GAMIAN-Europe’s 2025 General Assembly took place on Saturday, 17 May in Brussels, an annual gathering that offered much more than a statutory meeting. It was a moment of connection, reflection, and renewal, bringing together members from across Europe in a shared purpose. Each year, the Assembly serves as a space where experiences and ideas are exchanged, and collective commitment to mental health advocacy is reaffirmed.
The day began with a warm welcome from President Péter Kéri to all participants. After approving the minutes of the 2024 General Assembly in Athens, a new member organisation was welcomed, presented by Vice President Helen Bennett, an important step in strengthening GAMIAN-Europe’s collective voice and expanding its reach.
One of the key highlights was the presentation of the 2024 Annual Report by Executive Director Nigel Olisa. This was followed by a comprehensive financial overview led by Treasurer Jacinta Hastings, including the presentation of the 2024 Financial Report, advice from the Control Commission and Auditor, and the approval of the 2025 Budget. These approvals ensure that GAMIAN-Europe moves into the next year with transparency and accountability.
Looking to the future: an overview of GAMIAN-Europe’s planned activities gave members insight into 2025 priorities, with updates from Karl Lavò, Cecilia Angulo and Elysie Nguyen on 10 2025 project works. EU Projects Manager Erik Van der Eycken highlighted EU research projects’ 2024 milestones, with the progress of GAMIAN-Europe in these projects since 2014, and presented upcoming objectives for 2025. Reflections on the continued work with the European Parliament Intergroup on Mental Health were presented by Karl Lavò, with promising progression in 2025 after the work programme is finalised. These plans are designed to ensure that lived experience remains central in European mental health policy and research.
After the lunch break, the Assembly resumed with a session led by President Péter Kéri on GAMIAN-Europe’s role in international partnerships and how members are represented at the EU level. This was followed by the Members’ Platform, an open space for participants to share their organisation’s work, raise issues, and connect with others, including ADHD Europe – Chantel Fouche, ODOS – Open Doors Open Hearts – Matej Hrabovsky, Anoiksis International – Aadt Klijn, ENCONTRAR+SE – Joana Morais e Castro.
Later in the afternoon, the call for applications to host the 2026 Convention was launched, inviting members to help shape the future of GAMIAN-Europe’s community, as well as to hear members’ priorities, concerns and upcoming projects.
The Assembly closed with reflections and thanks from the President, before continuing into the evening with a shared dinner at Cardo Brussels, an opportunity to celebrate achievements and expand members’ network.
Beyond its formal purpose, the Assembly is a vital opportunity to connect with members face-to-face, to share updates on work with full transparency, to provide space for networking and collaboration between organisations, and to hear directly from members about their priorities, ideas, and concerns. These moments of exchange strengthen the shared mission and ensure that GAMIAN-Europe’s advocacy is grounded in the lived realities of those affected by mental health conditions. GAMIAN-Europe is grateful to all who participated and look forward to continuing this important work together.
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