Introducing Perspectives on PANS
Thanks to the generosity of our community and benefactors, we are delighted to announce our landmark in-person conference!
When?
Thurs 8th October – Sat 10th October 2026
When?
Ashorne Hill Conference Centre, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QW.
Over three days, we will bring together international PANS and PANDAS experts, health professionals, researchers and families affected by the conditions. Read on to find out more about the conference and why we are so passionate about this unique opportunity.
Why are we holding a conference?
Understanding, acknowledgement and treatment of PANS and PANDAS varies globally. Awareness remains low, and there are few opportunities for experts to come together to share their findings and experiences. This conference will bring together national and international experts in one room, to discuss treatments, diagnosis, care and symptom management.
Providing a collaborative space will be a gamechanger, and we are incredibly excited about the positive changes we know will come from such a landmark event. We also hope to be in the position to launch the new clinical guideline, currently in development.
Invite your clinicians
To help us make this event as impactful as possible, we have created different ways for you to share information about the Clinical Conference with your clinical team. Use this template letter to write to, or email, any medical professionals who you think could join us in October. For young people, we made this postcard for you to print to share the details with your doctor. There’s also a space for you to add your own story if you wish. (Print and fold in half!).
“This conference marks a significant moment for everyone dedicated to improving care for children and young people with PANS and PANDAS in the UK.
We anticipate launching the new clinical guideline at this event, which brings together leading clinicians from across the UK and internationally. Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and facilitated by the PANS PANDAS Steering Group, the guideline and the expertise shared here will open a new chapter in patient care that is evidence based, informed and compassionate.
We are proud to deliver this conference and to help shape the future of practice across the UK and the Channel Islands.” Vicky Burford, our CEO
Who is speaking at the conference?
The conference comprises three jam-packed days, for different audiences.
- Day one is a Research Symposium for medical professionals and researchers.
- Day two is our Clinical Professionals Conference, bringing together clinicians and healthcare professionals.
- Day three is a Community Conference, dedicated to families affected by PANS and PANDAS.
Our community have told us how isolating PANS and PANDAS can be, both for patients and their families. We also know that accessing reliable information about the conditions can be difficult. The Community Conference is the most important part of Perspectives on PANS, as it gives our community a safe space to meet, share and learn from each other, and from clinical experts. We worked closely with our Community Reference Group to create an agenda for this day, also informed by survey for the wider community which helped us understand exactly what this important day should include.
“Each of the three days of this conference feels very exciting and will deliver resources and connections that will benefit our community long after the conference comes to a close.
Having the opportunity to offer our community a chance to be together in-person feels very special. This will hopefully meet a very clear need to help people understand the new clinical guideline that is being developed, as well as providing time and space for connection and support.” Claire Baggott, our Conference Manager
Who is funding the conference?
In 2024, we set the PANS PANDAS UK community a challenge; to help us fund an online and in-person conference. We wanted to provide opportunities for clinicians and experts to converse about PANS and PANDAS; to connect, educate and push for change. We also wanted to enable community members to meet and support each other, whilst learning about the latest developments for PANS and PANDAS families.
As always, our community rose to the challenge and fundraised an incredible amount, which was matched by benefactors ‘ShareGift’ as part of the Christmas Big Give. We are so grateful to everyone who fundraised for us, helping to make these extraordinary events possible.
Opportunities for corporate sponsorship and donation are still available. If you are interested in sponsoring us, or connecting us with potential donors, please contact our Conference Manager, Claire at claire.baggott@panspandasuk.org
What else did the Big Give funds pay for?
We always look to create accessible opportunities for families affected by PANS and PANDAS. Before this in-person conference, we held an online event called ‘Navigating PANS and PANDAS’ which gave our community access to PANS and PANDAS experts, medical professionals and educators. Each speaker delivered an informative and interactive webinar on various topics, all designed to support caregivers and families who are affected by the conditions. Topics included support, education, safeguarding and a Q&A with our Youth Board members. You can watch these webinars here.
