Mental Health Europe: • promotes and supports its member organisations with their developments and their efforts to achieve greater acknowledgement and funding through information, exchange and consultation • lobbies the European institutions to raise the profile of mental health • develops recommendations for policies and strategies on mental health issues • initiates European projects in which member organisations can become involved • is a forum for exchange of information on health and social policies relevant to the field of mental health and well-being • offers support in finding partner organisations for collaboration, exchange of knowledge and expertise, and dissemination of good practices • increases awareness of mental health and mental well-being, and campaigns for important mental health issues • organizes meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences • publishes a newsletter and produces briefings and reports • provides up-to-date information on mental health issues on its website
Mental Health Europe is an invaluable resource which provides: • the wider picture of mental health issues around Europe and the World • Information • Interesting monthly newsletters • the means to influence policy makers and stakeholders in a positive way • a strong collective voice which we could not provide as individual organizations • opportunities for training and for attending conferences • a platform enabling you to share information Emily Adamberry Olivero M.B.E. Psychological Support Group, Gibraltar
MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE AISBL Boulevard Clovis 7, B-1000 Bruxelles Tel: +32 2 280 04 68 Fax: +32 2 280 16 04 Email: info@mhe-sme.org Website: www.mhe-sme.org
This brochure was developed with the support of PROGRESS, the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007-2013).
AISBL
• To find and maintain contacts with other associations involved in mental health • To have access to information that is regularly updated by a Brussels-based network • To ensure opportunities to participate in policymaking at the European level • To exchange examples of good practice, policy and legislation • To afford consultation as a partner in European projects
MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE
Why members joined
Envisioning a Europe where mental health is high on the political agenda, where people with mental health problems live as full citizens with access to appropriate services and support, and where meaningful participation is guaranteed at all levels of decision-making.
New opportunities for mental health in Europe New challenges for Mental Health Europe
support
Get involved
I knew and joined MHE in the late 1980s thanks to Mind, the UK mental health association. Working as psychiatrist in Italy after the closure of the psychiatric hospitals , I was looking for alternatives to institutional care. Through MHE I could understand the big value of associations in which users and relatives where actively involved. This was unknown in Italy at that time. Currently I continue to discover many innovative international experiences through MHE. I am convinced that nowadays independent associations as MHE are more and more necessary for the development of mental health systems close to the real needs and aspirations of people, and far from the economic and power interests of global organizations. Pino Pini, AISME Board Member
Mission MHE is a non-governmental organisation committed to the promotion of positive mental health and well-being, the improvement of care, and the protection of the human rights of people with mental health problems, their families and carers. MHE’s mission is upholding the mental health and well-being of all citizens, from all minority groups and from the whole of Europe. MHE aims to make membership relevant and valuable for its members and to develop policy positions in consultation with them.
MHE represents associations, organisations and individuals active in the field of mental health and well-being in Europe, including people with mental health problems, volunteers and professionals. MHE has members in most European countries and all EU member states. MHE membership is open to NGOs, individuals, professionals, volunteers and others active in the mental health field at local, national, regional or European level who share and
Vision Mental Health Europe envisions a Europe where mental health and well-being are given high priority in the political spectrum and on the European health and social agenda, where people with mental health problems live as full citizens with access to appropriate services and support, and where meaningful participation is guaranteed at all levels of decision-making. MHE’s values are based on dignity and respect, equal opportunities, freedom of choice, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, democracy and participation. MHE believes that much more can be done in promoting mental health and well-being if we address civil society, those suffering from mental health problems, their carers and families.
Mental Health Europe plays an important role in raising awareness and combating the taboos, stigma and prejudice associated with mental health problems. MHE is working closely the European bodies - fighting social rights violations for people with mental health problems by lodging collective complaints with the Council of Europe, liaising with the European Commission and keeping official relations with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Mental Health Europe is also a member of several European umbrella organisations such as European Disability Forum, Social Platform, European Public Health Alliance, European Coalition for Community Living, and European Women’s Lobby.
MHE’s vision. By becoming part of a large mental health network, MHE members can be the first to learn about new projects and initiatives pursued by mental health organisations in Europe, and they can contribute to influencing European health and social policy. Members receive the MHE Newsletter and other timely information on EU, Council of Europe and WHOrelated developments.
“Mental Health is on the European political map and Mental Health Europe is one of the key players who have put it there. It is fundamentally important that the voice of Mental Health Europe is now heard loud and clear.” John Bowis former Member of the European Parliament, UK “Just knowing that Mental Health Europe exists provides the reassurance that we have a solid footing in our quest to achieve a better quality of life for those who have mental health problems.” Emily Adamberry Olivero M.B.E. Psychological Support Group, Gibraltar