DCoP Wales

The Welsh Branch has for many years been an important constituent of The Division. Its members have played their part in representing the nation of Wales on Divisional Committee and its activities. This has been deeply appreciated. Unfortunately, structural changes in the NHS in Wales impacted greatly on the Branch and meant that for some time no activity was possible. However, the representation of Wales within the Division continued until recently through the Branch’s Chair, Amanda Hall. The whole Division is grateful for the past leadership of Amanda who for so long and ably represented this Branch.

For a brief period (2011-2012) the Branch was in recession. We are now very pleased to say that the Branch has reopened for business. There was an important workshop about the Branches at the DCoP Conference in Leicester in July 2012, organised by Donal McAteer (Regions Lead on Divisional Committee) and assisted by Clare Stone. This event was called "Alive and Kicking!" and was aimed at highlighting the roles of the national DCoP Branches in supporting and representing local members. A small group of people from Wales gathered together at this workshop to reinvigorate the branch. Following on from the Leicester conference, this group contacted as many Welsh members as possible to convene a Wales Telephone conference on August 20th, chaired by Donal McAteer. This meeting appointed Rachel Davies as Acting Chair and Welsh Lead on DC, and Andrea Ogleby as Acting Secretary. This is pending an AGM which is to be arranged as soon as all interested members can be contacted. We hope that all the people who have contributed to the life of the branch will be able to help and support the committee. We encourage both people who have long been members of the branch and those who are new to it to get involved.

The pro-tem committee, and then the elected committee will play an important part in hosting the DCoP Conference in Cardiff July 12-13 2013. A web page will soon be in place where details of open meetings will be advertised. All members "originals" and new will be warmly welcomed to its meetings. If you are interested in receiving news of activities in Wales please "opt in" to the e-network in Wales via: counsellingpsychwales@safe-mail.net

NEXT MEETING: The group is meeting from 2-4.30 on Wednesday 28th November at Morriston Hospital, Swansea (just off the M4). More information from counsellingpsychwales@safe-mail.net