Wasted? Mental Health and Alcohol SAMH Winter
Conference
In November 2010, 140 delegates arrived at our Winter Conference
on alcohol and mental health, entitled Wasted? There has been
substantial debate about alcohol in Scotland recently, but the
debate has rarely focused on the urgent need to address
Scotland's alcohol problem in order to improve mental health and
reduce suicide. This conference explored the links between
alcohol and mental health, and what needs to happen next.
The packed agenda included a range of expert speakers, and
you can download their presentations below. You can also download
the full
conference report.
SAMH supported the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill, which was
recently passed by the Scottish Parliament minus several key
proposals; including the introduction of minimum pricing.
While the Bill has passed in an amended format, many at the
Conference felt that it does not do all it could to reduce the
problems that Scotland has with alcohol.
The event provided an opportunity to make sure the Alcohol Bill
is not the start and end of debate on the issue, and that we can
identify opportunities to improve things.
SAMH has gathered the key points arising from the day's various
discussions and presentations. We will be using this information to
inform our ongoing campaigning in this area, and will continue to
push to ensure that improving mental health and wellbeing forms a
key part of any strategy, approach or response to alcohol misuse in
Scotland.
To download the full programme click here
Keep an eye on the website to find out about our next
conference: and do email us
if you'd like to suggest a topic.
Click on names below to download
presentations:
- Alana Atkinson Programme Manager, Choose
Life
- Alison Brannan, SAMH Community Directions
service
- Susan Forrest, Operations Manager at SAMH
- Lynsey Harper and Tobias Paul, Scottish Youth
Commission on Alcohol
- Evelyn Lang, Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness
Project
- Dr Louise McCabe, Iris Murdoch Centre at University
of Stirling
- Dr Peter Rice, Consultant Psychiatrist, Tayside
Alcohol Problems Service
- Dr Bruce Ritson, Chair, Scottish Health Action on
Alcohol Problems
- Fiona Robertson, Childline
- Dr Fraser Shaw, Consultant Psychiatrist in
Addictions - West Dunbartonshire Joint Hospital
- Patrick Shearer, President ACPOS and Chief
Constable, D&G Constabulary
- Dr Kirsten Windfuhr, National Confidential Inquiry
into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness
Download the conference poster