Welcome to InterAction
InterAction has a vision of a world in which better mental health policy processes are created in developing countries and those in transition that better involve people with mental health problems and grassroots organisations, with better outcomes for individuals, households and communities.
InterAction celebrates World Mental Health Day with official re- launch
Aimed to coincide with World Mental Health Day on the 10 th of October, InterAction, marks the day with its official re-launch. Established in 2004, following the winding down of the Hamlet Trust, InterAction has concentrated on promoting the involvement of mental health service users in mental health policy-making. Over the past 6 years this has been a difficult and slow process, partly because of the prevailing decline in the social and economic climate in the developed world (and impact on resources available) , and partly because, until more recently, involvement of service users in decisions about their part to play in society has not been viewed as a priority.
Although resources remain a constant issue, gradual progress in user-involvement, fostered by developments such as the Convention on Rights for People with Disabilities (CRPD) has provided the momentum and inspiration to increase our energies and adapt to new challenges.
We will continue to promote self-help initiatives in mental health, support advocacy, help build the capacity of mental health NGOs, and assist in the networking and institutional partnership building necessary to encourage the full participation of people with mental health problems in their communities. This work, which began in 1988, has been sustained by InterAction since 2004 and will continue with the new strategic direction announced earlier this year. We have begun to develop new partnerships with mental health organisations (some of which are featured on this website) and will, over the next 12 months, be approaching potential funders to meet the core costs of some of our programmes. This process will begin on the 10/10/12 with the release of our new leaflet and promotional material which will be circulated to key organisations inviting them to participate and contribute to our growth. Watch this space!
Submitted September 2012
The InterAction Volunteer Network
To help in this work, InterAction is actively seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts, country research and identification of new partners or projects that we could contribute to. Initially we will be recruiting people who live close to the organisational base to facilitate close support and ensure that volunteers gain some real benefits from the investment of their time and energy. In time we hope to be able to expand this base – we are keen to hear from service users who would like to have some input and gain practical experience of working in an NGO.
Submitted September 2012
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide new ways for people with mental health problems and other local stakeholders to participate in decision-making and the policy process. Our efforts are focused on countries in transition from former totalitarian or communist regimes, particularly central & eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the developing countries, including parts of India and Africa, Cuba and Islamic counties of the Middle East.
We want to see
Users of mental health services take increasing responsibility for own lives and their local communities and enjoy the benefits this brings
Mental health organisations (especially NGOs) provide improved mutual support and self-help for members, and to participate fully in local policy environments
Increased involvement in communities of people with mental health problems and their partners and, as a consequence, more effective solutions for mental health dilemmas
Local officials and policy makers meet and develop creative working relationships
Greater democracy, inclusiveness and regard for human rights in the development of mental health policy.
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Useful Links:
European Network of (ex-) Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (ENUSP)
UK Registered Charity no: 1106170