Special guests visit Rainford High to celebrate diversity in annual conference

Rainford High held its second annual conference: ‘Building a World Where Everyone Matters’, supported by Resolis. 

The day-long conference aims to promote Rainford’s ethos of ‘Everyone Matters’ and celebrate diversity and inclusion through discussions, workshops, guest speakers, and more.  

This year, the school focused on the idea of ‘overcoming barriers’ to demonstrate to its students the need for perseverance and resilience in local and global communities in an increasingly challenging world. 

Last year’s event saw John Barnes MBE, Christian Owens, Walé Adeyemi MBE, and Paula Barker MP in attendance to share their own experiences with students. 

After a very insightful presentation at the previous conference, Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree, returned for the 2023 event. Also speaking were Dave Kelly, founder of Daisy Inclusive UK, and Emily Rudge, international women’s rugby league player. 

Paula spoke about her experience of pursuing a career in politics and trade unions as a woman representing a predominantly working-class community. She highlighted the sexist discrimination that takes place in the sector and the difference in treatment between men and women. 

As Shadow Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, Paula also explained how women are typically the ‘unseen’ homeless population and urged the importance of gaining more diverse representation across the UK, politically and wider. 

Having gone blind at the age of 30, Dave Kelly shared his story with attendees and the barriers that he faced as well as how he overcame them. He spoke about his disability inclusive charity, Daisy Inclusive UK, and the impact that it has. 

The charity helps people with disabilities across the spectrum and also consists of a training arm that empowers organisations to understand and support those with disabilities. 

Emily Rudge, former England rugby captain and current vice-captain of St Helens Women, provided an insight into her career, both in the teaching sector and also as an international rugby player. 

Examples of the barriers for women participating in sport were shared and Emily inspired everyone in a discussion about how she has defied these, breaking records such as being the youngest player to represent England in a World Cup at age 16 and being the first English player to score four tries in an international fixture. 

Rainford students and students from other local schools left the room feeling more motivated, informed, and inspired following the presentations from all keynote speakers. 

As part of the conference, workshops, led and created by students, were held. These explored topics including stereotypes in the media, the meaning of pride, diversity in sport, neurodiversity, derogatory language, misogyny, and more. 

Overall, it was an impactful day and was enjoyed by everyone involved. 

Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, said: “I would like to thank Paula, Dave, and Emily, for taking the time to attend our conference and share their stories with our students, highlighting the importance and need for diversity. 

“Each talk was highly inspiring – as were our student-led workshops which were incredibly informative. 

“We are thrilled to have held our second ‘Building a World Where Everyone Matters’ conference and are looking forward to next year’s event. At Rainford, we believe that ‘Everyone Matters’, and strive to ensure that pride, self-esteem, respect, and understanding are instilled within our students. 

“Thank you, Resolis, for supporting the day and helping us to provide this wonderful opportunity for our young people.” 

Resolis delivers enhanced management services across a range of specialist areas. It focuses on infrastructure assets connected to public services including schools, agencies, and more, and is committed to responsible asset management and long-term performance.