When planning and implementing an integrated mental health program, it is important to communicate with national actors and other international agencies from the start, to make sure the program fits within the larger context and is well understood by different stakeholders. Coordination and networking are necessary to obtain relevant input from different stakeholders and keep them informed about the program. Advocacy activities can help promote the human rights of persons with mental disorders and reduce stigma and discrimination. Such activities also support equitable access to quality mental health services while ensuring that mental health is on the national agenda of governments and humanitarian actors including donors. Advocacy can ultimately lead to improvements in policy, resource allocation, legislation and service development.

Coordination, networking and advocacy efforts are conducted with key stakeholders (e.g. local and international NGOs, national and local government, UN agencies, civil society organizations, program managers, mental health professionals, and PHC staff). This can include:

• Regular coordination, discussions and collaboration with MoH and district level government agencies, and peripheral health facilities and with other relevant stakeholders at the community level.
• Facility level and community-based awareness activities that tackle issues of stigma and provide information about mental health and accessing services.
• Advocacy for allocating needed resources and efforts for integration of mental health within general health care.
• Support to mental health service user and carer groups in leading advocacy efforts at various levels, including government, facility and community levels.

• Do use locals with communications and media expertise in national advocacy efforts.
• Do involve mental health service users to help promote their rights and receive valuable input to guide programs and activities.
• Do support participation of various vulnerable groups identified in the community.
• Do develop, adapt and disseminate targeted key messages for building awareness on mental health and mental health services within communities.
• Do identify opportunities to advocate for staff & self-care, ethical considerations, and human rights.
• Do take ethical and protection considerations into account when involving mental health service users and their families or specific groups in the community that may be vulnerable.

• Do not conduct any MHPSS assessments, trainings or service provision without coordinating with local leadership, and other relevant sectors and agencies.
• Do not plan or carry out MH advocacy activities and events without involving key stakeholders, including MH service users and their families.