The Purpose of the Association

The  main purposes and functions of the CPA Association are to:
  • Act  as a managed network, collecting, analysing, and disseminating information on the CPA to its members
  • To lend support to all those involved in the operation of the CPA
  • Develop and share good practice
  • Seek to influence national policy, strategy and activity, as well as regional and local  processes and protocols
  • Develop and influence the provision of high quality relevant training to all involved in the operation of the CPA

Membership of the Association
 
Mental Health Service providers (both health and social services by trust, locality or directorate), Mental Health Service Commissioners, Non-Statutory Agencies, Professional Bodies, and User Organisations are eligible to join the Association, although the Association reserves the right to refuse membership.  The Association is funded through annual subscriptions from member organisations, and the cost is reviewed annually. Each member joining the Association can nominate up to three representatives, additional representatives  can be nominated for an extra fee.

The Structure of the Association

 The CPA Association is organised on a National basis, with members in NHS Regional Executive areas  nominating regional representatives to a CPAA committee. From this committee the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, together with their deputies, are elected.

Activities of the Association

The CPA Association holds bi-monthly national meetings (one including the Annual General Meeting), with regional meetings in between these. The Chair and others are seconded to work a number of hours each month for the Association, usually promoting the CPA within  the regions, or dealing with national issues on behalf of the CPAA. The Association acts as a ‘clearing house’ for members of information relating to the CPA. The CPAA journal, 'The Approach' is produced quarterly. Training events and workshops are held with the aim of promoting guidance on issues relating to the CPA.
C.Lakin: New Start         Art Competiton 2016