VEEP unites communities working to end mental health inequalities and poverty for all

Over twenty organisations participated in a two-day residential as part of the VEEP project (Voice, Equality, Experience and Power) in partnership between the Community Development and Health Network, Community Work Ireland’s Community Development and Mental Health Network and the Mental Health Foundation.   

Rachel Doyle of Community Work Ireland said: “VEEP brings together community workers, people involved in mental health, people with lived experience of poor mental health and the mental health services to develop a vision for mental health services in Ireland North and South.” 

She talked about VEEP’s values-based work so far, adding: “We really value its strong community development-focus, based on core values of collectivity, equality, sustainable development, and social inclusion rights and collective action.

“And we share together an understanding and analysis of those values and how they can improve mental health for everybody. 

“There is a crisis in mental health across the island, and VEEP takes a social determinants of health perspective as opposed to looking at mental health from a medical perspective, and we believe that equality, social inclusion and a fair society for all will go a long way towards addressing mental health concerns and that it what we are working for as a collective.” 

During the two days, VEEP network members and invited guests including poet, Adele Leahy and Human Rights in Mental Health advocate, Sabine Dick of Chaque Jour Compte, France. 

They took time out to share knowledge and surface incredible insights; highlighting local solutions and good practice in promoting inclusive participation in public policy and in mental development and delivery. 

Commenting on the resounding success of the initiative , CDHN Director Joanne Vance said: “Over 800 people have engaged in several webinars, online discussions and participatory workshops and exchanges. 

“We are grateful to the 43 organisations who have contributed to the development of a guidance document comprising eight key ingredients to support practitioners in rights-based, community development approaches to tackling poverty, inequities and the crisis in mental health from the ground up. 

“Our thanks to Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Shared Island Civic Fund and St Stephen’s Green Trust for their kind support in funding this collaborative journey.”