For the past ten years, De-Mentes has been
advancing mental health without stigma
across Peru and Latin America.
We have participated in United Nations global advocacy processes and contributed to the landmark Political Declaration on the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health. Our contributions emphasized the importance of advancing deinstitutionalization, securing adequate financing, and prioritizing child and youth mental health.
Raising our voice at the United Nations
We have participated in United Nations global advocacy processes and contributed to the landmark Political Declaration on the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health. Our contributions emphasized the importance of advancing deinstitutionalization, securing adequate financing, and prioritizing child and youth mental health.
Priority COVID-19 Vaccination for people with lived mental health experiences
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we led a successful national advocacy campaign that contributed to more than 60,000 people with mental health conditions gaining priority access to vaccination in Peru.
Regional cooperation to strengthen youth mental health
We have worked alongside the governments of Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico to implement community-based mental health interventions for adolescents in vulnerable situations. In partnership with Peru’s Ministries of Education, Woman and Vulnerable Populations, we have reached more than 500 volunteers, adolescents, families, and youth center professionals across Peru.
Sustained Collaboration with the Ministry of Health
We have collaborated with Peru’s Ministry of Health on multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening employment opportunities for people with mental health conditions. We have also provided technical assistance on programs related to care, promotion, prevention, and social inclusion.
Building #StigmaFree Schools
We have implemented initiatives in schools to reduce stigma and promote mental health, helping hundreds of adolescents become more willing to talk openly about mental health, support their peers, and seek help when needed. We also strengthened teachers’ knowledge and skills for mental health promotion.
Nationwide impact across Peru
Our work has reached communities across Peru’s coast, highlands, and Amazon regions. To date, we have implemented initiatives in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Ica, Amazonas, Cajamarca, Piura, Madre de Dios, Tacna, Ayacucho, and Ancash.
Disaster response
In emergency and disaster contexts, including El Niño-related events, we have worked across public, private, and civil society sectors to strengthen community mental health support and local response capacities through the training of volunteers and community leaders.
Promoting Stigma-Free Workplaces
We have worked alongside dozens of organizations in creating and strengthening safe, stigma-free workplaces through awareness-raising, capacity-building, and technical assistance processes designed to transform organizational cultures.
