ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT (presented to the AGM 2008)
by Dr Blanaid Gavin, Chair, Ireland Branch

2008 has been another very active year for the ACAMH Ireland Branch. We are delighted to report that new members from a broad array of disciplines are joining in record numbers. We have continued to focus on expanding the membership across as wide a range of disciplines and regions as possible and to extend the programme of meetings.

Our 2008 programme got off to a great start in March with a conference entitled 'Attachment Theory in a Clinical Setting'. We had a fascinating range of speakers flying in to Dublin for the day from the UK, Germany and the USA. Feedback from delegates was excellent.

The paediatric liaison conference held in Tallaght hospital in June provided a comprehensive overview of mental health and physical illness in young people. Delegates were very enthusiastic in their positive review of the day.

The third annual Research Day in September 2008 achieved our goal of highlighting the growing research activity in Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Ireland. Each year since the inaugural research day has seen an increase in the number of submissions for presentation. As in previous years, the standard of both poster and oral presentations was highly impressive with participants again representing a wide multidisciplinary mix.

The workshop on 'Unnecessary Investigation and Treatment of Children' delivered by Dr Danya Glayser in Tallaght Hospital in October provided a compelling review of a critical area. Attendance was unfortunately lower than we had hoped for despite extensive publicity prior to the event, and is a sign of the funding difficulties many of us are facing.

Our 2 Day Conference in November on Children's Rights is both timely and topical and brings together a unique panel of speakers. It is sure to be a stimulating event.
We have an exciting programme for 2009 on the theme of 'Cultural Diversity and Mental Health'.

In line with the decreased delegate numbers which we anticipate in the context of the current economic climate, and in an effort to continue to provide a full programme, we plan to hold a number of seminars and workshops aimed at smaller groups. Details will be circulated in the New Year.

I have now completed a very enjoyable term as Chair of the Branch and would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone on the Branch Committee and in Head-Office for their hard work and support. I have been delighted to be a Chair of such a dedicated Branch. I would like to particularly acknowledge the work of Lisa Corrigan in her role as Secretary and take this opportunity to wish her all the best in her new role as Chair.

Finally as Gordon Lynch is leaving the committee at this juncture, I would like to thank him on behalf of the Branch for the enormous contribution and commitment he has shown to ACAMH over the years.
As many of you will be aware he has played a central role in keeping the committee viable in leaner times and has been integral to its recent growth.

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For all enquiries please contact Martin Pratt at the ACAMH Head Office, St Saviours House, 39-41 Union Street on 020 7403 7458 or by
email