Two new training resources are available from Pavillion Publishing. Offering a realistic and holistic approach to assertiveness training, Thumbs Up! by Deanne Bell emphasises the link between self-esteem and assertive behaviour. The package consists of simple exercises and activities which will encourage people with learning disabilities to appreciate their individual qualities and to develop their own identities. The materials include: group leader's guidance on running the sessions; session outlines with key learning points, activities and exercises on assertiveness skills, receiving criticism, behaviour, problem-solving and feeling good about yourself; and handouts, worksheets and resource sheets. The package is priced at £55 (subject to postage and packaging charges). This is My Home is a new video-based resource focusing on the significance of language and control in the process of empowerment. It illustrates how people can explore the language currently used within their service to decide on whether it affects them positively or negatively. The video is suitable for use with groups of staff and tenants with a wide range of needs and shows how people with few or no verbal communication skills can be encouraged to make choices about how and where they live. Accompanying notes encourage discussion and positive action planning. This video-training package is available at £30 plus VAT (subject to postage and packaging charges). Enquiries on either package should be directed to: Customer Services, Pavillion Publishing, 8 St George's Place, Brighton BN1 4GB (telephone: 01273 623222; fax: 01273 625526).

The Wirral and West Cheshire Community NHS Trust would like to announce a two-day conference entitled The Third Age into the Millennium – The Future of Elderly Mental Health Care. Taking place in Chester on 22–23 November 1999, this conference is aimed at a multi-disciplinary audience working within the elderly mental health setting. Topics will include service development, nursing in the year 2000, interface between medicine and psychiatry, dementia care mapping, memory clinic and CPA and Mental Health legislation. Further information: Alison Carroll, Business Manager, Mental Health, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 0LN (telephone: 051 334 4000, ext 4045). CPD points: 10.