A free, informal get-together for people supporting disabled people into and in work across Bristol and the South West.

Come and mingle

Bristol Mingle is a chance for people working across disability and employment in Bristol and the South West to meet, make connections and find out a bit more about each other's work.

This is the second Bristol Mingle, following our first get-together last year. The idea is to keep bringing people together over time - helping to build connections across organisations and sectors, and a stronger local community of people supporting disabled people into and in work.

There are lots of us working in this space, but often in very different roles and organisations. You might work for a charity or social enterprise, provide coaching or Support Worker services, develop or supply Assistive Technology, work in HR or management, represent disabled workers through a trade union, run an employment programme, or work independently as a disability or employment specialist. There are probably people doing useful and interesting things just down the road who you haven't met yet.

That's what Bristol Mingle is for.

There won't be presentations, formal networking sessions or compulsory activities. Come along, grab some tea, coffee and cake, meet some people and have some conversations. I'll be around to make introductions and help people connect, and there will be a few optional conversation-starters around the room.

Who is it for?

Bristol Mingle is for people whose paid or voluntary work involves supporting disabled people into work or in the workplace.

There's no expectation that you have a particular job title, qualification or level of seniority. People from charities, public services, employers, trade unions, social enterprises, support and coaching services, Assistive Technology companies and other relevant organisations are all welcome, as are freelancers, Sole Traders and people doing relevant voluntary work.

Many of us working in this area also have our own lived experience of disability, and disabled people working or volunteering in the field are very welcome. However, this isn't an employment-support event for individuals looking for advice or help with their own employment situation.

What to expect

This is deliberately a casual event. There is no agenda and you don't need to arrive with an elevator pitch or work your way around the room collecting business cards.

I'll provide some optional ways to make starting conversations easier, including a local map, information about who's attending and their areas of work, and some conversation prompts. I'll also be on hand to introduce people who I think might find it useful to know each other.

Tea, coffee and cake will be provided. St Anne's House also has a cafe where you can buy other food and drinks, or take some time away from the main event.

Bring something to start a conversation

You're very welcome to bring a few things that help other people understand what you do.

That might be an Assistive Technology product or gadget people can have a look at, some leaflets, information about a programme or service, or something else connected with your work. Having something interesting to look at or talk about can make it much easier to start conversations and find connections.

Space is limited, though, so think conversation starter rather than exhibition stand. We won't have individual tables or exhibition spaces available, but there will be shared space for a few choice items and leaflets.

This isn't intended as a formal exhibition or sales event - the things we bring are there to help us learn about each other's work and get conversations going.

Booking and cancellations

Bristol Mingle is free, but places are limited and booking through Eventbrite is required.

If you book and later realise you can't come, please cancel your ticket - even if it's very close to the event. It means I know who to expect, can offer your place to someone else if the event is full, and have accurate information about access and dietary requirements.

There will be a waiting list if all available places are booked.

Access and venue

The Mingle will be held in the Mill Room at St Anne's House, a community centre in Brislington.

The room is on the ground floor with step-free wheelchair access. There are accessible toilets and parking bays at St Anne's House, with additional free parking nearby.

The cafe and other areas of St Anne's House also provide somewhere to move away from the main room if you need some time in a different space.

If you have access requirements that you'd like me to know about, please tell me when you book.

Want to come early or stay afterwards?

The Mingle itself runs from 2-4pm, but I'll be at St Anne's House from around 1pm setting up and until around 5pm packing away.

You're genuinely welcome to arrive early or hang around afterwards. Just be aware that outside 2-4pm I'll be moving tables, putting things out or clearing up rather than hosting.

Description supplied by the event organiser.