About Us
At United for Global Mental Health, we work to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and increase support for mental health around the world with trusted partners.
What we do
Our 2024–2026 strategy outlines a vision for a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, everywhere without stigma or restrictions. We use our expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning to advance this vision and focus on four areas of strategic impact – rights, health systems, ecosystems, and field building – to deliver progress.
Learn more
Who we are
The United for Global Mental Health team is made up of diverse, passionate and knowledgeable individuals. By combining our extensive in-house expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning with the unique insights of our many partners, we’re already making progress on our mission.
Learn moreWhat is Global Mental Health?
We all have mental health, and we all experience good and not good mental health at different times in our lives. But what is mental health? And what do we mean when we talk about global mental health?
‘Mental health’ is a blanket term for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). That includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing – affecting everything from how we think, feel and act, to how we handle stress, relate to others and make decisions.
When we talk about global mental health, and more importantly, improving global mental health, we’re talking about our big defining goal: to improve the mental health of every person around the world at a global and national level who needs support – particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Our Impact 2024
Key Highlights from our 2024 impact report:
Decriminalising Suicide: A Caribbean Coalition for Change
- Supported the new Caribbean Regional Coalition for Decriminalisation of Suicide, building on successful law changes in Pakistan, Ghana, Guyana, and Malaysia.
- “This coalition signifies a great first step in moving the Caribbean towards addressing suicide through a public health lens.” — Desarie Nicholas.
Mental Health in Climate Action: A Global First
- Integrated mental health into major global climate agreements for the first time (WHO World Health Assembly, Global Plan on Biodiversity and Health).
- Spotlighted youth mental health at COP29 and contributed to the WHO COP29 Special Report.
Integrating Mental Health into HIV and TB Services
- Engaged over 1,300 attendees at AIDS 2024 with Elton John AIDS Foundation and The Global Fund, advocating for mental health integration and funding.
- Continued advocacy for mental health in Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment and other global health frameworks.
Elevating Mental Health on the Political Agenda
- Launched “Increase, Improve and Integrate” report at WHO World Bank Financing Dialogue.
- Co-organised Fifth Mental Health Ministerial Summit (Argentina), securing endorsements for integrating mental health into climate policies.
- Launched a global World Mental Health Day campaign to address mental health worker shortages (with Africa CDC, ICN, IFMSA).
Championing Youth Mental Health
- Elevated youth mental health with partners like Being (Fondation Botnar, Grand Challenges Canada, Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen Global).
- Supported youth in developing the Lancet Psychiatry Commission Commentary on Youth Mental Health.
- Launched Youth Mental Health Toolkit on 5 Emerging Issues in Africa (with AU Youth Envoy).
- Published “Empowering Futures” during UNGA 2024, highlighting youth mental health’s role in SDGs.
Building the Field of Mental Health Advocacy
- Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) grew to 5,251 members across 169 countries.
- Hosted Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2024 (1,500 registrations from 135 countries).
- Launched new working groups on LGBTQ+ issues and Stigma/Discrimination.
- Secured mental health pledge in G20 Sustainable Financing document and launched Children in the G20 platform.
Explore our Impact Report for a detailed overview of our accomplishments. Together, we’re breaking barriers, dismantling stigma, and ensuring everyone has access to the support they need.