Description
The project titled ACTION PLATFORM FOR THE RIGHTS IN MENTAL HEALTH aims at the development of a dynamic and sustainable intervention to resolve pending issues related to the protection of people with mental health problems from discriminatory practices and the violation of their rights. The main principle that governs the project is the belief that the shift of ‘paradigm’ from ‘tolerance’ and ‘philanthropy’ to the undisputed acknowledgment of human rights to the people with minor or major mental health problems. To this end, a number of activities are foreseen targeted towards policy makers, NGOs, community, formal and informal networks, judiciary / educational / police / mass media services.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project "Action Platform for the rights in Mental Health" was to bring about a “paradigm shift” in mental health rights perception with a view not just to tolerate as a society but to fully support the self-evident rights of people with mental health problems facing stigma and exclusion. The main pillar of the project was the operation of the first Advocacy Office in Greece, which responded to 319 cases in close collaboration with key actors in the field of advocacy (Greek Ombudsman, the Audit Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People with Mental Health Problems etc). The pilot implementation of the "reporting methodology for mental health rights violations" encouraged 122 people to overcome their fear and ignorance and make their voice heard. Another aim of the project was the training of professionals with a view to make them approach the therapeutic and social rehabilitation process through the human rights perspective. For this purpose, it was planned a series of 6 training seminars for 394 professionals (policy officers, judges, prosecutors, clinicians) who have already expressed their strong interest for additional trainings. The website -developed for the needs of the project- included the training material, a digital legal library and a mental health rights guide. The approximately 20.000 visitors has rendered it as a reliable source of information about mental health rights both for services' users and professionals. Another key activity was the organization of the Pan-Hellenic Network Meeting, with the participation of 150 representatives from related stakeholders, including services' users and families, clinicians and advocates, NGOs and mental health services, policy makers and authorities. The meeting’s interactive character led to substantial conclusions and recommendations, which have been already submitted to the Ministries of Justice and Health. Proposals encourage legal and institutional amendments that will potentially improve the quality of life of people with mental health problems. Lobbying, along with promotion activities have contributed tremendously in raising awareness about mental health rights, while have also supported the sustainability of the project. More specifically, as regards the feasibility of the Advocacy Office, we have developed a well-documented proposal looking for new sponsors. In the meantime, we maintain the service on a voluntary basis for two months.
Summary of bilateral results