Learning Disability Symposium Invitation

“Current Approaches in Learning Disability Services”

Chair: Dr Peter Carpenter

Tuesday July 1st 2008
Venue: BAWA Centre, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG

Places are free, but limited in number, so do apply today!

Registration: 9.00am - 9.30am
Programme: 9.30am - 4.30pm

The Directors and Clinicians of Castlebeck are pleased to invite you to a learning disability symposium at The BAWA centre on Tuesday 1st July 2008.

More about the symposium and topics that will be covered:

Learning disability services have been transformed in recent years, yet there is limited evidence about what interventions are actually the most effective for people with learning disabilities. At a time when users' views are as important as evidence gained from professional research, this symposium aims to explore the latest strategies which can lead to constructive change for people with learning disabilities.

Sessions will include:-

• Person-centred approaches and establishing an evidence base in learning disability services
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) - a model that works for people with behavioural problems
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - a model that works in treating borderline personality disorder
• Psycho-pharmacological approaches - a model of reducing medication
• The involvement of People with Learning Disabilities in their own research - recent study and findings
• Approaches in ageing, health and quality of life for people with learning disabilities

Who will the symposium appeal to?

The symposium will appeal to professionals working in both health and social care who seek a deeper understanding of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour and how their healthcare needs can best be met.

Profile of speakers confirmed so far (not in programme order)

Dr Peter Carpenter (Chair), Consultant Psychiatrist
Peter is Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for Bath & North East Somerset PCT, as well as Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at University of Bristol Medical School. He has been a consultant in learning disabilities since 1990 and has developed a specialist expertise in Autism and Asperger syndrome. He is currently Chair of the South West group of LD psychiatrists. Apart from teaching he has been involved in advising various national authorities on aspects of autism and aspergers.

Rob Greig, Chief Executive, National Development Team
Until recently Rob held the post of National Co-director of Learning Disabilities. The role involved working closely with the Government's Office of Disability Issues, in making sure all government departments are working together to make things better for disabled people. Previously he has worked as an advisor to organisations on how to develop better services and support for disadvantaged people. Mr Grieg worked on the consultation on the revised learning disability document, Valuing People Now. He has recently taken up the position of Chief Executive of the National Development Team.

Professor Patricia Noonan Walsh, University College, Dublin
Patricia Noonan Walsh is NDA Professor of Disability Studies at University College Dublin. Her research interests include gender issues, healthy ageing and quality of life of people with disabilities. She is Vice President of IASSID - International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities - charged with liaison with the WHO and NGOs.

Dr Val Williams, Senior Research Fellow, Norah Fry Research Centre
Dr Val Williams is a senior research fellow at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol. She has a particular interest in developing new ways of supporting people with learning disabilities to have a central role in research, and has carried out several major studies which include people in different ways.

Dr Emily Bladon and Dr David Wing, Consultant Clinical Psychologists
Emily is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist chartered with the British Psychological Society. She has a number of years experience working with people with learning disabilities and mental health problems who also have forensic needs. David is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who is chartered with the British Psychological Society and has experience of working in the forensic care and treatment of learning disabled offenders.

Dr Farooq Ahmad, Consultant Psychiatrist & Clinical Director, Castlebeck
Farooq Ahmad studied medicine at Oxford University and Kings College, London. He completed his psychiatric training at the Maudsley Hospital, London. He has worked as a consultant psychiatrist in the West Midlands and is currently clinical director at Castlebeck. His special interest is in the development of care pathways.

Symposium information:

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the day. Car parking is easily available and directions are available on request.

A Continuing Professional Development certificate will be issued to all those attending.

To book please email rebeccahill@castlebeck.com or telephone her on 07971 538981.

Confirmation will be sent to you nearer the time if you have reserved a place.
There is no charge for those attending the symposium.