What We Do

Collaborating centers

World Federation for Mental Health Collaborating Centres are institutions such as universities, hospitals, research institutes or nongovernmental organisations recognised as having expertise that contributes to one or more of the Federation's goals. Recognition as a WFMH collaborating centre takes the form of a memorandum of understanding that specifies the area of focus and nature of the relationship between the Federation and Centre.

The goals of WFMH Collaborating Centres are:

  • Promote scientific collaboration between scientists, policy makers, and mental health administrators.
  • Provide relevant scientific information to strengthen WFMH's advocacy and education mission.
  • Collaborate with WFMH to achieve the integration of public mental health at international, national and community level, in public health schools and other health-related research and training institutions.
  • Collaboration between the centres and under the auspices of WFMH, establishing priorities for research and training programs that contribute directly to the prevention, treatment and promotion of mental health throughout the world.
  • Disseminate information on World Mental Health Day campaign topics; assist with scientific information and research for WMHDAY documents.
  • In conjunction with the WFMH Board, analyze the areas of scientific need for which new collaborating centres may be needed, establish scientific standards for the designations of the centres, as well as recommend and evaluate possible scientific candidates.

World Federation of Mental Health

The Federation values the opportunity to work collaboratively with other organisations that share similar goals. Collaborating centres provide advice on the development of themes for the Federation's major annual education campaign, World Mental Health Day, as well as participate in symposia or programme tracks at various Federation conferences, including biennial World Congresses. On occasion they collaborate in WFMH regional activities and special projects undertaken by the Federation. The Federation has formal consultative status with the World Health Organisation and a number of other United Nations agencies. This provides an opportunity for collaborating centres, via the Federation, to interact with these with these global intergovernmental organisations.


WFMH Collaborating Centre Application

Applicants will be notified of the decision in a timely manner. Status is ordinarily approved for four years and considered for renewal upon request by the Centre.


Obligations of Collaborating Centres

Collaborating Centres send a brief report to the Collaborating Center Chairperson annually describing current and planned activities of interest to the Federation. The Chair of Collaborating Centres, WFMH Secretariat and Regional Vice Presidents contact Centres from time to time with requests to provide advice for World Mental Health Day themes or other projects, or to invite participation in conferences or other activities.

Please submit the completed application and any supporting documents or reports describing the work of the organisation applying for status as a WFMH Collaborating Centre to info@wfmh.global.