As the year draws to a close, network returns continue to point to strong support for the MHPN philosophy with a record number of meetings in November.
With 222 meetings scheduled and 188 held (the balance re-scheduled or postponed), this compares very well to the corresponding period last year when 159 meetings were scheduled and 122 were conducted.
This upward momentum is evidence that mental health clinicians across all disciplines see the benefits of collaborative care and interdisciplinary practice.
Attendances grow
More evidence of the importance of the collaborative approach comes with increasing attendance numbers. In the first six months of the current financial year, we registered more than 8,000 meeting attendances, significantly up on the corresponding period last year.
It’s also encouraging to see the number of networks constant at around 450, and the steady growth in the formation of Special Interest Groups. In particular, adolescent and child mental health and eating disorders have attracted strong levels of attention.
Webinars gain in popularity
Another highlight of the year has been the continuing popularity and success of the webinar program. We are well on the way in planning the webinar program for next year. You will see a range of topics and expert presenters drawn from the experiences of the past two years and the wishes of our growing audience.
We are also in the process of further upgrading our website. The aim is to make it even more user-friendly for clinicians searching for networks and contacts as they set about widening and deepening their referral pathways.
Festive best wishes
With the festive season upon us, I extend a personal and an organisational message of thanks and good wishes to you.
We hope you enjoy some time off with family and friends. Have a happy and safe festive season and a constructive New Year.