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Think International

Exploring approaches to design for mental health care settings at home and abroad

Conference Announcement and Call for Papers

Department of Design, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK PR1 2HE
9th & 10th September 2008

Conference Background and Aims

The Department of Design is very pleased to announce the third conference and exhibition to focus on design issues for mental healthcare settings presented by Designers for Mental Health Care Settings Network - DMHCSN - think.

Current design initiatives highlight the need for innovative approaches to designing mental healthcare settings. Sharing the experiences of those involved in designing and evaluating projects can provide invaluable knowledge to those keen to improve mental health services.

The aim of this third conference is to provide opportunities for academics, researchers, artists, designers, service users, project managers and healthcare managers or staff to meet to explore lessons learned at home and abroad. In short, if you have an interest in moving forward towards better solutions you will be made most welcome.

Comments made by delegates who attended previous conferences:

• "Very well put together and organised... lots of relevant information and new contacts"
• "A very useful and exciting conference on Design in Mental Health"
• "Thank you for a very informative day. We went away feeling our batteries had been charged again"

Organiser

Dr Ann Whitworth, Research Co-ordinator for health projects in the department of Design at The University of Central Lancashire, Dr Whitworth has a health background and experience of facilitating the involvement of designers and service users in planning mental health premises.

Who should attend?

ANYONE with an interest in designing mental health units and settings. Architects, artists, designers, NHS estates staff, services users, medical staff, clients, nursing staff, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists… whatever your interest, if you have been asked to advise on or get involved in designing new mental health settings or refurbishing your own areas this conference is for you!

Call for Papers & Conference Programme

Can you contribute? - Abstracts for Poster, Oral and Exhibit Presentations needed

Could you give an oral or poster presentation or exhibit a piece of work which will contribute to our knowledge on the subject?. We are looking for information and analysis regarding lessons to be learned from mental healthcare settings design projects at home or abroad.

• Evidence based approaches (case studies, research projects, product and architectural developments)
• Policy, Process and collaborative issues (How successful projects are planned, managed and executed)
• Soapbox (Your chance to give a considered argument and opinion as to what you think the main issues are)
• Research Methods (What you choose to “measure” in order to discover the impact of your project)

The Deadline for abstracts is Monday 28 April 2008 at 5.00pm. Abstracts should be about 300 words in length, on CD or as an email attachment, listing name, organisation, contact address, telephone and email address, and should include the title of the proposed paper. Please add any relevant photographs of exhibits intended for submission. You will be informed of the academic committee decision by the 23rd May 2008.

Please note that presenters need to register for the conference and pay the registration fee (there are some limited free places for service user groups). The conference language is English.

Please address all abstracts and enquiries to:
Emma Kelly
Conference Officer
Conference and Events Management Office
University of Central Lancashire, Foster Room 10
Preston PR1 2HE, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1772 892654
Fax: +44 (0) 1772 892977
Email: eakelly1@uclan.ac.uk

Think Iinternational: Call for Papers (PDF

Think International: Booking Form (PDF)

Think International: Stand and Leaflet Insert Booking Form (PDF)