On May 4th – 2016, GAMIAN-Europe organised a meeting of the Interest Group on Mental Health, Well-being and Brain Disorders at the European Parliament. The topic of the meeting was Mental Health and Migrants’ Crisis which was chaired by  MEP Tomas Zdechovsky.

The main objective of the Interest Group meeting is to advocate the development of sound EU policies which contribute to prevention of mental health problems and ensure good services, care and empowerment for those affected by mental health problems.

Mr Zdechovsky MEP enjoyed the occasion to express his concerns about the lack of awareness of and attention for the mental health risks and challenges faced by asylum seekers: being traumatised by the situation they are fleeing from, the threats and horrors faced on their journey to the destination countries and the rejection and lack of inclusion and opportunities (in many cases) when arriving in their destination countries.

Isabel de la Mata (European Commission, DG Santé) also participated in the Interest Group meeting and provided a brief overview of the activities of the European Commission vis-à-vis refugees, while Dr Angelika Kiewel (German Chamber of Psychotherapists) addressed the care needs of mentally ill refugees.          

To read the full report of the Meeting please click here: 

AGENDA

13.00 – 13.15  Welcome and introduction Tomas Zdechovsky MEP

33.15 – 13.30  Mental health and asylum seekers Dr Angelika Kiewel, German Chamber of Psychotherapists

13.30 -13.50 The current situation and state of play regarding migration Isabel De la Mata, European Commission, DG Santé

13.50 – 14.00 The view of patient organisations across the EU Erik Van der Eycken , GAMIAN-Europe

14.00 – 14.15 A Written Declaration on Mental Health and Asylum Seekers Tomas Zdechovsky MEP

14.15 -14.45  Audience debate 

14.45 – 15.00 Conclusions and close Tomas Zdechovsky MEP