I arrived in York late on Friday night after a long drive up from Devon, tired but excited. By Saturday morning, that excitement had to do some heavy lifting, the journey had taken its toll. But a gentle drive through the Yorkshire countryside, past Selby and into the city, was enough to reset my energy. Conference weekend had begun.

Walking into the Barbican, I was immediately struck by the scale. Having attended Welsh conferences before, I thought I knew what to expect, but this was something else entirely. Busier, louder, and full of excitement. I started in the exhibition hall, spending some time at the Liberal Democrat Disability Association (LDDA) stall, before taking a lap of the venue to get my bearings (a necessary task, as it turned out!).

One of the first things I did was head across the city to a training session on “Winning against the Greens.” We rightly spend a lot of time discussing how to challenge the far-right, but this session explored another growing political reality: the rise of left-wing and far-left support. As a trade unionist, I see this shift up close. With disaffiliation from Labour being discussed increasingly in some unions, there is a real opportunity, and responsibility, for the Liberal Democrats to present a credible alternative: rooted in evidence, compassion, and liberal values, not populism.

Back at the Barbican, it was time for one of the moments I had been most invested in: the debate on policy motion F12. As a member of the Liberal Democrat Psychoactive Policy Group, I had been involved in work behind the scenes to strengthen the motion, particularly to include pharmacologically assisted therapies, such as psilocybin. When I was unexpectedly called to speak early in the debate, it became my first speech at Federal Conference. I spoke from lived experience, both as a mental health patient and as someone working within mental health services, about why these treatments matter, and why this is a fundamentally liberal approach to policy. I also referenced the recent Welsh Liberal Democrat motion supporting medical cannabis patients, highlighting how our party can lead with compassion and evidence.

After a strong debate, including great speeches from LDPPG members Jonah and Lee, and YL member Mackenzie, the motion passed. Seeing work that began in policy groups translate into party policy was a powerful reminder of how member-led our party truly is.

Conference is not just about debates, though. It is also about the people who make it happen. I had the chance to meet Tim, a fellow executive member of the Association of Liberal Democrat Trade Unionists (ALDTU), who also works hard behind the curtain to keep everything running smoothly, one print out at a time. It gave me a new appreciation for the range of volunteer roles that make conference possible, and I would strongly encourage others to consider getting involved any way they can.

One of the most thought-provoking moments came later at an evening fringe event hosted by the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE), titled “What do we stand for?”. It raised some deeply concerning comments circulating online during the conference suggesting that the party is “for middle-class white people”. That idea could not be further from the truth.

During the discussion, I found myself pulling out my membership card and reading the preamble aloud to highlight that we exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society for everyone. Hearing others in the room challenge that narrative so clearly was powerful, but it also left me reflecting on the work still to be done.

Thankfully, Saturday evening had ended on a lighter note with my first experience of Glee Club, a Liberal Democrat tradition I had heard much about. It did not disappoint. Thanks for the Liberator, Bob!

Sunday was spent connecting with different groups, including LiberalStemm, and exploring how I can continue contributing beyond conference. One of the things I value most about this party is the sheer range of ways to get involved, whatever your interests or expertise, there is a space for you.

As conference drew to a close, Ed Davey took to the stage for his keynote speech. At one point, he too pulled out his membership card and read the preamble. It was a striking moment, and, given the context of the night before, not without a sense of irony. The words clearly resonate at every level of the party. The challenge for all of us is to ensure we live up to them, consistently and without hesitation.

Attending Federal Conference for the first time was an excellent opportunity to engage directly in the party’s democratic processes and to connect with members from across the country. It is also an experience I simply would not have been able to afford without support. The cost of travel and accommodation is a real barrier for many members, myself included. As a medical cannabis patient, my treatment already has a significant financial impact. The Conference Access Fund made it possible for me to attend, removing a barrier that would otherwise have kept me away.

I am incredibly grateful to those who donate to the fund. Your support does not just help people attend conference, it ensures that our party remains open, representative, and truly democratic. If you have ever attended conference and are in a position to do so, I would strongly encourage you to consider donating. And if cost has ever held you back from attending, I would encourage you to apply.

Conference should be for everyone, and thanks to the Access Fund, it can be, as my amazing experience has highlighted.

* Sal Aziz is a Young Liberal and member of the Honiton, Sidmouth and Tiverton Local Party.