The Global Mental Health Action Network
The Global Mental Health Action Network is an open community of mental health professionals who share a mission to protect the right to good mental health and work together to advocate to improve political and financial support for mental health across the world. With over 1,000 engaged members from 90 countries, the membership consists of academia, governments, UN agencies, the private sector, and civil society. It is the largest global mental health network of its kind in the world.
What does it do?
The Network works collectively to accelerate political and financial support for global mental health through joint communications, advocacy projects, and thought leadership. The network coordinates members by sharing learnings through calls, newsletters and annual meetings. The Network convenes working groups on youth and child mental health, financing for mental health, communications and research. The Network coordinates members around global moments.
SHARING INFORMATION AND FACILITATING COLLABORATION
We share news on global mental health activities, events and opportunities for collaboration: there is a newsletter; a LinkedIn group; and regular calls and webinars.
WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN
We convene and run working groups; we organise joint events; we come together around key global moments to advocate for change. Through our advocacy, communications, working groups and sharing learnings, we work to improve support of mental health globally.
Why does it do it?
We believe we can progress the understanding and support for mental health globally, so that everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to when their mental health needs support.
Key priorities
Advocacy - the Network aims to accelerate political and financial support for global mental health through joint advocacy.
Communications - the Network aims to increase the impact of the mental health sector through joint communications and messaging.
Working Groups - the Network has working groups for more focused collaboration and advocacy on Youth and Child Mental Health, Mental Health Financing, Mental Health Research and Communications.
Sharing Learning - the Network amplifies the work of its members and promotes opportunities for collaboration between members.
How can you get involved?
To receive updates and opportunities for engagement, you can join the Network here, or become a member of the LinkedIn Group. You can also find the Network Newsletters for updates, and contact gmhan@unitedgmh.org for further information.
How is the Network run?
The Network is guided by its Terms of Reference. The strategic direction of the network is provided by the Network advisory board, a part selected and part elected board who represent the entire Network membership. United for Global Mental Health provides the secretariat for the network and assists members to coordinate, share information and collaborate with one another successfully. The secretariat runs regular surveys and opportunities for members to provide feedback.
Previous Work
- Global Mental Health Advocacy Roadmap
- Financing Working Group: authored an op-ed on Devex and developed a briefing on mental health and the role of finance ministries
- World Mental Health Day 2020: created a communications toolkit, an events calendar and hosted an event with Devex entitled ‘Delivering Mental Health care for all: Why investment now is crucial.’
- United Nations General Assembly 2020: the Network produced a policy briefing and hosted a side event with Devex entitled ‘Achieving the SDGs: Delivering Mental Health for All’
- Produced a guide to communicating about mental health
- COVID-19 response: created a library of resources on COVID-19 and mental health and supported a weekly webinar series led by Lancet Psychiatry and United for Global Mental Health
- Davos 2020: the Network produced a communications toolkit, and policy brief.
Resources
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