Brain Awareness Week 2026

Introduction

For Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2026, GAMIAN-Europe continues its commitment to amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of mental and brain health conditions. Building on previous advocacy efforts, this year’s initiative focuses on Brain & Mind Journeys, an interactive storytelling project designed to highlight personal experiences and perspectives from across Europe. By sharing these journeys, we aim to foster greater understanding of mental and brain health, challenge stigma, and emphasise the value of lived experience in shaping more inclusive systems of care and support.

Through visually engaging and accessible storytelling, Brain & Mind Journeys brings together diverse voices to illustrate the realities, challenges, and resilience of individuals navigating mental health conditions. By placing lived experience at the centre of the conversation, the project encourages policymakers, researchers, and the wider public to recognise patients as key partners in advancing mental and brain health.

Beyond Brain Awareness Week, these stories will continue to serve as a resource for awareness, advocacy, and dialogue throughout the year. By making these experiences visible and relatable, the initiative aims to inspire greater empathy, strengthen patient involvement, and contribute to a more inclusive and responsive approach to mental and brain health across Europe.