The MEP Alliance for Mental Health (established in 2009 as the European Parliament Interest Group on Mental Health, Wellbeing and Brain Disorders) aims to bring together MEPs and relevant stakeholders advocate the development of sound EU policies which contribute to the prevention of mental ill health and ensure appropriate and high quality services and person-centred care, empowering those affected. The Group meets 2-3 times a year; these meetings provide an opportunity to underline the need for EU-level activities to take the field of mental health into account in a variety of areas and plan advocacy activities. The secretariat for this Group is being provided by GAMIAN-Europe. 

A first meeting to establish the Alliance will take place on Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 October (close to World Mental Health Day) and will have the format of a hearing where all those present can come forward with their issues and priorities. This will help put together an agenda for the short, mid and longer term and provide an opportunity to MEPs to become familiar with the main actors in this area.