COMMUNITY BUILDING For community building, IF organised regional member meetings with the boards of IF member associations in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin-America. Moreover, the members of the IF working groups on ageing, youth, women with SBH, and multidisciplinary care continued their activities in raising awareness on topics relevant to these working groups. In addition, exploratory studies were conducted, and several meetings were organised to share experiences and provide training opportunities, as well as influencing policy through publications of statements and speaking at international events. In the year 2021 special attention was paid to the concept of twinning. IF facilitated ‘twinning’ meetings aimed at good practices exchange and connect research and innovations on multidisciplinary care between countries. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented IF from organising in-person meetings, there were several opportunities where members initiated joint actions and moments where IF facilitated twinning opportunities between associations and partners on country level.
IF ACTIVITIES MEMBERS WEBINARS The IF member associations, individuals with SBH and their families are at the core of IF organisation activities. In 2021, members participated in online dialogues, training opportunities, awareness raising activities, workshops, and peer support groups. With an ageing population, adults with SBH and their specific needs and concerns are becoming a focal point as well. Following the outcomes of 2020, IF continued to professionalise its digital ways to connect with members from all over the world. During IF member meetings with presidents of members associations from Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, needs were assessed that informed IF’s work on advocacy, policy, primary prevention, and improvement of care.
34
