Chapter 10 - Grassroots movements in mental health

Summary

Despite the often uphill human rights battle that lies before individuals with mental illness, pioneering individuals and groups have been inspired to act, organizing grassroots movements of affected individuals in a wide variety of contexts. The mental health movement in Ghana has grown dramatically from its inception at the grassroots level. The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) is made up of representatives from the district associations and some community groups. The main aim of Pan African Network of People with Psychosocial Disabilities (PANUSP) was to work with groups across Africa to establish more organized branches in different countries. Grassroots movements are most powerful when led by the vulnerable groups directly affected by the injustices these movements seek to change. Grassroots movements in mental health are fueled by the tireless efforts of passionate individuals who often have overcome great personal injustices to advocate for change for themselves and others.