Who are we?
Mental Health Europe (MHE) is a European level non-governmental organisation (NGO) and network committed to the promotion of positive mental health and well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, the improvement of care, advocacy for social inclusion and the protection of the human rights of people with mental health problems and their families and carers. MHE was established in 1985 and its Secretariat is based in Brussels (Belgium).
Who do we represent?
MHE is a representative organisation of associations, organisations and individuals active in the field of mental health and well-being at local, regional, national and European level. This includes NGOs, (ex)users of mental health services, their families and carers, professionals, research and educational institutions and volunteers. MHE has members in most European countries. All the Member States of the European Union are represented in the membership.
What is our mission?
For more than two decades MHE has been promoting positive mental health and well-being and representing mental health in its broadest sense in Europe.MHE supports the emancipation of different groups in the mental health field in order to establish equal partnerships and opportunities among the different parties and to ensure that the mental health needs of the population are met.
MHE plays an important role in raising awareness and in combating the taboos, stigma and prejudices associated with mental illness. In order to fulfil this strategic role, MHE works closely with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, has a participative status with the Council of Europe and has a liaison function for mental health promotion with the European Commission.
What do we do?
MHE advocates for the achievement of a comprehensive strategy on promoting positive mental health and well-being for all. MHE encourages better cooperation between Member States in order to address inequalities within and between countries. To this aim, MHE will be actively engaged in the preparation of the June 2008 high level Conference on Mental Health, which will lead to the launch of the new Mental Health Pact as announced by the Commission at the end of last year.
The MHE Annual Work Plan for the year 2008 in the area of social inclusion will have as its overall goal to develop and strengthen MHE’s capacities and that of its member organisations, including people with mental health problems, who are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, to inform and influence employment and social policy and processes at the local, national, regional and European level with a view to better reflecting the needs of people with (a history of) mental health problems.
An important part of MHE’s work programme, which is supported by the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007-2013), will be carried forward by MHE’s thematic Committees:
Human Rights and Mental Health;
Women and Mental Health;
Ethnic Minorities and Mental Health.
In the field of disability MHE will persist to fight for the recognition of people with mental health problems in the frame of the National Disability Councils. People with mental health problems should have the same rights and access to benefit systems as people with any physical disability.
The 2008 MHE Annual Conference will take place in Aalborg, Denmark, from 7-9 August. The theme of this year’s conference is “Diversity in mental health and wellbeing – An opportunity for intercultural dialogue”.
In the frame of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue 2008, the Conference will look at the intercultural dialogue as a mean to create and achieve mental health and wellbeing.
For more information on our current activities, please visit the MHE website.
How do you get involved?
Membership of MHE is open to NGOs, individuals, professionals, volunteers and others active in the mental health field at local, national, regional or European level. By becoming part of a large mental health network, MHE members can learn at first hand about new projects and initiatives pursued by mental health organisations in Europe, and they can contribute to influencing European health and social policy.
MHE members receive the MHE Newsletter and other timely information and briefings on EU, Council of Europe and WHO related developments.
To join, please visit MHE website
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*UPDATED* European Commission Consultation on health services
