Time for a change

Mental Health Nursing,  May/Jun 2001  by Pollock, Laurence,  Keenan, Caroline

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The CPNA Annual Training Conference themed 'Time for Change' was held at Exeter University in March. A packed three days included top national speakers, plenty of debate, a gruelling training programme and no shortage of entertainment.

The past year saw fuel protests, record floods, rail transport melt down and the scourge of foot and mouth. But the mood at Exeter was positive as mental health nurses beat the transport blues to try out a new-look event.

There were changes in scale as well as quality Workshops combined with the concurrent non-bookable sessions offered rich choices.

Three exhibition halls and the cybercafe allowed corporate exhibitors, voluntary organisations and CPNA's own work to be showcased.

Brian Rogers' 'set' in the main hall brought panel discussions into the studio age while comedy cabaret on the first night brought the house down.

There was serious business done, however, and not just honing good practice or exploring innovative therapy. The CPNA's AGM and a meeting of the Mental Health Nursing editorial board took place. A fringe meeting explored the growing range of industrial relations issues from Agenda for Change to grade slide, facing nurses.

Plenary speakers, including national director for mental health, Louis Appleby, offered high quality and thought-provoking contributions.

The only possible reaction was to start looking forward to next year in Edinbugh immediately.

All reports by Lawrence Pollock and Caroline Keenan.

All photographs by Mike Benson.

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association May/Jun 2001
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