Mind annual conference 2007: Patricia Hewitt announces computer therapy for all

Secretary of State opens Mind annual conference at critical stage for controversial Mental Health Bill

Wednesday 28 to Thursday 29 March 2007, Bournemouth International Centre

The Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt will address the Mind conference on Wednesday 28 March at 11.15am. She will be making an important announcement regarding talking treatments and the adoption of Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) by Primary Care Trusts throughout the country.

CCBT is an electronic version of the talking treatment cognitive behavioural therapy. Similar to the face to face treatment, it focuses on encouraging users to set achievable goals for the future rather than reflecting on their past experiences like other forms of counselling.

The lack of therapists and existence of a ‘postcode lottery’ makes it very hard for people to access talking treatments. Research undertaken by Mind in December 2006 showed that patients can wait months or even years for their first appointment with a therapist (in Brighton the wait was as long as four years). The immediacy of an online-based therapy will reduce the time that people have to wait before they are able to access treatment.

Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer: "CCBT is an important addition to the range of treatment options available for people who suffer from mild depression or anxiety.  It will bring therapy to the doorstep of users making it convenient and easy to access especially for people who live in remote locations.”

“However, this method of delivery will not suit everyone. Some people will prefer face to face contact and this electronic therapy must not be a replacement for CBT or the need to train more therapists. It is also important that the human touch is not lost and that electronic therapy is backed up by trained staff who can provide the necessary support and encouragement to users."
 
Mind’s annual conference is a key date in the mental health calendar and comes at a crucial time with the Mental Health Bill due in the House of Commons in April. For the 600 delegates attending the event, including service users, mental health professionals and charities this will be one of the last opportunities to get together and share ideas and opinions. 
 
Other speakers at the event will include Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health Norman Lamb (Wednesday 3.00pm). 

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Moving and shaking: Making services work for all’ and will look at the changing society in which we live and how we can ensure mental health services work best for all members of society.

Conference sessions will include:

· Individual budgets: service users using budgets to direct their own support
· Are ASBOs anti-social?
· Do you speak English? Mental health and immigration
· Telling it like it is - medication and service users
· Talking treatments - a viable alternative to drugs?
· Taking control of your wellness

Other activities available at the event include an arts and relaxation zone, psychiatric drugs and legal advice sessions and an art competition.

***ENDS***

Notes to editors

Key speeches:

Wednesday 28 March
11.15am  The Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt
3.00pm Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley
3.00pm Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health Norman Lamb 

For further information regarding Mind’s annual conference please contact the Conference Press Office on 01202 299 106 or email mindpressoffice@gmail.com.

For radio interviews a BBC radio studio is available at the Conference Centre.