NGO Mental Health Perspectives raises wings of change

Aiming to contribute to the development of the civil society and to anchoring of the social justice in Lithuania through initiation of reforms in the fields of the mental health and child’s rights, NGO “Mental health perspective starts the project “Wings of Change”. Project is funded by EEA Grants thought NVO Programme.

Project “Wings of Change” was initiated for several reasons. Foremost among these is the fact that Lithuanian mental health and social security policy is based on an outdated institutional models, and community-based services are not developed, as well as there is no effective human rights monitoring mechanism in place. In addition, the NGOs working in this field do not have sufficient advocacy resources and skills to be able to considerably influence political decisions, which up to date are mainly directed to the maintenance of the existing system.

The project will seek substantial systemic changes, as well it will aim to initiate public discourse and political decision-making process in representation of people with mental disorders and their family members. An important task – to strengthen the capacities of the newly created Mental Health and Human Rights Initiative Groups and other NGOs working in the field of mental health and human rights.

It is expected that Mental Health Strategy Action Plan prepared during the project implementation will be reflected in Lithuanian legislation; deinstitutionalisation process monitoring and submitted proposals will result in decisions which are transparent, open and compatible with the needs and the rights of the target groups; as well as persons with mental disabilities right to fair trial will be ensured at all levels.