After much heartfelt and careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to modify our plans for this year’s Annual Family Conference & Interactive Workshop due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Our Annual Family Conference & Interactive Workshop is the largest gathering of its kind in Europe, and we are aware of the true value and impact it has for our community and those working in the Niemann-Pick field.
Whilst we understand that this decision will disappoint many of you, the health and safety of our patients, their families and our global professional network must take priority.
Our events will now take place exclusively online, over our planned dates of Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th September 2020. We will share more detailed plans with you in the coming weeks.
NPUK Chief Executive, Toni Mathieson commented: “We have not taken this decision lightly, our Annual Family Conference & Interactive Workshop are of great importance to us and to the many patients, families and professionals who attend year after year. Our time together each September is of true value and will be greatly missed by all.
We have been closely and continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it has developed both here in the UK and globally, adapting our support service and responding to the evolving needs of our community.
We are mindful of our shared responsibility to support efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, of the fact that many in our community are considered to be in the vulnerable category and of the challenges for our global delegates and expert speakers. Therefore, for the first time in our history, we will join together virtually, instead of in person.
At this time of social distancing, it has never been more important to stay in touch. Being able to see each other’s faces and to reach out virtually to is essential. This virus may be isolating us but it is also uniting us – more than ever, we are in this together.
I am sure you will understand the need and reason for this decision and I hope you will join us in our new, virtual adventure.”
