CHAIR'S REPORT 2010/2011


Though initially quite daunting, my first year as ACAMH Midlands Chair has been really enjoyable - it has provided not only a fascinating insight into the Association's 'workings' and its growing family of valuable resources, but also been a great way of gaining greater awareness of local CAMH issues and meeting new people, including many excellent presenters.
It is therefore good in my first annual overview, to be able to report that the past year has been optimistically successful despite the financial constraints occasioned by the wider external economic environments. Two popular and well-attended events have been hosted and a good programme of speakers brought to branch members and local CAMH professionals. Most rewarding has been the engagement of delegates, their active participation and their willingness to contribute ideas for further topics - things we always encourage and warmly welcome.
The first of our annual events, held in June to coincide with our AGM, focused on the perennially popular, relevant and much-in-demand topic of CBT for the Treatment and Prevention of Depression. Not doing anything by 'half-measures', we aimed characteristically high and were delighted to attract the 'best of the best', the 'CBT Maestro' himself, Paul Stallard, Professor of Child and Family Mental Health at the University of Bath and Head of Child Psychology for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. An active researcher and valued author of numerous articles, studies and books, with many past and ongoing projects, his vast knowledge, experience and expertise ensured targeted treatment of the topic, combining perfect overview with a comprehensive set of information and take-home messages. Outlining the core elements of CBT programmes and focusing on depression prevention programmes in schools, he used the Resourceful Adolescent Programme (RAP) to demonstrate rationale, effectiveness and management.
Our second event, another interactively challenging afternoon workshop, explored the sensitive topic of Sexually Harmful Behaviour as displayed by young people. The expertise of the presenter, Gareth Savage, Children's Services Practitioner with the NSPCC and a recognized authority, highlighted the key features and manifestations of this behaviour, backed up with available theories and models. Such was the overwhelming feedback received from delegates and the clear need for additional information and guidance around this topic, that this was a repeat Workshop: tangible proof of the "power of delegate feedback"!
Our June and October events this year focus respectively, on "ADHD" and "OCD" - great topics assuring rewarding results. I do look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to these conferences.
No report can be signed off without unqualified tribute to my fellow committee members, who have worked so well together and without whom an annual programme would not be possible. Their support, guidance and thoughts have been eagerly embraced as has the generosity they have given with their time. The committee remains fairly small in comparison to many within the ACAMH branch network, requiring each one of us to be as imaginative, resourceful and approachable as possible; whilst undeniably stretching, collective contributions have risen to the challenge. Thanks also, to the Association's valued central staff, in particular branch administrator Karyn Ambridge, who has worked so efficiently 'behind the scenes' and Ingrid King, doing what she does best, simply 'being there'. And finally, great thanks to all our members and attendees - I look forward to remaining in contact and welcoming many new faces.
Dr Madan Mall