GAMIAN-Europe

Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe (GAMIAN-Europe), is a non-profit, patient-driven pan-European organisation, representing and advocating the interests and rights of persons affected by mental ill health. Its principal activities relate to advocacy, information, awareness-raising, education, partnership and capacity building. Overarching themes of our work are destigmatisation and promotion of patients’ rights.

GAMIAN-Europe was established in 1998 as a representative coalition of patient organisations. It was felt that patients could and should play an effective and complementary role in developing positive and proactive policies and other initiatives with an impact on mental health issues and services.

Mental health is a matter of increasing importance to all of us. Everybody knows somebody that has some form of mental health problem. Some of us cope with the ups and downs of life well; others, on the other hand develop a mental illness. This can happen to any
of us: mental health concerns us all.

‘GAMIAN-Europe, a patient-driven pan-European organisation, represents the interests of persons affected by mental illness and advocates for their rights.’

GAMIAN-Europe is our voice to represent and advocate the interests of patients.

…Our voice:

LOUD AND CLEAR!

Who are our supporters?

GAMIAN-Europe’s main and invaluable important resource consists of the personal and voluntary
engagement of its members. Furthermore, we receive unrestricted grants from a number of healthcare
companies, strictly alligned with the EFPIA Code Of Practice On Relationships With Patient Organisations.

Who can join us?

GAMIAN-Europe currently brings together a wide variety of organisations (local, regional and national) from almost all European countries. Any organisation, operating in the field of mental health who shares our objectives can become a member.

There are two types of membership:

  • Full members are those organisations active in the mental health domain and that ensure active participation of patients in their board and within the activities of the organisation,
  • Associate members are those organisations individuals with an interest in mental health.
The main objectives of GAMIAN-Europe are:
  • To improve the provision, reliability and quality of information on mental ill health for patients, relatives and carers

  •  To reduce stigma, prejudice, and misinformation surrounding mental ill health

  •  To promote collaboration within the mental health field, being research, education/training and service provision at national and pan-European levels

  •  To assist in improving the training, education and understanding of health professionals and other personnel responsible for the delivery of mental     health services in Europe,

  •  To improve awareness, knowledge and understanding of the public, policymaker and the media with regard to mental disorders

  • To promote a positive message that mental ill health can be treated effectively (by a variety of means)

  • To assist in the creation, growth and development, where appropriate, of representative patient organisations throughout Europe

GAMIAN-Europe’s activities

In order to reach these aims, GAMIAN-Europe

  • provides information and support to member organisations via educational seminars, conventions, regular newsletters, handbooks on specific mental illnesses,
  • facilitates an open and inclusive pan-European dialogue among patient organisations and other bodies, interested in exchanging information and ideas,
  • shares experience and examples of good practice to strengthen the role and voice of patient organisations and effective input in EU and national policy development,
  • forms active partnerships and cooperation with multiple stakeholders, e.g. the media, organisations (local, regional, national), academia, trade unions, the pharmaceutical industry, political and regulatory bodies with a view to: 
    – securing the best possible treatment for patients with a mental illness and at the earliest possible opportunity
    – supporting the development of health/mental health policies which take account of the views of patients

Our annual work programme can be consulted for more information on our specific projects, position
statements and activities.