The 2012 Mental Health Europe Conference, held June 14th-16th in Split, Croatia, was attended by almost 200 participants. The conference aimed to review the social determinants that reinforce inequalities. It also hoped to determine ways of improving the social environment in schools and workplaces, look at methods of encouraging inclusion within the community, and to consider how to develop strong and supportive networks capable of having a positive impact on mental health. Among the speakers of the day were:
· Laszlo Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, who noted: "The great suffering of people with mental health problems translates both into higher unemployment, and into greater precariousness of jobs".
· Jane Gabriel, Editor of openDemocracy 50.50, who emphasised the need for community-based services for people with a mental health problem, promoting respect for the individual, and upholding human rights.
· Jan Pfeiffer, member of the Council of Europe Centre for the Prevention of Torture, who said: "European money cannot be used anymore to refurbish large residential institutions.” Instead, he said, governments should support representative organisations for people with mental health problems.
· Thor Rogan, Deputy Director of Norway's General Ministry of Health and Care Services, who said: "It is extremely important to recognise that user experience is as valuable as professional knowledge."
The conference was hosted by Croatian mental health group Sto Koluri [Croatian Association for Psychosocial Wellbeing].
· Laszlo Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, who noted: "The great suffering of people with mental health problems translates both into higher unemployment, and into greater precariousness of jobs".
· Jane Gabriel, Editor of openDemocracy 50.50, who emphasised the need for community-based services for people with a mental health problem, promoting respect for the individual, and upholding human rights.
· Jan Pfeiffer, member of the Council of Europe Centre for the Prevention of Torture, who said: "European money cannot be used anymore to refurbish large residential institutions.” Instead, he said, governments should support representative organisations for people with mental health problems.
· Thor Rogan, Deputy Director of Norway's General Ministry of Health and Care Services, who said: "It is extremely important to recognise that user experience is as valuable as professional knowledge."
The conference was hosted by Croatian mental health group Sto Koluri [Croatian Association for Psychosocial Wellbeing].
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