Vulnerable Groups

MHE has set up two committees focusing on the mental health and well-being of vulnerable groups, minority ethnic minorities and women. The Committees carry out in depth research and analysis in these specific areas and respond to policy initiatives. 

The MHE Committee on Mental Health and Minority Ethnic Communities

The MHE Committee on Mental Health and Minority Ethnic Communities was established in 2007. It aims to raise awareness at the European level of the core themes permeating the issue of mental health and well-being of minority ethnic communities in Europe and advocate for culturally sensitive approaches and empowerment strategies as a desirable alternative or supplement to therapeutic treatment.

The Committee is composed of members from at least four European countries and representatives of member organisations and individual members having proven expertise in the area of mental health and minority ethnic communities. The Committee also includes at least one member of the MHE Board.

Members of the Committee meet once a year, generally on the occasion of the MHE General Assembly and/or Annual Conference. This yearly meeting represents an opportunity to assess the Committee's achievements, debate on current relevant topics, as well as decide on new activities and actions to undertake.

Chair: Marianne Kastrup, Centre of Transcultural Psychiatry, Denmark

Coordinator: MHE Secretariat

For more information on the Committee on Mental Health and Minority Ethnic Communities: click here  

The MHE Committee on Mental Health and Women 

The MHE Committee on Women and Mental Health was established in 1992.

The Committee aims to strengthen the voice of women with mental health problems throughout Europe and recognise the diversity of women's experiences within the context of their own countries.

The Committee wishes to emphasise the need for European Action for Mental Health and a new Road Map which will establish mental health and well being as the key concept in delivering gender equality, public health programmes, human rights and equality-based societies.

The Committee is composed of members from at least four European countries and representatives of member organisations and individual members having proven expertise in the area of mental health and women. The Committee also includes at least one member of the MHE Board.

Members of the Committee meet once a year, generally on the occasion of the MHE General Assembly and/or Annual Conference. This yearly meeting represents an opportunity to assess the Committee's achievements, debate on current relevant topics, as well as decide on new activities and actions to undertake. 

Chair: Colette Versporten, MHE Board member

Coordinator: Josée Van Remoortel, MHE Senior Policy Officer

For more information on the Committee on Mental Health and Women: click here