ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT (presented to the AGM 2007)
by Peter Hindley, Chair, London and South East Branch Committee

The London and South East Branch had another successful year with an exciting range of well-attended meetings. In autumn 2006 the Branch held its inaugural Research Day where trainees and practitioners from local services presented their research findings in a relaxed but challenging environment. Matthew Hodes started proceedings off with an excellent and comprehensive talk on how to be successful in research. Subsequent presentations covered fields as diverse as the search for a brain endophenotype for autism, the genetics of bullying, child psychotherapy process research and outcomes for children attending residential weight loss camps. Both audience and presenters enjoyed the day and, based on very positive feedback, we shall be hosting another Research Day in 2008. However, the day was special not just for being the first such event to be held, but also because it was the setting for the Branch's celebration of the Association's 50th Anniversary. Richard Lansdown educated us with a whistle-stop tour of developments within CAMH over the past half century and entertained us with fond memories and thoughtful reflections on the changing role and function of ACPP/ACAMH. We were joined by past and current committee members to toast the Association's many achievements.

Our ever-popular evening twilight meetings covered a range of diverse issues including feeding disorders, challenges for professionals regarding gay and lesbian carers, and multi-systemic therapy. We attracted a wide range of professionals to these meetings, which invariably generated lively discussions.

In April 2007 we held our spring day conference on "The First Relationship: Understanding Infant Mental Health". Even though the topic was quite specific, we had a good turn out of 90 delegates. Liz Meins, Dieter Wolke and Lucinda Green presented in the morning followed by afternoon talks by Christy Wellings, Shirley Gracias and Louise Emanuel. A morning and afternoon plenary gave room for active discussions and overall the feedback was very good.

At our AGM in February we said good bye to Matthew Hodes and Ian Higgins, who retired from the committee and whose knowledge, wit and wisdom will be missed. We were however delighted to welcome four new members to the committee, keeping it fresh and lively to support innovation. Our new intake of committee members reflects the broad range of disciplines and professional levels of those working in the field of child and adolescent mental health. This unique blend is key to maintaining the branch's tradition of popular quality events which are relevant to all professionals working within this field. It also supports the Branch's policy of keeping attendance fees low to ensure events remain accessible to all, in particular students and trustees.

A genuinely creative year would not have been possible without the committee members' hard and committed work and my thanks go to all of them. I would also like to express thanks on behalf of the committee to the administrative staff at headquarters, in particular Marie-Christine Rieder, who continue to service the branch both efficiently and enthusiastically. We are also grateful to branch members for their continued support and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at future events.
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For all enquiries please contact Jacqui Colgate at the ACAMH Head Office, St Saviours House, 39-41 Union Street on 020 7403 7458 or by
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