially, thanks to Rochester Cathedral for hosting this NVDi launch event and to NVDI Steering Group member and Anna Chaplain Rev. Christine Bostock who has posted this REPORT on the event.
To see KMTV coverage of the NVDi Launch event, please click HERE. This report, by Laois Gallagher contains a link to a video report by Jadzia Samuel. A BBCRadio Kent interview given by Jenny Walsh, CEO of Headway Kent is currently unavailable.
NVDi Launch - Picture Gallery
Left to Right:
Phil Bungay (Secretary NVDi Steering Group) presents flowers to the Worshipful Mayor of Medway Cllr. Jan Aldous
Rev. Christine Bostock, Anna Chaplain, Rochester Cathedral
The Dean of Rochester Cathedral The Rev. Canon Dr Philip John Hesketh BD AKC PhD
Jenny Walsh, CEO Headway Kent
James Williams, Director of Public Health, Medway
