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www.aves-mh.org
aves Mental Health
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  • Who we are

     is an international organisation that builds capacity among people with lived experience of a mental health condition through empowerment, peer-to-peer mentorship and peer support.

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We follow WHO Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans' definition of People with Lived Experience, where:
​“Lived experience” refers to people who have gone through mental health conditions in a deep, sustained, and often painful way — not just the common stresses or challenges that everyone faces at times. It includes those who have used mental health services, as well as those who haven’t been able to access them - whether by choice, due to barriers, or because services simply weren’t available. 

Our Brand

We’ve been on a powerful journey of reflection and evolution, and we’re excited to share that are now officially activated our new name and branding.
With generous support from Ember Mental Health, we embarked on a thoughtful (and surprisingly fun!) process of reimagining who we are and how we show up in the world.


We underwent a complete transformation and changed our name from Global Mental Health Peer Network to aves Mental Health.

We wanted something that:

  • Reflects our values and principles
  • Aligns with our vision for the future
  • Sparks emotion and curiosity
  • Honours our history and growth
  • Celebrates our community of care and support



People With Lived Experience = Ecosystem Partners


Just like birds play a vital role in the ecosystem, people with lived experience are essential partners in transforming mental health systems. We bring real-world insight, compassion, empathy and innovation - key ingredients for progress and prosperity in mental health.

 is led by us, for us.

A Symbol, A Story, A Movement


 is more than a name, it’s a symbol of resilience, a story of community, and a movement for change. People with lived experience are soaring toward a future shaped by inclusion, equality, and hope.


This is our time to take flight—together.

Why we have chosen the name   


Aves - Latin for "birds"—because it beautifully captures the spirit of who we are.


With over 11,000 bird species worldwide, birds are a vital part of our global ecosystem - just like people with lived experience are essential to reshaping global mental health.


A flock of birds isn’t just beautiful - it’s powerful.

Flying in formation allows birds to move with greater energy-efficiency, offering support and protection along the way. Just like a flock, is a collective of lived experience voices - lifting each other up, flying further, together.


Birds have symbolized freedom, new beginnings, resilience, and hope across cultures for centuries. At , we embody these same values - rising from our experiences to build something meaningful for others.

We are not just survivors - we are changemakers.

At , the symbolism runs deeper than our name. Just like the sound of birds, we aim to bring calm, clarity, and comfort to people navigating mental health difficulties.

At , we are a community of people with lived experience, supporting, protecting, and standing together. Like a flock, our strength lies in unity. Together, our voices shape better services, policies, and support systems. When we fly together, we rise higher.

To us, freedom means more than movement, it means inclusion, autonomy, and the right to be heard. It’s about reclaiming our power through decision-making, storytelling, and resilience.   is about new beginnings, and creating space for all voices to take flight.

We care deeply about the environment because it cares for us. Our time in nature has a profound impact on our health, mental well-being, and sense of recovery. 

At , we honour the connection between nature and healing, because healing happens in harmony with the world around us.

Our Theory of Change

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We identify and recruit experts by experience living with mental health conditions as members who are representatives of their countries
We provide a virtual communication and empowerment platform

We have established a network of experts by experience at the global, regional and national levels

Mentorship and Empowerment: Peer-to-peer support, mentorship & skills building for members 
      • Members receive individual peer-to-peer support for navigating the complexities of mental health & general life challenges
      • Members participate in workshops and educational initiatives to build knowledge and skills for professional development 
      • Members receive individualised and peer-to-peer mentorship for growth and leadership in mental health advocacy 
Experts By Experience Consultancy Services: Consultancy services provided by people with lived experience with lived experience
Long-term Outcomes:
      • Members deliver paid consultancy services to meet the information, training, and engagement needs of clients 
      • Develop well- defined and costed consultancy service packages based on client needs and member expertise
Members reshape policies and practices around mental health to promote the inclusion and representation of experts by experience across sectors
Members are empowered and equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to emerge as leaders in mental health advocacy on a global scale

We aim to empower experts by experience living with mental health conditions to emerge as influential agents of change who contribute significantly to reshaping global mental health narratives and transform policies and practices worldwide.

Our Global Representation and Profile

2025 Statistics by aves Mental Health