::Welcome to the website of SA Federation for Mental Health ::

National Consumer Forum

About the South African Mental Health Advocacy Movement (SAMHAM) was launched on October 2009, to focus on the needs and rights of persons with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities in South Africa.

Mental Health Advocacy is a rapid growing sector nationally and internationally, where persons with mental disabilities often with past experiences of injustices committed against them, formed advocacy groups with specific principles and with specific emphasis on rights and equal opportunities, and breaking down barriers that prevent persons with mental disabilities from achieving this. Stigma and discrimination remains to be one of the challenges that face persons with mental disabilities and the movement will be working towards the elimination of stigma and discrimination.

History: the process of establishing the SA Mental Health Advocacy Movement started in 2007 and some progress has been made because there are currently different forums functioning at different levels. Gauteng province launched its forum in June 2009. The ideal situation is all the provinces having their forums and the representative of these forums become the SAMHAM.

Aims of the SAMHAM:

Lobbying for adequate services and equal opportunities;
Influencing legislation and policies affecting persons with mental disabilities;
Ensure participation and inclusion with regard to discussions and decisions conducted at all levels, Government and the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities.

THE ROLE OF SAMHAM:

An important function is to fight stigma and discrimination head on and to empower persons with mental disabilities to advocate for themselves.

A platform to speak in one voice in raising issues that affect them as consumers and these issues will be brought to the Board of Management of SA Federation for Mental Health by the elected Chairperson and committee.
A platform to provide information about their experiences to open others minds to their humanity (advocacy ,fighting stigma)
Through the forum the consumer will have an input to policy making which affect them.
The forum will be representing all mental health care users in South Africa by inviting all members of all Mental Health Care Users and other Mental Health User groups.
Participate in the community actions to improve services.
Be involved in public awareness campaigns.

Executive Committee of SAMHAM:

	Chairperson:	Charlene Sunkel
	Deputy \chairperson:	Ronald Shaw
	Secretary:	Gwendoline Daniels
	Deputy Secretary:	Ashani Barjar
	Treasurer:	Garth Moss
	Additional Members:	Andre Roux Alpheus Mlambo Eliza Fourie Given Mamitwa Marj Farr Jaco
	SAFMH Facilitator:	Ivy Masilela