A worldwide awareness campaign for consumer groups, mental health workers and NGO's took place in 2010. This campaign was regarding the vital information contained in the World Health Organization (WHO) report, "Mental Health and Development: Targeting people with Mental Health Conditions as a Vulnerable group". This landmark report was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on September 16, 2010. At this time, we established a Mental Health Worldwide group and members were from Chile, Nepal, Brazil, India, Zambia, South Africa, Ghana, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Australia, Ireland and Canada. We are continually adding new members. Our campaign included local and international press releases. Some groups delivered copies of the WHO report to their relevant ministries of government - not only to the ministry of Health but also Education, Employment and Housing. We are working together so that national groups may have a stronger voice internationally. Mental health continues to be the most under supported and under recognized health issue even though it affects each one of us. Persons with mental health conditions constitue a marginalized group that has largely been ignored especially in developing nations. Feel free to contact me for more information. Please join us!
In 2011 and beyond, I will be further establishing Mental Health Worldwide as an organization. We will continue international mental health awareness and advocacy. Our mandate will include strengthening mental health civil society especially in developing nations. Additional events will include international music videos, films, world run and so on. Please join us so those made invisible by society become visible and equal to all others. Our group supports the latest UN Convention - The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD states that all persons with disabilities have the right to be treated equally in all aspects of life including education, employment and the right to live in the community. These rights are currently not realized by those with mental health conditions especially in developing nations. We welcome you to become part of our international group - Mental Health Worldwide. Check our website at: www.mentalhealthworldwide.com
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In 2009, Linda Lee completed the International Diploma in Mental Health Law and Human Rights Legislation with Distinction. This program took place at the India Law College in Pune, India in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Current International Mental Health Projects include working with the WHO, Mental Health groups and Linda's classmates from around the world.
To further advance her mental health advocacy efforts, Linda is pursuing a PhD in International Disability Law and Policy. Her supervisor was one of the lead delegates in the drafting of the current UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Her research will take place in Zambia working with one of her classmates from the International Diploma program.