Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks

GAMIAN-Europe, a patient-driven pan-European organisation, seeks to represent the interests and inclusion of persons affected by mental illness and to advocate for their rights.

GAMIAN-Europe was established in 1998 as a representative coalition of patient organisations. Putting the patient at the centre of all issues of the EU healthcare debate, the organisation aims to bring together and support the development and policy influencing capacity of local, regional and national organisations active in the field of mental health.

GAMIAN Europe addresses the following topics:

Advocacy

Ø Act as the voice for patients, both at EU as well as at national level, and demonstrate that this voice is useful as well as indispensable

Ø Ensure that patients are at the centre of all aspects of healthcare provision

Ø Work to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of treatment for all mental health problems

Information and education

Ø Improve the provision, reliability and quality of information on mental health problems for patients as well as the general public

Ø Assist in improving the training, education and understanding of mental illness of health and other professionals

Stigma and discrimination

Ø Increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of mental health problems

Ø Help reduce stigma, prejudice, and ignorance in relation to mental health problems and fight discrimination

Patients rights

Ø Focus on the development and enforcement of rights for persons affected by mental health problems, e.g. access to appropriate treatment

Cooperation, partnerships and capacity building

Ø Enable patient groups to collaborate with health professionals, policy makers, academics, and industry

None declared

None declared

None declared

Mrs Christine Marking (Policy advisor)

III - Non-governmental organisations

Non-governmental organisations, platforms and networks and similar