advocacy groups, and partner institutions across 19 countries. Members reflected on the organisation’s progress, discussed future priorities, and strengthened collaboration across the network.
Reflecting on Progress and Looking Ahead
The meeting provided an opportunity to review GAMIAN-Europe’s achievements over the past year and to discuss strategic priorities for 2026–2028. Members received updates on the organisation’s advocacy work, including activities
linked to the European Parliament Intergroup on Mental Health, as well as ongoing EU-funded projects and wider initiatives aimed at improving mental health policy and patient involvement across Europe. During the meeting, GAMIAN-Europe also introduced its renewed Board, ensuring continuity in leadership and a strong foundation for the organisation’s future work. The new Board will continue to guide GAMIAN-Europe’s efforts to amplify the voice of people affected by mental illness and to promote meaningful patient involvement at both European and national levels.
Capacity Building with the European Medicines Agency
Following the meeting, members took part in a dedicated capacity-building programme led by Maria Mavris from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The first part focused on EMA’s public and stakeholder engagement activities. It explored how patient organisations can contribute to medicines development and regulatory processes.
The second part, the Member’s Platform, allowed organisations to showcase innovative community-based initiatives. They also shared practical insights from their work. ODOS, ADEB, ENCONTRAR+SE, Kolumbus, and Awakenings Foundation delivered presentations.
Participants then took part in an interactive exercise and breakout group discussions. They explored how to adapt promising initiatives to local contexts.
The discussions focused on involving people with lived experience in design, delivery, and evaluation.
The programme concluded with plenary feedback. Members shared key outcomes and discussed practical ways to strengthen patient involvement.
Pedro Montellano Good Practice Award 2026
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Pedro Montellano Good Practice Award 2026. The award recognises outstanding patient-driven initiatives. These initiatives represent the interests of people affected by mental illness. This year’s award was presented to Federación Salud Mental Castilla y León for the project “Julia: Rural Women & Mental Health.”
The project addresses mental health challenges faced by women in rural communities. It was recognised for its innovative and patient-centred approach. It also demonstrated the importance of tailored, community-based solutions.
Member Organisations Represented
The AGM welcomed representatives from a wide range of GAMIAN-Europe member organisations and partner organisations from across Europe. Participating organisations included ADHD Europe, ADHD Hellas, ADEB, Anoiksis International, Association Integration, Awakenings Foundation, Bodywhys, EMHA, ENCONTRAR+SE, Ébredések Alapítvány, Federación Salud Mental Castilla y León, Finnish Central Association for Mental Health, Finnish Clubhouse Coalition, Kukunori, Kolumbus, Lifeline (Udruga Životna linija), Mieli Maasta, ODOS, Plusminus, Rethink Mental Illness, Richmond Foundation, Suomen Klubitalot ry, Taiteen Sulattamo ry, and Udruga Svitanje Zagreb. These organisations reflected the diversity and strength of GAMIAN-Europe’s network and its shared commitment to improving mental health care, promoting patient involvement, and advancing mental health advocacy throughout Europe.
Strengthening the Voice of Patients in Mental Health
The AGM once again demonstrated the strength of GAMIAN-Europe’s network and its members’ shared commitment to improving mental health care and policy across Europe. Through governance discussions, recognition of inspiring initiatives, and practical capacity building, the meeting reinforced the organisation’s mission to ensure that the voices of people affected by mental illness remain at the centre of decision-making. GAMIAN-Europe extends its sincere thanks to all members, speakers and partners who contributed to a successful and inspiring meeting in Prague.
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