News and views
The latest from across our network
We are a free to access membership organisation established to connect people and resources to promote better mental health awareness and provision.
Are you ready to become a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network?
#MHForAll Webinar - Perspectives on Decolonising Global Mental Health
In a recent #MHForAll webinar, diverse experts and a big international audience from 99 countries gathered to delve into the nuanced and complex topic of decolonising global mental health. Throughout the discussion, each panellist offered invaluable insights, illuminating various dimensions of this critical issue.
Advocacy Briefs: Climate Change, Environment, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Impacts and Practical Solutions
The Environment Working Group has produced two advocacy briefs providing a comprehensive overview of the current and projected impacts of climate change on mental health. The documents outline practical measures that governments should undertake to address mental health challenges both presently and in the future. The advocacy briefs are available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Reflections from the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) communications working group session on communications in response to mental health needs in Ukraine.
We had the privilege of organising a webinar focused on a crucial topic, “Integrating Effective Communication in Responding to the Mental Health Needs of War-Impacted Populations in Ukraine." This event was part of the monthly knowledge and information sharing sessions organised by the Action Network Communications working group.
Unlock the Global Advocacy Roadmap 2024-25
The advocacy roadmap outlines the global mental health sector's opportunities and challenges and sets out success factors for 2025. Within this resource, you will also find key dates and events, and information on the roles that key stakeholders will play at these global moments.
Reflections from the WHO’s 154th Executive Board session
If there’s one key takeaway message for us in the global mental health space from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 154th Executive Board (EB) session, it is that mental health remains strong and central in the global health agenda but more action is needed to deliver better mental health for all.
#MHForAll Webinar: Mental Health Education for Future Doctors and Nurses
The MHForAll webinar series kicked off the year with a dynamic discussion on the integration of mental health training into medical and nursing education. Panellists addressed the inefficiencies in mental health services globally, emphasising the shortage of clinicians to meet the rising demand.
MENTAL HEALTH AND UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE: From commitments to action
This report covers basic concepts, such as universal health coverage, and emphasises how vital it is to incorporate mental health into the UHC framework. It explains the pivotal commitments made by governments at the recent UN high-level meeting on UHC in 2023, outlining a roadmap for meaningful action and progress.
#MHForAll Webinar: Digital Mental Health Tools
On Tuesday 28th November, our panel of experts explored the diverse applications of digital mental health tools. The experts discussed the impact, and successes of these interventions, and explored the challenges of implementing new tech-based solutions. Alongside this, our panellists shared how these innovative strategies can bridge service gaps, improve accessibility, and eradicate mental health stigma.
#MHForAll Webinar: World Mental Health Day Reflections and Next Steps
On Tuesday 31st October, a panel of experts met to reflect on World Mental Health Day and discuss what we can do to make mental health a priority all year round.
#MHForAll Webinar: World Mental Health Day Planning
On Tuesday 26th September, a panel of experts met to discuss the work being done around the world to commemorate World Mental Health Day (WMHD). Panellists discussed their new campaigns and initiatives and outlined how organisations and individuals can get involved both nationally and globally.
Navigating the Complexities of Mental Health and Legal Reforms: A Personal Reflection on Botswana's New Mental Health Bill
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience as Dumi Gatsha, Co-Chair of the Mental Health and UHC Working Group, shares their personal experience with depression, burnout, and an unexpected bipolar diagnosis. Dumi’s candid reflection takes us through the historic context of Botswana's new mental health bill, challenging colonial legacies and addressing evolving discussions around human rights and inclusivity.
#MHForAll Webinar: Creating Hope Through Action on Suicide
In our August #MHForAll webinar, a panel of experts explored the challenges as well as the potential solutions for preventing suicide and discussed recent legislative changes that offer hope in reducing stigma and increasing access to life-saving interventions.
New Guidelines: Effective Youth Engagement Practices
The Global Mental Health Action Network has launched a set of guiding principles for people who work with, or engage with young people living with mental health conditions.
Youth leadership in the global mental health sector: Insights from the #MHForAll Webinar
In this webinar, our expert panellists explored the leadership strategies employed by youth-led organisations in Nigeria, Vietnam, the Caribbean, and Indonesia.
They discussed the intersectionality of mental health and the importance of amplifying youth voices in driving mental health change globally.
Young Workers’ Mental Health Matters
Written by Margianta Surahman Juhanda Dinata, Founder & Executive Director, Emancipate Indonesia on the impact being underpaid and overworked has on youth workers.
GMHAN Annual Meeting: Mental Health Advocates Gather in Cape Town
The Global Mental Health Action Network Annual Meeting 2023, bringing together delegates around the world to advance progress on mental health
Addressing the Impact of Environmental Change on Mental Health: Insights from the #MHForAll Webinar
This #MHForAll webinar shed light on the profound impact of environmental change on mental health.
With our panel of experts discussing the implications, region-specific challenges, assessment tools, and actionable priorities, the conversation aimed to create awareness and explore ways to address this pressing issue.
Responses to questions about WHOs Special Initiative for Mental Health
How have countries for WHOs Special Initiative for Mental Health been chosen?
There is no formula to selecting countries under the WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health. One non-negotiable requirement is a commitment from a country’s Ministry of Health to work with WHO for at least 5-years, towards transforming mental health systems and systems, to ultimately increase the availability of mental health services across the country (or identified geographical areas).
Transforming National Mental Health Services
On Tuesday 28th March, the Global Mental Health Action Network brought together a panel of experts to explore how national mental health services can be transformed.
The panellists discussed the key achievements and successes of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH) and outlined some of the barriers to systems-level change that limited progress in the Special Initiative (SI) countries.
"I Hope This Helps" - a Global Mental Health Documentary
I hope this helps - a global mental health documentary
We believe this film can be a powerful resource to support the awareness and advocacy work of others. To this end, we are very keen to work with any organisations who share our purpose and can help shape the film, ensuring it supports mental health campaigners around the world.