ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT (presented to the AGM 2007)
by Shirley P Watts, Chair, East Anglia Branch

Another year has passed and once more, we have seen some changes which I suspect, in many ways, mirror the external environment in terms of funding and pressure of commitments. East Anglia is well and truly on the map but this last year we have struggled a little with our numbers. Attracting delegates from other branches has met with limited success - "that's a long way to come for us!" - but we persevere.

During the last year a number of our Committee members have had to resign due to ill health or for personal reasons. We have a wonderful core of seven, without whom there would be no events at all, but we would still be delighted for other members to join us and become involved with arranging study days.

Over the last twelve months we have held a day conference on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which attracted a very good range of speakers and was much appreciated by all present. Our study day entitled "Nutrition and Allergies" will be held in October, in conjunction with the Association of Educational Psychologists. We are finding that the cost of speakers is increasing and a more multi disciplinary approach in the future may have to be considered.

Many of us enjoyed the celebrations in London for the 50th Anniversary of ACAMH and I would like to thank all those involved in the arrangements. Whilst the Branch had looked forward to organising its own local celebrations, the planned twilight meeting and buffet had to be cancelled because of low attendance. With East Anglia being such a diverse region, geographically as well as professionally, it is sometimes difficult to hit a happy balance.

I am constantly asking the question "why is it that it is mainly non members who attend Study Days? Is it financial? Is it the subject matter? Is it the venues? Do tell us and we will try to do something about it.

This will be my last report as I shall be resigning as Chair this year. I would like to thank the Committee, in particular, for all they have done. Also the staff of ACAMH in London for their support and assistance, all those who have helped with our events and, not least, those who have attended our Study Days. I would like to have the last word in saying that I hope that we, as a branch, may be able to continue to develop as a multi disciplinary group and I do invite others from Education, Social Service and other relevant groups to join us.
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