Special Interest Group on Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health (SIRG/CBMH)

The Special Interest Group on Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health (SIRG/CBMH) was established at the 13th World Congress of IASSID at Cape Town, South Africa. It replaced the existing SIRG on mental health with the objective of expanding the scope of the original group and creating a forum for developing integrated research and practice.

Mission
The mission of the SIRG/CBMH is to:

" Provide a focus for the worldwide exchange and dissemination of research and practice, as well as networking, in the field of challenging behaviour and mental health.

" Provide a vehicle for the promotion and development of integrated research and clinical activities that further understanding of the relationship between psychological and behavioural wellbeing in people with intellectual disability.

" Specifically encourage the development of cross-national, multi-disciplinary collaboration in research and practice that integrates biological, sociological, behavioural and psychotherapeutic perspectives.

" Improve the quality of life and services for people with intellectual disabilities and additional behavioural or mental health needs, their carers, and their families. As such, the views and contributions of these groups will be fundamental in contributing to and shaping the activities of the SIRG.

" Provide a supportive organisational framework for promoting the work of its members via journals, conferences and scientific meetings associated with IASSID.

Executive Committee

The current officers of the SIRG/CBMH committee are:

David Allen, Co-Chair (Wales, UK)
David.Allen@bromor-tr.wales.nhs.uk

Angela Hassiotis, Co-Chair (England, UK)
a.hassiotis@ucl.ac.uk

Alick Bush, Treasurer (England, UK)
Alick.Bush@shsc.nhs.uk

Edwin Jones, Secretary (Wales UK)
Edwin.Jones@bromor-tr.wales.nhs.uk

Monica Björkman (Sweden)
monica@omsorgsmedicin.nu

Deborah Elliot (Canada)
elliottd@queensu.ca

Susan Hayes (Australia)
s.hayes@usyd.edu.au

Jane McCarthy (England, UK)
jane.m.mccarthy@kcl.ac.uk

Peter Sturmey (United States)
psturmey@gmail.com

Michael Seidel (Germany)
Michael.Seidel@bethel.de

Karen Nankervis (Australia)
karen.nankervis@rmit.edu.au

Membership
Membership is open to all those with an interest in research, practice or service development related to challenging behaviour, mental health and intellectual disabilities. The benefits of membership include the ability to shape and influence the activity of the SIRG, receipt the of IASSID and SIRG/CBMH newsletters, copies of SIRG reports, reduced fees at IASSID and SIRG/CBMH events (roundtables, international meetings etc.) and being part of a thriving network of researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders who share an interest in the SIRG's objectives.

New applicants to IASSID or individuals renewing their membership can elect to join the SIRG on completing their application form. For general information on joining the SIRG, please contact the secretary, Dr. Edwin Jones at Edwin.Jones@bromor-tr.wales.nhs.uk or write to: Edwin Jones, Special Projects Team, Unit 3, Cowbridge Court, 58-62 Cowbridge Road, Cardiff, CF5 5BS, Wales, UK.

Further documents

• Biographical details of the committe: click here
• Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health Newsletters: click here
• CB/MH Bylaws : click here