Sunday 5 October 2025 saw UP – the Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement and CPotential co-host Step Into Tomorrow: Thriving with CP at CPotential, London (N10). Young people with cerebral palsy, their families, carers and professionals came together for an afternoon of connection, practical insight and creativity.
Panel highlights
The event opened with a conversation featuring Emma Livingstone, Steve Deakin, Natalie Southlaw, Abbie Hills and Leon Taylor. The discussion centred on confidence, pathways into study and work, and building supportive networks.
When asked why they took part, voices from the stage set the tone: Abbie says that: “I really needed this when I was younger and I didn’t have it”. Natalie says that “It’s really important to inspire younger people”. Audience reflections captured the impact: “It’s been great – really enjoyed the panel” and “The panel was really fantastic – informative, inspiring, and reassuring.”
Workshops in action
Following the panel, attendees chose from four hands-on sessions designed to encourage confidence, creativity and wellbeing:
- Cooking with Steve Deakin – Steve made a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, with toasted meringue (the big blow torch guns were pulled out). “It was fun and we loved the cooking workshop. Steve was great.”
- Dance with icandance – The icandance workshop kept everyone in high spirits and dancing all afternoon; there was even a human train dance. “Fabulous. Loved the dance session – really great fun and enlightening. Thank you.”
- Mindfulness and movement – The mindfulness movement workshop led everyone to slow down and connect with themselves and take a break.
- Football with Leon – The sun came out for the football session with Leon – there was laughter, healthy competition and a Paralympian’s expertise!
In attendees’ words
Your feedback was overwhelmingly positive – clear, uplifting and full of purpose. Many arrived with a goal in mind: Ella an attendee “I really like dance but I don’t know how to – so I came here to learn”; Nick an attendee said “Networking with other young people”; Ismayil says “To be in a room with other people with CP – it’s great, makes the missed bus and the two hour long commute worth it”.
Across the afternoon, learning, enjoyment and community came through strongly: “It was very good and I learned a lot.” “Really informative and fun. Loved it; food was delicious.” “Loved the entire day”. “Amazing community”.
An attendee added: “Thank you so much. I came to the event for my twin with CP who couldn’t be here. Miriam, Emma, guest speakers and volunteers have been so informative and friendly. The networking and CP community are an inspiration. My sister is so grateful.”
Thank you
Our sincere thanks to every young person, parent and carer who joined us; to our panellists and workshop leaders; to the CPotential team for hosting; and to the volunteers and supporters who made the afternoon possible. Your energy, generosity and expertise created a welcoming space for ideas, skills and confidence to grow.