CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world.

CBM addresses poverty as a cause and a consequence of disability and works in local partnerships to create an inclusive society for all. 

Summary of relevant work: 

Good mental health is essential for the well-being and functioning of individuals, families, communities and societies.

Psychosocial disabilities are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite this, they are widely neglected as a development priority, and in low income settings around 80% of people with mental conditions are not able to access the care they need. To compound this, stigma and discrimination is a common experience of many people with psychosocial disability who often have limited access to services and may be excluded from full participation in community life. 

Adults and children who suffer from the stigma of psychosocial disabilities are more likely to experience violation of their human rights. Strengthening their voice and providing access to community mental health services have the potential to support their participation in the life of the community and realise their potential.

Focus on community-based work, supported by national and global frameworks


CBM, in partnership with community mental health advisers and partners in the field, has established a large range of programmes, ranging from promoting realisation of human rights though self-help groups, to health system strengthening and psychosocial support in emergencies.  These programmes are based in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

In particular, CBM promotes the inclusion of mental health work in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) and through Community Based Inclusive Development.  Our wide network of work at a community level consists of a combination of the following:

Health services - a combination of appropriate medical treatment and psychotherapy is often an effective way to treat psychosocial disabilities. We work to make quality services accessible as near to people’s homes as possible.
Peer and family support - because feeling connected to people during one’s daily life enhances everyone’s ability to manage stress and everyday problems. Supportive networks of self-help groups are an effective means of helping people towards finding their own recovery.
Advocacy and empowerment - In all our programmes, self-help groups are encouraged, and in many cases they have become organised at regional or national level to form service user organisations, who are able to effectively advocate for their own needs.
Education and livelihood development - The onset of psychosocial disabilities is often associated with the loss of a stable income, and helping people get into work or school helps to strengthen their position within the community.

At a national level, CBM promotes access to care by working with Governments to strengthening mental health systems and integrate mental health into general health care.

In addition, CBM is strongly engaged in the global mental health movement, working with international and local partners and other NGOs, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in global development. We work closely with research institutions to improve the evidence base for effective interventions for change, and have a close partnership with WHO to develop world-class materials to support programme development, for example mhGAP and QualityRights. CBM was also actively engaged in the campaign to ensure mental health was recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals, which was successful in highlighting how vital mental health is to global development.  

Address: 

International Office

Stubenwald-Allee 5

64625 Bensheim, 

Germany 

Telephone: 
+49 6251 131-131

People

Innovations and resources

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Emergency psychosocial response following the earthquake in Nepal 2015

Response to mental health and psychosocial support needs by providing access to comprehensive care, and promoting resilience through self-help groups.
Region: 
Asia
Population: 
Humanitarian and conflict health
Disorder: 
All disorders
745 reads
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Mental Health and Wellbeing on Campus

Improving the provision of mental health support services in two Kenyan universities.
Region: 
Africa
Population: 
Children and adolescents
Adults
Disability
Disorder: 
Depression/anxiety/stress-related disorders
Alcohol/drug use disorders
Self-harm/suicide
4765 reads
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Establishing mental health and psychosocial support services during the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Sierra Leone

A nurse-led approach within a non-specialist setting was a successful model for delivering mental health and psychosocial support services during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
Region: 
Africa
Population: 
Maternal and neonatal health
Children and adolescents
Adults
Older adults
Families and carers
Humanitarian and conflict health
Non-communicable diseases (e.g. cancer, diabetes, stroke)
Disorder: 
All disorders
1831 reads
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Rehabilitation Intervention for people with Schizophrenia in Ethiopia (RISE)

Community based rehabilitation (CBR), which involves working with individuals, families, and communities.
Region: 
Africa
Population: 
Adults
Families and carers
Disability
Disorder: 
Psychosis/bipolar disorder
2955 reads
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Facilitating Mental Health Awareness and Community Engagement in Sierra Leone

Community Mental Health Forums to increase engagement and raise mental health awareness.
Region: 
Africa
Population: 
Children and adolescents
Adults
Older adults
Families and carers
Minority populations
Disability
Disorder: 
All disorders
2735 reads
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Comprehensive Community Mental Health Programme

Outpatient services available though primary care and community facilities in local government areas throughout Benue State
Region: 
Africa
Disorder: 
All disorders
6377 reads
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Facilitating MHPSS in the Ebola Virus Disease Crisis

A 3-part model strengthening governmental systems to provide decentralized MHPSS in the EVD outbreak
Region: 
Africa
Population: 
Children and adolescents
Adults
Families and carers
Minority populations
Disability
Disorder: 
All disorders
1457 reads
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Mental Health Coalition – Sierra Leone

The founding and development of the first mental health coalition in Sierra Leone
Region: 
Africa
Disorder: 
All disorders
5269 reads
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Self-Help Groups for Mental Health

A network of self-help groups running in the Upper East Region of northern Ghana
Region: 
Africa
2465 reads
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Mental Health Scale Up Nigeria (mhSUN)

Use of existing mental health centres of excellence to support decentralised (district and primary care) services
Region: 
Africa
Disorder: 
All disorders
2349 reads
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Integrating Mental Healthcare into General Healthcare in Aceh

Achieving sustainable community mental health services in a poor resource setting.
Region: 
Asia
Population: 
Humanitarian and conflict health
Disorder: 
All disorders
841 reads
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Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (mhLAP)

Engagement and empowerment of a broad group of stakeholders to contribute to mental health system strengthening
1568 reads