Why are we waiting: The People’s Conference 2026

CAPS Independent Advocacy is hosting The People’s Conference 2026, bringing people with lived experience of mental health issues across Edinburgh and the Lothians together to connect, share experiences and explore ideas for change.

This year’s conference is called “Why Are We Waiting?” and will focus on waiting for mental health services.

Have long waiting times for mental health support affected you? Has the uncertainty of waiting impacted your mental health? The conference will explore:

• How waiting lists can affect people’s mental health and wellbeing
• How we can make waiting more survivable
• What services and communities could do to better support people while they wait

The day will provide opportunities to share your experiences, hear from others and work together on ideas for improvement. You’ll also have the chance to share ideas directly with NHS planners and, if you would like, take ideas for change forward with support from CAPS Independent Advocacy.

The conference is free to attend and is for people with lived experience of mental health issues living in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Date: Thursday 1 October
Time: 10.00am–4.30pm, with tea and coffee from 9.30am
Location: Norton Park Conference Centre
Lunch: Provided

The venue is accessible. If you have questions about the event, venue or accessibility, or would like support to make it easier for you to attend, please contact CAPS before the event.

How to book

Booking is essential. You can book your place through the eventbrite booking page or contact Christie at christie@capsadvocacy.org or 07881 377 635.

Tickets are limited to one per person. You can book on behalf of someone else with their permission, but each person will need a separate ticket using their contact details.

If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so your place can be offered to someone else.

The People’s Conference 2026 is organised by CAPS Independent Advocacy.