National Conference 'Support Leaders'' – United to Make a Change!

Welcome to Support Leaders 2026: Uniting Voices, Igniting Change!

Join us on May 13th, 2026 at 9.00 am

This event is a platform for leaders to come together, share their voices, and spark positive change. Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of a community that is committed to making a difference. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something meaningful!

Theme:

Together for the wellbeing of Polish families – building a network of support and collaboration

Date & Location:

📅 Wednesday 13th of May 2026
📍 Harbour Bristol Hotel, 55 Corn St, Bristol BS1 1HT

In the beautful Sansovino Hall - opposite St. Nicholas market, in the heart of the old town.

• Parking with a 20% discount available for NCP, Nelson

Street (BS1 3DB).

• Temple Meads Train Station | 5 minutes by car.

• Bristol Airport | 30 minutes by car.

• London Paddington | 2 hours by train.

🕘 Full-day event: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🍽️ Includes lunch, coffee breaks, and networking sessions

What’s Included?

A refreshing start

• Chilled, refreshing iced water served throughout the day
• Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of premium teas
• Delicious pastries on arrival

Mid‑morning boost

• Fresh coffee and tea served mid‑morning — the perfect pick‑me‑up

Afternoon reset

• Afternoon tea and coffee accompanied by a light snack to keep energy levels high

Rechargeable, delicious lunch buffet

• A generous hot & cold lunch buffet designed for productivity
• Fully inclusive of vegetarian and vegan options
• Styled as a “working lunch” to keep conversations flowing and ideas growing

Delegate essentials

• Complimentary conference pads & pens for every attendee
• Free high‑speed WiFi for seamless connectivity

Added comfort & convenience

• 20% discount on parking at the nearby NCP
• All prices inclusive of VAT — no hidden surprises

Organiser:

OPOKA CIO – a registered UK charity supporting Polish women and children affected by domestic violence.

Purpose of the Conference:

In response to the growing needs of the Polish community in the UK, OPOKA CIO – the only organisation with such a specialised profile – is organising the first nationwide conference aimed at Polish educational, cultural, and support organisations operating across the United Kingdom.

The event aims to:

· Initiate dialogue and collaboration

· Share experiences and best practices

· Build a lasting network of support for Polish families affected by domestic violence

Why OPOKA CIO?

OPOKA CIO is a nationally recognised charity offering comprehensive support in Polish to families in crisis. Combining professionalism, ethics, and cultural understanding, OPOKA CIO has become a reference point in domestic violence prevention within the Polish diaspora.

Accreditations & Memberships:

OPOKA CIO operates under the highest quality standards, confirmed by:

· Women’s Aid Federation of England – National Quality Standard

· Helplines Partnership

· In progress: Leading Lights accreditation

· Memberships in prestigious organisations: WAFE, EVAW, ACEVO, NCVO, FLOWS, BACP and more

In October 2024, OPOKA CIO received the National Diversity Award in the category Community Organisation for Gender, recognising its impact and dedication.

Our Mission – Support That Changes Lives:

OPOKA CIO provides:

· Helpline

· Practical, emotional, and psychological support

· Legal assistance and advocacy

· Safe houses for Polish Women and their Children

· Psychoeducational programmes and crisis interventions

· Representation and support in navigating UK systems

Conference Participants Will Have the Opportunity To:

· Learn about OPOKA CIO’s structure and operations

· Discover how OPOKA can support Polish families in local communities

· Build local support systems in collaboration with OPOKA

· Participate in expert-led training sessions

· Access educational materials and resources

· Join a network of leaders committed to ending domestic violence

Target Audience:

· Polish community organisations (social, educational, cultural, support)

· Community leaders

· Domestic violence professionals, psychologists, therapists, social workers

· Volunteers and advocates

· Local Authorities

· Police

· NHS Staff

· Schools

· Legal Firms

· Business

Conference Format:

· Keynote speeches by renowned speakers and professionals

· Panel discussions and thematic workshops

· Networking sessions and partnership opportunities

· Presentation of best practices and collaborative models

OPOKA CIO – Values That Define Us:

1. Safety – Creating violence-free spaces for women and children

2. Empathy & Understanding – Support rooted in lived experience

3. Dignity – Respect for every individual

4. Sisterhood – A community of women sharing strength and hope

5. Autonomy – Empowering women to reclaim control over their lives

6. Education & Growth – Psychoeducation, training, mentoring

7. Professionalism – Ethical, knowledge-based practice

8. Hope – Belief in change and healing

Why OPOKA CIO Is Essential for Polish Women in the UK:

1. Support in the native language

2. Cultural awareness

3. Combating isolation

4. Navigating UK systems

5. Safe space for mothers and children

6. Support from those who truly understand

Conference Agenda Overview

08:30 – 09:00 Registration and Morning Coffee
09:00 – 09:30 Official Opening – Welcome
09:30 – 10:15 Opening Session: Support Leaders – United Against Domestic Violence
10:15 – 11:00 Panel Discussion: Challenges and Needs of Polish Families in the UK
11:00 – 11:15 Coffee Break & Networking
11:15 – 12:00 OPOKA CIO Presentation: Support Model and Best Practices
12:00 – 13:00 Parallel Workshops
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch & Networking
14:00 – 15:00 Inspiring Stories: The Strength of Women Who Survived Domestic Violence
15:00 – 15:45 Expert Session: How to Effectively Support People in Crisis
15:45 – 16:00 Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:45 Creating the Support Leaders Network – Invitation to Collaborate
16:45 – 17:00 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Join Us!

If your organisation works with the Polish community in the UK and wants to be part of this transformative event – we warmly invite you to participate.

Contact: info@opoka.org.uk

Registration: Eventbrite registration link

Together, we can build a strong, integrated support network that truly changes lives.

Sponsorship

Support the OPOKA CIO National Conference – Be Part of the Change

We invite sponsors, partners, and donors to join us in delivering a landmark event that empowers communities, strengthens collaboration, and protects vulnerable families.

By supporting this conference, you will:

· Align your brand with a nationally recognised charity

· Demonstrate your commitment to social impact and community wellbeing

· Reach a wide network of professionals, leaders, and changemakers

· Help us build a sustainable, annual platform for education, advocacy, and support

📞 To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at info@opoka.org.uk

Participation Fee:

🎟️ Standard ticket: £250

🎟️ Early bird ticket: £150 only until 28th February 2026

🎟️ Non-profit / volunteer rate: £95
Includes: full-day access, lunch, coffee breaks, conference materials, and educational resources

Revenue Goal:

Our goal is to sell approximately 300 tickets and generate funds to support the delivery of OPOKA's vital services.
We aim to make this conference an annual gathering of support leaders across the UK.

We look forward to hear from you!

OPOKA CIO Team.