OTHER WAYS TO CARE II
ANTIUNIVERSITY / MAYDAY ROOMS
16th June 2019
The neo-liberal project has progressively individualised, privatised and abstracted mental health from social, economic and political conditions. Yet mental health must be seen and understood within the overall body of society and as a question that concerns all. Mental health is a common good which concerns all. We thus need to construct a field of action that is collective and diverse and explore counter-hegemonic ideas of mental health which oppose neo-liberal interests. This event seeks to be the precursor to future events, so that collaboration and solidarity can be sought by all struggling to provide and receive care.
Other Ways to Care II aimed to promote alliances between activist and social movements and position the problems of mental illness within wider social, political and labour struggles. The event follows Other Ways to Care I which explored alternative models that advocate for a recognition of the social-political dimensions of mental health and a general move towards rethinking institutions of care. This day-long gathering of activist and activist’s organisations, representative of mental health movements, community organisers, patient organisations, mental health workers and others invited attendees to share experiences, militant tactics, grassroots knowledge and solidarity actions. Participating groups and individuals were invited to work collaboratively to form the event and develop contributions that were diverse in format, including but not limited to presentations, workshops, music, film or poetry so that people could best represent themselves and share their insight. The day concluded with a communal meal outside Arts Catalyst's Centre in King's Cross. |