Include-The Mental Health Initiative

Include promotes the rights of people who have been socially excluded to live in the community on an equal basis with others. In particular, include fights against institutionalization, enabling people not only to leave institutions but also to exercise their basic human rights: to work, to vote, to make their own decisions - to live the lives the rest of society takes for granted. Include believes that sustainable social inclusion can be achieved when governments and policy makers work in partnership with local and regional organizations. Include will continue to grow and strengthen the fields of intellectual disability and Mental Health globally using three tools4: advocacy, technical assistance and grant making. The communities in which include operates are very distinct. However, the common challenge is to push for solutions where money is in short supply, and where stigma and discrimination are the status quo. Achieving this means that include must: - find partners with a shared vision for systemic change. - build long-term commitment to key partners within countries. - expanding and diversifying include's funders - provide core funding to key partners. - provide financial support for the development of community-based services and social enterprises. - catalyze regional networks for learning and advocacy. - maintain an on-the-ground presence. - advocate toward governments, together with local partners, for the development and implementation of laws, policies and practices that support social inclusion.