GFCMH organized a workshop in Bangalore “The role of consumers in mental health care” within the context of the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation 10th World Congress. In the workshop experiences of consumers groups in a sample of lower-middle-income countries (Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, India ) have been presented and discussed. The role of consumers in relation to countries’ mental health care system has been highlighted. Suggestions has been given on how consumers can contribute to
delivery on mental health care. Problems of consumers movement in low income countries has been compared with experiences of consumers organizations and consumer-run services in Western countries. Representatives of Indian consumers organization attended.
For further information please check the web site.
http://www.wapr2009.org/

Final Report

Presentations of the following invited speakers:
1 Susan Keter, President of the Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (USP), Kenya.
abstract   The role of consumers in mental health care with a special emphasis on Kenya (Susan Keter)
2 Eliezer Mdakilwa, President  of Tanzania Users / Survivors of Psychiatry Organization (TUSPO), Tanzania.mdakilwa-bangalore-paper.doc
3 René Van Der Male, WAPR, consumer representative, Netherlands.
abstract Van der Male
4 Anil Vartak, Schizophrenia Awareness Association (SAA), Secretary, Pune, India.
abstract Tapping vast potential of lay volunteers in mental health (Anil Vartak)
5 Gautam Rupak, KOSHISH Mental Health Self Help Organization, Nepal
National Mental Health care situation in Nepal (Rupak Gautam)