News Release, 4 February 2003
The Mental Health Foundation will launch its groundbreaking, online conference centre on Thursday 27 March 2003 with a consultation on the Government's National Framework of Values for Mental Health.
Sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and the University of Warwick, the Values in Mental Health conference aims to bring together for the first time online service users, service providers and policy makers from around the world to discuss and help develop the Values Framework.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says: "Traditional conferences are limited by their location, number of delegates, cost and confidence of delegates to share information. The online conference is an exciting answer to all of those problems. It will create a dynamic, interactive community where everyone can have their say, whether they are in the Outer Hebrides or central London.
"The online conference has the potential to bring together thousands of people. It will promote partnerships between service users, service providers and policy makers enabling each to participate on equal terms. It will give greater access to people who might otherwise not speak out at a conference because of stigma or lack of confidence. By meeting the unique needs of mental health users, it will make the consultative process truly inclusive and comprehensive."
Delegates can discuss key themes about the role of values in mental health in relation to social inclusion, the user/survivor movement and the Mental Health Act. Once delegates have registered free online at http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/connects/, they can then move through the virtual conference centre, meeting other delegates in the Foyer, reading papers about the key themes and finally moving onto the Discussion area. The conference will use technology developed by the Mental Health Foundation. Website by online conference and web based community specialist Nemisys Ltd (www.nemisys.uk.com).
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For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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