Dear participants and presenters of the 7th European Congress EAMHID ,
During 3-5 september 2009 we have had an inspiring and interesting congress with almost 500 participant coming from 27 different countries!
We have added some new elements , like the co-referent after the keynote-speaker and the input of antropology. We also provided french-english translation to stimulate the french-speaking people to participate.
Was emphais during the first congress 15 years ago, on diagnostic of psychopathology and behavioural problems, now the emphasis is on promoting mental health and prevention of mental illness in many papers about findings in services and in dailly life. Then there were only researchers from universities, now there were also some case-studies and other kind of research from professionals in the care.
We can look back on a congress which has enhanced new steps and developments to promote mental health for people with intellectual disabiltiy.
I want to express my thanks to all of you of your great contribution and the very friendly and open atmosphere to interact and make new contacts.
On behalf of the ECMHID I hope to meet you all again in Manchester in 2011!
Patty van Belle-Kusse, president of the congress
Johan de Groef, vice-president
Raymond Ceccotto, vicepresident