Minister Butler champions lived experience in mental health
Minister Mary Butler hosted a landmark event in Waterford celebrating the vital role of lived experience in shaping mental health policy. This gathering united European partners to advance recovery-focused mental health services during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D., recently hosted "Voices in Recovery: Celebrating Lived Experience" in Dungarvan, County Waterford. The event brought together individuals with lived and living experience of mental health challenges alongside policymakers, researchers, service providers, and European partners to discuss how these experiences can shape future mental health policies and services across Europe.
Taking place under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event emphasised the meaningful integration of lived experience at all levels of mental health services. Opening the gathering, Minister Butler highlighted the invaluable expertise that people with lived experience contribute to policy development, service design, governance, and workforce planning.
A highlight was the launch of the second phase of the World Health Organisation (WHO) "Europe Roadmap for Integrating Lived and Living Experience into Mental Health Policy and Systems," a practical framework developed in partnership with the European Commission and international stakeholders. Attendees including WHO Regional Adviser Dr Ledia Lazeri and HSE Head of Mental Health Engagement Michael Ryan underscored the shift from consultation to genuine partnership, stressing the need to embed lived experience sustainably in decision-making and leadership. The day featured discussions on peer support, co-production, recovery education, and stigma reduction, with Ireland preparing to hand over the EU Presidency to Lithuania, urging continued leadership in this vital area.
Taking place under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event emphasised the meaningful integration of lived experience at all levels of mental health services. Opening the gathering, Minister Butler highlighted the invaluable expertise that people with lived experience contribute to policy development, service design, governance, and workforce planning.
A highlight was the launch of the second phase of the World Health Organisation (WHO) "Europe Roadmap for Integrating Lived and Living Experience into Mental Health Policy and Systems," a practical framework developed in partnership with the European Commission and international stakeholders. Attendees including WHO Regional Adviser Dr Ledia Lazeri and HSE Head of Mental Health Engagement Michael Ryan underscored the shift from consultation to genuine partnership, stressing the need to embed lived experience sustainably in decision-making and leadership. The day featured discussions on peer support, co-production, recovery education, and stigma reduction, with Ireland preparing to hand over the EU Presidency to Lithuania, urging continued leadership in this vital area.
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