Children’s mental health explored at University

A conference exploring children’s mental health will be held at the University of Teesside on Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September at the University’s Innovation & Virtual Reality Centre, off Stephenson Street, Middlesbrough. Registration starts at 9-30am each day and the sessions end at 5pm. Entitled ‘Mental health in the 21st Century – Kids, Labels and What’s in the Jar’ the conference has been organised by the Professor Steve Baldwin Foundation, and the Overload Network International, a Scottish Children’s charity that supports children with learning and behavioural problems.

Professor Steve Baldwin joined the Psychology Section of the University of Teesside’s School of Social Sciences in 1998. Two years later he set up the Clinical and Counselling Training Units (CACTUS) at the University. The CACTUS clinic was the first of its kind in the UK, and was set up with the specific aim of providing children with alternative treatments to the amphetamine drug Ritalin, such as counselling or cognitive therapy. Professor Baldwin was killed in the Selby train crash in February 2001.

A range of international speakers will deliver papers at the conference. This include Dr David Stein from the USA, an Associate Professor of Psychology, who will speak about ‘Working with ADHD’ (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder) and Peter Bennett, a retired police superintendent with 31 years police service, who will speak about ‘Diet and working with children with behavioural problems’.

Rebecca Anderson, Research Student with the University’s School of Social Sciences said: “The conference is aimed at all people interested in the area of ADHD, whether that is parents, teachers or health professionals. Overall, the conference is highlighting that individuals do have a treatment of choice.

“The whole aim is to give a wide variety of information, which in turn can give people an insight into different approaches to treating and working with children diagnosed with ADHD. Once the audience has been given such information, they have been informed and therefore can make up their own minds on what is the best way forward in the future.”

Attendance costs are £70 per delegate. For more details call Rebecca Anderson, on 01642 218121 ext. 4433, e-mail beckyanderson50@hotmail.com or Sandra Thompson, on 01642 342011, e-mail S.Thompson@tees.ac.uk or Janice Hill at the Overload Network International on 0131 555 4967, e-mail overload42@hotmail.com

A further one-day conference will be held at the University of Teesside on Friday 13 September from 9-30am-5pm, again costing £70. The conference, entitled ‘The Fish Ain’t Sick The Water’s Dirty’ will examine the prescription of Ritalin to children with ADHD. For more details contact Janice Hill at the Overload Network International on 0131 555 4967 or e-mail overload42@hotmail.com

---