First, we apologise over the delay in the conference site going live. Our design team is working flat out on the finishing touches, and we really hope to have things up and running in the next two weeks.

mentalHEALTH2011 is an international conference on the Internet* and mental health.

The two day conference will explore the latest research on the first day and on the second, will focus on the challenges faced when working with vulnerable groups in an online or technology mediated setting. We will focus on ways in which the technology can affect mental health, intended and unintended consequences of online safety work, ethical dilemmas and how social media and online strategies can be developed both to promote good mental health and support people with mental health problems to recovery.

Using the Internet, social media and new technology may well be a way in which health services and the third sector can deliver more relevant and appropriate care for young people and adults and conference participants (whether academic, practitioner or manager) will come away with a clearer understanding of this complex area.

*by the Internet we networked technologies; this includes mobile phones. We are also extending the remit to technology more generally.

Keynote speakers include Prof Sonia Livingstone, Dr Michele Ybarra, Scott Gould, Dr Antonio Casilli, Dr Andy Phippen, Elaine Hewis, Prof Chris Williams and Kayla Kavanagh. We are also pleased that danah boyd will present via video.

Abstracts will be invited that represent research or practice relevant to all areas of technology and mental health and well being including those that:

• evaluate a service (re)design using robust underpinning research methodology

• research the delivery and organisation of internet / technology based mental health services, policy or education

• present findings on the implementation of relevant research into practice

• present relevant research on the experiences of people who use services

• address methodological and research ethics issues

• present reflective accounts on the use of technology / internet /social media from a variety of perspectives including people who use servies, carers, organisation, health and social care professionals

if you can’t wait for more details and want to book, we have now opened up ‘early bird’ registration here

Finally, thank you for your interest, and please be sure to share news of the event through your networks.