mental health europe annual report 2012

17articles in the

media

Media loveMental Health was featured in several articles in European and American media, including prominent outlets such as Washington Post and CNBC. MHE Director Maria Nyman was also invited to a talkshow on Al Jazeera.

We published

12press releases 2

video advocacy clips

32policy papers 51

information materials

In 2012 we doubled our Facebook friends and tripled our

followers on Twitter

Our Mapping Exclusion report received

4,600 views

260 likes

launched one new campaign siteand had 26,815 visits on the main MHE website

Find out how we

Communicate Mental Health

Annual Report2012

Mental Health Europe Annual Report 2012

www.mhe-sme.org

MHESME

Mental Health Europe

3


ContentsLetter from the President and the Director........................................4

Our vision, mission and members...................................................6

Top achievements for 2012............................................................11

• MHE publishes first ever European report on deinstitutionalization in the mental health field

• MHE helps develop Common European Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization

• MHE becomes collaborating partner in Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being

• Campaign on youth employment focuses on Individual Placement and Support

• MHE influences EU funds regulations• MHE concentrates on homelessness and consolidates effort in social

policy area• MHE organizes major conference in Croatia to promote fight against

inequality• MHE develops training package and coaches 200 police officers on

link between mental health and domestic violence

Communicating Mental Health......................................................19

Financial report for 2012...............................................................23

Who is Who in Mental Health Europe...............................................25

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Letter from the President and the Director

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It in undeniable that 2012 was a year marked by the financial crisis. Faced with high unemployment and severe debt, European countries implemented questionable austerity measures, which greatly affected the quality of life of people with mental health problems. In light of the credit crunch, Mental Health Europe followed the motto “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.” In both our policy and communications, we greatly increased our efforts to both publicize the plight of people with mental health problems and to support our members in these extremely trying times. We believe we have successfully achieved both, but will let our results speak for themselves.

The biggest event of the year was MHE’s biannual conference, which gathered close to 200 participants in Split, Croatia, where we discussed the social determinants of mental health and shed light on post-traumatic stress disorders and their impact on second and third generations. Co-organised with the invaluable help of MHE member Sto Koluri, the conference featured experts who presented different methods for improving the social environment in schools and workplaces, encourage inclusion within the community, and develop strong and supportive networks which can have a positive impact on mental health.

The fall brought about the launch of our much-awaited report, Mapping Exclusion, the first European publication to gauge the state of institutional and community-based care in the mental health field in Europe. Viewed more than 4600 times, the report also went viral on Facebook. In preparation for the Europe Year of Citizens (EY2013), we also organized a hearing at the European Parliament, which looked at the discourse around the EY2013 from the vantage point of one of the most vulnerable groups in society – homeless people with mental health problems. With three Members of the European Parliament as speakers, the hearing proved very successful, and strengthened our collaboration with fellow-NGO FEANTSA.

Moreover, 2012 marked the end of our Daphne project “Train, Improve, Reduce,” through which we trained more than 200 police officer in six European countries on the links between mental health and domestic violence. From both the testimonies of the trainers and the police officers themselves, the project appears to have achieved its goal of changing perceptions and giving police officers the tools to successfully support women in vulnerable situations.

Mental Health Europe has also received a significant amount of media attention in 2012, particularly in prominent news outlets such as Washington Post, CNBC and Al Jazeera. We took every opportunity to inform our audiences about the needs of people with mental health problems, about “economic suicides” and the increase in mental health problems as a result of the credit crunch. We also published several articles advising European governments on the best ways to address the financial crisis without hurting its human capital.

In its position papers, letters to European governments or press releases, MHE spoke with a strong, unified voice. One we intend to further employ in 2013, when we will we have to mitigate the effects of the financial crisis and ensure that Europe does not go down a path of intolerance and neglect, and does not put financial interests before the health and wellbeing of its citizens. Through a shadow report on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, further lobbying for a European Year of Mental Health, our campaign on youth employment and new video-advocacy efforts, we hope to raise the profile of mental health issues on the European arena, and ensure that mental health is mainstreamed in all policies. We have not let the crisis go to waste, and we have every intent to keep this strong momentum going.

Nace Kovac, MHE President Karina Huberman, MHE Acting Director

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1Our vision, mission and members

Our vision

Mental Health Europe’s vision is of 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 (ex-) users of mental health services live as full citizens with access to appropriate services and support when needed, and where meaningful participation is guaranteed at all levels of decision-making and administration. MHE’s values are based on dignity and respect, equal opportunities, freedom of choice, antidiscrimination, social inclusion, democracy and participation.

Our mission

Mental Health Europe is a non-governmental umbrella organisation committed to the promotion of mental health and well-being, the prevention of mental health problems, the improvement of care, and the protection of the human rights of (ex)users of mental health services, 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.

Our members

Mental Health Europe represents associations and organisations active in the field of mental health at local, national, regional and European level. This includes NGOs, users of mental health services, their families and carers, professionals, research and educational institutions and volunteers. In 2012, MHE had 88 Member Organisations and 50 Individual Members.

MHE members in 2012

Austria: Pro Mente Austria - Austrian Federation for Mental Health

Belgium: CAW Artevelde vzwPsychiatrisch Centrum Gent - SledingeFédération des Institutions Hospitalières de Wallonie FIH-WFederatie van Diensten voor Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (FDGG)Habitations Protegées Ourthe-AmbleveHand in Hand v.z.wHuis Perrekes

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Ligue Bruxelloise de Santé MentaleLigue Wallonne pour la Santé MentaleVlaamse Vereniging voor Geestelijke Gezondheid (VVGG)Zorgnet Vlaanderen

Bosnia and HerzegovinaAssociation for Mutual Assistance in Mental Distress / Fenix

Croatia: SUSRET - Association for psychosocial supportShine - The Association for Social Promotion of People with Mental DisabilitiesSto Koluri Split - Association for health protection, social care and children rights’ promotion

Cyprus: Advocacy Group for the Mentally Ill(AGMI)

Czech Republic: FOKUS

Denmark: Danish Psychosocial Rehabilitation Information CentreProjekt UDENFORSIND - Danish Association for Mental Health

Estonia: Estonian Mental Health Association

Finland: The Finnish Association for Mental Health Finnish Central Association for Mental HealthNational Institute for Health and Welfare

France: Advocacy FranceCEMEA - Direction généraleFrance Dépression

Germany: Bundeszentrale fuer Gesundheitliche Aufklaerung (BZgA)Dachverband Gemeindepsychiatrie e.V.Deutsche Gruppenpsychotherpeutische

MHE members Elise Torossian and Barbara Dolnicar discuss with MHE Project Manager Karina Hubermanduring the 2012 national focal point training in Brussels

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Gesellschaft (DGG)Verbandpsychiatrischer Rehabilitationseinrichtungen Deutschlands VpRDDGSP Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziale PsychiatrieBundespsychotherapeutenkammer (BPtK)

Georgia: Georgian Association for Mental Health

Greece: Association for the Psychosocial Health of Children and Adolescents (APHCA)Mental Health Institute for Children and Adults (M.H.I.C.A.)Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental HealthHellas Employee Assistance Programs LtdSOPSI Patras: Association for Mental Health

Hungary: “Way Out” Psychiatric Self Help AssociationPszichiatriai Erdekvedelmi Forum /

Mental Health Interest Forum

Iceland: The Advocacy and Mental Health Association of Iceland GEDHJALP

Ireland: Mental Health Ireland

Israel: Makshivim net

Italy: AISME

Kosovo: Kosovo Health Foundation

Latvia: SKALBES

Lithuania: State Mental Health Centre

MHE Board member Pino Pini and MHE member Tamas Barnabas join MHE external evaluator Jo Lucas for a chat in Split

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Luxembourg: Reseau Psy – Psychesch Hëllef Dobaussen asbl

Malta: Friends of Mount Carmel Hospital Society

Netherlands: C.C.L. Time-outGGZ NederlandRINO Noord-Holland

Norway: Voksne for Barn - Adults for Children

Poland:Coalition for Mental HealthInstytut Psychiatrii i NeurologiiPolish Association for Child and Family Mental Health

Portugal:ARIA- Associacao de reabilitacao eIntergracao Ajuda

Portuguese Association for Mental Health

Romania:EstuarRomanian League for Mental Health

Serbia:NGO Herc Association for supporting people with neuroses

Slovak Republic:IntegraOpen the Doors, Open your Hearts (ODOS)Slovak League for Mental Health

Slovenia:OZARA - Slovenija NacianonainoSENT - Slovenian Association for Mental HealthZdrruzenje Za Kakovost Zivljenja

Spain:Asociacion Española de Neuropsiquiatria (AEN)

A nice talk between MHE member Thalita Blanck and MHE Director Maria Nyman during the coffee break at the MHE national focal point training in Brussels

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Asociación National de Enfermería de Salud MentalFEAFES- Confederacion Españolade Agrupaciones de Familiares Y Enfermos MentalesFundacion IntrasFundacion Mundo Bipolar

Sweden:Swedish Association for Mental Health “Psykisk Hälsa”

Switzerland:Pro Mente Sana

United Kingdom:Glasgow Association for Mental Health

Institutional and Professional Development Centre School of EducationMindPenumbraPsychological Support Group, GibraltarScottish Development Centre for Mental HealthThe British Psychological SocietyThe Northern Ireland Association for Mental HealthThe Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health

European Level Organizations:ADHD EuropeEuropean Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy (EABCT)European Psychiatric Nurses - HORATIOSMES-Europa aisbl

The MHE Board in a meeting in Split, Croatia

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MHE publishes first ever European report on deinstitutionalization in the mental health field

In 2012, MHE dedicated a lot of its work to fighting institutionalization and the human rights abuses associated with it. MHE published the first European report on institutional and community-based care in the mental health field in Europe, “Mapping Exclusion,” which consists of a comparative

analysis of trends and policy changes in Europe, along with 32 country reports. The publication compiles data about institutional and community-based services, national mental health and deinstitutionalization strategies, information on guardianship and involuntary admission policies, and was develop with financial support from the Open Society Foundations Mental Health Initiative. “Mapping Exclusion” was launched in

2Top achievements for 2012

A full house during the launch of our Mapping Exclusion report at the European Parliament

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November at the European Parliament, in an event hosted by MEP Cecilia Wikstrom. The launch was extremely well-attended by civil society representative, but also by four Members of the European Parliament. For those who could not attend in person, the event was also live-streamed. The report, along with summaries and contry reports in Hungarian, Greek, French and Spanish are available online on MHE’s web page.

MHE helps develop Common European Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization

Working on the design and the development of the Common European Guidelines on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care, which were launched in November 2012 in the European Economic and Social Committee, was also one of MHE’s main activities in 2012. The Guidelines were published by the European Expert Group on

Jan Jarab, Regional Representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights praised the MHE report Mapping Exclusion

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the Transition from Institutional to Community Based Care, a broad coalition gathering stakeholders representing people with care or support needs including children, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health problems, families, as well as service providers, public authorities and intergovernmental organisations. The publication covers four target groups: people with disabilities, children, elderly people and people with mental health problems who all live in residential institutions, and MHE was responsible for the mainstreaming of mental health issues throughout the whole document. We consulted our members and experts, along with the MHE Human Rights Committee members, and ensured that mental health specific issues regarding the development of community services for users of psychiatry were addressed throughout the Guidelines. We also collected good practices from the MHE membership and featured them in the Guidelines. The Common European Guidelines was published along with a “Toolkit on Structural Funds,” aiming to help EU officials and governments keep deinstitutionalization in mind when developing action plans on social inclusion with the support of EU funds.

MHE becomes collaborating partner in Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being

Mental Health Europe has been engaged in the preparation phase of the EU Joint Action on Mental Health. The Joint Action will last for three years and will focus on five specific areas of mental health, namely:

• Prevention and treatment of depression and suicide

• The transition from institutional to community based care

• Mental health on the workplace• Mental health and education

• Strengthening the links between mental health and other policy areas.

As a collaborating partner, Mental Health Europe will specifically work on two topics within the Joint Action, namely on deinstitutionalization and mental health in other policies. In preparation, Mental Health Europe has participated in the Meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts on Mental Health and Well-Being in Luxembourg.This Joint Action will further allow MHE and its members to advocate for good practices and for evidence-based policies at European level. Furthermore MHE will focus on how these policies and practices will be implemented on a national and regional level.

Campaign on youth employment focuses on Individual Placement and Support

Over the past years, several studies have indicated that being in employment can play a vital role in the recovery of many people with mental health problems. Yet, people with severe and enduring mental health issues are less likely to be in paid employment than any other disadvantaged group. They also have one of the lowest employment rates in Europe. Furthermore, young people have become disproportionately affected by the recent recession and economic crisis. Therefore, Mental Health Europe has decided to concentrate on promoting the employment of young people with mental health problems in its three-year campaign entitled “Tried and Trusted.” The campaign aimes to show that, with proper support, it is possible for youth with severe mental health problems to achieve lasting employment, particularly through a method called Individual Placement and Support (IPS). The IPS method is in line with MHE’s vision, by promoting real integration of people with a severe mental health

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problem into the general labour market, as opposed to sheltered workplaces, which create an ‘institutionalized’ form of labour and only pseudo-integration. Additionally the outcomes of this method have been promising in terms of the rate and duration of employment for persons with mental health problems. IPS participants were twice as likely to gain a job, earn a better salary and, most importantly, were able to keep their job over a longer period of time. Therefore, this campaign is a clear, direct approach to tackling youth unemployment, which could prove beneficial for EU member states in reducing their youth unemployment figures. Mental Health Europe has produced several communication materials related to the campaign. A press release on this topic was published on World Mental Health day, and an article written by MHE on the IPS method was published in Public Service Europe.

MHE influences EU funds regulations

In 2012, MHE has been very active and involved in the negotiations on new regulations for the programming period 2014-2020, one of the key developments at the EU level. MHE has focused on several programmes that are significant for people with mental health problems, such as the European Programme for Change and Innovation (EUPSCI), the Rights and Citizenship Programme (RCP), the European Statistical Programme (ESP), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the General Regulation on Structural FundsMHE has been instrumental in tabling a number of amendments for the EUPSCI, RCP and ESP. These focused on the importance of mental health as a public health issue, and on the need for social protection and combating discrimination against people

MEP Edite Estrela gave a passionate speech during our hearing

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with mental health problems. MHE also supported adding references to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in EUPSCI and RCP.Moreover, MHE acted to ensure that operational grants will continue to support EU-level NGOs both under EUPSCI and under RCP. To ensure sufficient funding, MHE worked with the Social Platform to mobilise other NGOs in advocating to retain 60% of funding towards the PROGRESS Axis under EUPSCI.

MHE concentrates on homelessness and consolidates effort in social policy area

As a result of its sucess in lobbying for better EU funds regulations, MHE has greately increased its visibility on the social policy arena at the EU level. As a result, MHE has become a partner to

several formal or informal actions on the funding regulations, including joining the ‘EU Money for Poverty NOW!’ campaign lead by the European Anti-Poverty Network, joining an informal coalition of 13 other ENGOs on RCP, as well as making active contributions to the work of Social Platform on EUPSCI. MHE also approached a number of Members of the European Parliament to discuss amendments, which further increased the political visibility of the organization. A similar result was achieved by organizing a Hearing at the European Parliament on mental health and homelessness, where two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) agreed to chair sessions, in addition to the MEP hosting the event.Due to it close collaboration with the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA), MHE has also been invited to become a part of the Housing Practitioners

Three MEPs spoke at the MHE hearing on homelessness and mental health, organized at the European Parliament

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Forum, where it will have an opportunity to highlight the support needs of people with mental health problems. MHE was also invited to become a steering group partner in the “Leonardo Transfer of Innovation” project proposal, and was able to introduce one of its member organisations, SENT to become a national partner.

MHE organizes major conference in Croatia to promote fight against inequality

“The great suffering of people with mental health problems translates both into higher unemployment and into greater precariousness of jobs,” said European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor in a message during the Mental Health Europe Conference 2012, which took place on June 15-16 in Split, Croatia, and gathered close to 200 participants. The high-profile conference, which MHE organizes every

two years, addressed the topic of social determinants, in a bid to emphasize the role society plays in either reinforcing inequalities, or in combating human rights violations. The event, organized in collaboration with MHE Croatian member Sto Koluri, featured speakers, ranging from Jürgen Scheftlein, representing former EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli, to Jane Gabriel, Editor of openDemocracy 50.50. Their presentations emphasized the need for community-based services for people with mental health problems, which promote respect for the individual and uphold human rights. As Jan Pfeiffer, member of the Council of Europe Centre for the Prevention of Torture, said: “European money cannot be used anymore to refurbish large residential institutions.” To achieve this, governments must support representative organizations for people with mental health problems.User experiences were also upheld and cherished during the

MHE member Maja Soco gets interviewed during the MHE conference in Split

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conference, because as Deputy Director of the Norwegian General Ministry of Health and Care Services Thor Rogan said: “It is extremely important to recognize that user experience is as valuable as professional knowledge.” Participants also agreed that user testimonies must be taken into account when developing policies relevant to people with mental health problems.MHE and Sto Koluri also hosted a special satellite symposium for participants from Balkan and Eastern European countries right before the conference, which focused on “Post-traumatic stress disorders and their impact on 2nd and 3rd generations.”

MHE develops training package and coaches 200 police officers on link between mental health and domestic violence

“Train, Improve, Reduce,” MHE’s two-year project aimed at training police officers on the links between mental health and domestic volence, was completed in 2012. During the first year, information was gathered on the situation of domestic violence in the partners’ countries, including on how police work and how they are trained on issues of domestic abuse. Afterwards, based on the outcomes of the research, the Project developed a training package aimed at law enforcement agents, helping them to both understand the dynamic of domestic violence and its consequences on the mental health of women victims and their children, and to improve the skills necessary to provide help to the victims. During the second yeat, the project partners conducted trainings in their respective countries, where the training package was tested and adapted according to the specific needs. More than 200 professionals and members of the police from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Romania and Slovenia were trained,

with very positive feedback. Following the analysis of the trainings’ outcomes, and based on the content of the training package, a handbook was developed in seven EU languages, which will serve as a resource guide for future trainings, not only for law enforcement agents, but for all professionals in contact with victims of domestic violence.Finally, the project consortia developed a series of policy recommendations, available in seven EU languages as well.The Project outcomes and its results were presented at the Final conference, which took place on November 23, 2012 in Brussels.

Committed to diversity, MHE tries to make its publica-tions as accessible as possible. Our “Train, Improve, Reduce” handbook was published in seven European languages.

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366people attended

our external events

Knowledge-sharingMental Health Europe organized 15 capacity-building activities for members in 2012, and 10 information and communications events, ranging from report launches, capacity-building seminars and trainings to major international conferences.

Our work reached

17,800 people through our main website

3700 people through our mailing lists

Find out how we

Develop policies and mainstream mental health

We published

33reports

38events

48consultations

119meetings with EU officials and other

stakeholders

We spoke at

We answered We attended

7000 people through additional sites such as Issuu

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3Communicating mental health

Mainstream media

In terms of communications, 2012 was a great year for Mental Health Europe. MHE published 12 press releases, which were aimed mostly at EU policy-makers, but were also informative for the public at large. MHE also received a lot of coverage in mainstream media, both in Brussels and beyond, which

increased the visibility of the organization in the Brussels arena, and raised awareness of the problems that people with mental health problems all over Europe have to face. One of the major topics that media was interested in was the increase in mental health problems due to the financial crisis, and especially the rise in “economic suicides”. Mental Health Europe gave its

MHE Director Maria Nyman speaks about austerity and mental health on Al Jazeera

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input of this topic in both Washington Post and in CNBC, two of the most prominent American publications. Moreover, MHE Director Maria Nyman was invited to speak on Inside Story, a talk show on Al Jazeera, where she addressed issues such the validity of austerity measures, budget cuts and the rise in depression. In Public Service Europe, as well as in several other European publications, MHE also discussed topics such as domestic violence, deinstitutionalization, and homelessness. The increase in media coverage is a great sign for MHE – it implies that mental health is becoming less of a niche topic, and involves a level and interest and openness which should very much benefit people with mental health problems.

Social Media

MHE has almost tripled the number of its friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter, which helped the organization foster

dialogue and debate among its members and friends. It is extremely important for a larger number of people to associate themselves with mental health organizations on social media, as this both promotes much needed conversation on topics involving discrimination and stigma, and breaks the taboos related to mental illness.

Mapping Exclusion

Mental Health Europe launched and disseminated the first ever European report on deinstitutionalization and the transition to community services, “Mapping Exclusion”. Designed in–house and published on Issuu, “Mapping Exclusion” has been viewed more than 4600 times, and received 260 Likes on Facebook. Along with the launch of the report, MHE also filmed its first short documentary, in collaboration with the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union. The documentary discusses deinstitutionalization through a series of

A snapshot from the first MHE Documentary

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interviews with both mental health experts, advocates and users. As one of the very few existing documentaries dealing with closing down residential institutions, it is a very accessible way of explaining a complex and multi – faceted topic. It is also a milestone for Mental Health Europe, as it is the first video advocacy tool we have created. Published on Youtube in December, it has already been viewed more than 850 times.

Strengthening communications with members

In order to better address the needs of its members, MHE redesigned its existing newsletter, making it more accessible and visually appealing, and also created another newsletter specifically aimed at members. The members newsletter provided more detailed information, showcased best

practices, and generally tailored its information to cater to the requirements of members. MHE also created a password-protected section on its website, which only members could access.

Tried and Trusted website

Moving forward with its Tried and Trusted Project, which attempts to draw attention to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) method as most efficient in helping people with mental health problems secure employment, MHE has developed a new campaign website. The website provides information on IPS, links to research and ongoing projects on the method and keeps readers informed about MHE’s efforts in raising awareness on this topic. You can access the website on: http://employmentforyouth.wordpress.com/

The new MHE campaign website is up and running!

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17articles in the

media

Media loveMental Health was featured in several articles in European and American media, including prominent outlets such as Washington Post and CNBC. MHE Director Maria Nyman was also invited to a talkshow on Al Jazeera.

We published

12press releases

2video advocacy

clips

32policy papers

51information

materials

In 2012 we doubled our Facebook friends

and tripled our followers on Twitter

Our Mapping Exclusion report received

4,600 views

260 likes

launched one new campaign siteand had 26,815 visits on the main MHE website

Find out how we

Communicate Mental Health

23


4Financial report for 2012

MHE’s 688,000 euro income is based on two pillars - EU funding and membership fees. In 2012, additional sources contributed to the organisation’s funding, such as a grant from the Open Society Foundations Mental Health Initiative which allowed us to publish our Mapping Exclusion report. In 2013, more new funding options will be explored, as MHE is highly committed to diversifying its sources of income and ensuring its sustainability.In 2012, the European Commission supported MHE through both core and project funding. DG employment contributed to 81% of the organization’s core funding, and DG Justice, through the Daphne Programme, funded the second year of the Train, Improve, Reduce project.Membership fees represented 8% of the organisation’s income. We are pleased to announce that new members joined Mental Health Europe in 2012, and new applications arrive regularly.

Even though MHE increased its number of members, the total membership contribution remained stable, as the financial crisis prevented some members from being able to pay their full contribution. Due to MHE’s values and solidarity principles, MHE accepted waiving or reducing fees to organisations facing financial difficulties.Our income allowed us to fulfill or main goals for the year, such as organize a very well-attended conference on the topic of health determinants, publish the first European report on deinstitutionalization in the mental health field, film our first short documentary, launch our campaign on youth employment, finalize our “Train, Improve, Reduce” Project and continue advocating for the rights of persons with mental health problems at European level.In 2013, MHE will attempt to reasonably increase its membership revenue, while developing a new fundraising strategy to ensure diversity of funding and sustainability.

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5Who is Whoin Mental Health Europe

MHE Board 2012 - 2015

President: Nace Kovac, SloveniaVice-President: Rita Donabauer, Austria Treasurer: Marleen Barth, The NetherlandsSecretary: Marita Ruohonen, FinlandMember without portfolio: Vicente Ibanez Rojo, SpainKristijan Grdan, CroatiaBirgit Görres, GermanyNigel Henderson, UKBrian Howard, IrelandPaulo Mendes, PortugalPino Pini, ItalyDimitris Tataridis, GreeceJan Van Speybroeck, BelgiumSvetlana Varjun, EstoniaStephanie Wooley, France

Membership and Accreditation Committee

Chair: Josée Van Remoortel, MHE Senior Policy AdviserMembers:Inge Schöck, GermanyClaude Deutsch, FranceColette Versporten, BelgiumPreben Brandt, DenmarkJoseph Borg, Malta

Finance Committee

Chair: Marleen Barth, The NetherlandsMarita Ruohonen, FinlandJosée Van Remoortel, Belgium

Committee on Mental Health and Human Rights

Chair: Josée van Remoortel, MHE Senior Policy AdvisorCoordinator: Gábor Petri, MHE Human Rights OfficerMembers:Martine Dutoit, France/Claude Deutsch, France

MHE President Nace Kovac and Vice-President Rita Donabauer work together with Director Maria Nyman

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Kristjian Grdjan, CroatiaPreben Brandt, DenmarkVincente Ibanez Rojo, SpainJasna Russo, GermanyGabriela Tanasan, Romania Correspondent members:Tamás Barnabás, HungaryMalgorzata Kmita, UKMarita Ruohonen, FinlandPeter Kinderman, UK

Task Force on Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups

Chair: Preben Brandt, DenmarkCoordinator: Paulina Banas, MHE Social Policy and Programme OfficerMembers:Aleksei Norden, EstoniaDirk Bryssinck, BelgiumLuigi Leonori, Belgium/ ItalyMaria Fe Bravo Ortiz, SpainValentini Bochtsou, GreeceElisabeth Muschik, AustriaJosée van Remoortel, BelgiumCorresponding Members:Tamás Barnabás, HungaryLászló Lajtavári, HungaryJoseph Borg, MaltaPino Pini,ItalyBrian Howard, Ireland

Task Force on Active Ageing

Chair: Marita Ruohonen, FinlandCoordinator: Yves Brand, MHE Policy OfficerMembers:Svetlana Varjun, EstoniaChrista Widmaier-Berthold, AustriaElisabeth Muschik, AustriaPino Pini, Italy

Senior Policy AdvisorsStijn JannesElisabeth MuschikJosée Van Remoortel

MHE Secretariat

Director: Maria NymanPolicy Officers:Gabor Petri, Human Rights OfficerYves Brand, Policy OfficerPaulina Banas, Social Policy and Programme OfficerProject Manager:Karina HubermanCommunications Manager:Silvana EnculescuDirector’s Assistant and Office Manager:Emilija BorchersIntern:Bronwen BartonVolunteer Translator:Xavier Vanquickenborne

Contact Details

MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE – SANTE MENTALE EUROPE aisblBoulevard Clovis 7, B-1000 BrusselsTel +32 2 280 04 68Fax +32 2 280 16 04E-Mail: [email protected]

MHE member Amedeea Enache, with Human Rights Committee member Gabriela Tanasan

This Annual Report is supported by the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007-2013). This programme was established to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment and social affairs area, as set out in the Social Agenda, and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals in these fields. The seven-year Programme targets all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation and policies, across the EU-27, EFTA and EU candidate and pre-candidate countries.

To that effect, PROGRESS purports at:

• providinganalysisandpolicyadviceonemployment,socialsolidarityandgenderequality policy areas; • monitoringandreportingon the implementationofEUlegislationandpolicies inemployment, social solidarity and gender equality policy areas; • promotingpolicytransfer,learningandsupportamongMemberStatesonEUobjec-tives and priorities; and • relayingtheviewsofthestakeholdersandsocietyatlarge.

For more information see: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/progress/index_en.html The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission

MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE AISBLBoulevard Clovis 7, B-1000 BruxellesTel: +32 2 280 04 68Fax: +32 2 280 16 04Email: [email protected]: www.mhe-sme.org

mental health europe annual report 2012

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