News Release, 3 May 2007
A tried and tested programme to enable people with mental health problems to develop and influence policy-making has led to the launch of a new toolkit.
Pathways to Policy: A toolkit for grassroots involvement in mental health policy provides a framework for NGOs and user groups to establish a mental health policy “forum” to enable people experiencing mental distress to have a genuine voice in policy-making. Published by the Hamlet Trust and the Mental Health Foundation, the resource explains how to work in partnership with stakeholders to prioritise local mental health issues, develop action plans and raise awareness among the wider population.
The Pathways to Policy programme, originally developed in 2002 by the UK organisation Hamlet Trust, has seen the establishment of forums in a wide range of countries and contexts. Using socially inclusive approaches to policy-making, this toolkit is draws on the experiences of those involved in the programme.
The toolkit includes:
- Accessible, interactive study of concepts of policy making
- Workshop outlines, including exercises, to improve skills and confidence among service users and other stakeholders
- Advice and ideas on working with the media
- Case studies and learning from successful mental health policy forums around the world
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“Such a framework for action can respond to the needs and aspirations of people with experience of mental distress by placing them at the centre of the process. I commend this toolkit to anyone who wishes to drive forward user empowerment.”
To obtain a copy of the free toolkit, telephone the Mental Health Foundation on 020 7803 1101, or complete the online form.
The toolkit is also available to download from www.mentalhealth.org.uk/pathways
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact Fran Gorman on 020 7803 1128 or email Fran.
The Pathways to Policy Toolkit is published by the Hamlet Trust and the Mental Health Foundation, with support from the Big Lottery Fund and Open Society Mental Health Initiative.
Hamlet Trust has a network of partner organisations based across central and eastern Europe and central Asia - grassroots organisations many of which are led by people with experience of mental distress. We support our partner NGOs to develop employment projects and social enterprises, self-help and occupational therapy projects, and to campaign on mental health human rights issues. We do this by running in-country training workshops, issuing and monitoring small grants, producing publications and acting as an umbrella organisation to champion the rights of these groups on an international level. More information on the
Hamlet Trust Website
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services. More information about the
Mental Health Foundation
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