Infographics on Institutional Work

In this section we collect concise, visual infographics that illustrate the main activities, data, and results of our institutional work.
Infographics are useful tools for communicating in an immediate and accessible way our actions in support of the rights of people with bipolar disorder, our relationships with institutions, and the progress of our advocacy campaigns.

Timeline

2023

AIBP Foundation

Foundation first national association for bipolar disorder. Initial surveys to understand needed services and user preferences.

Beginning of institutional work

The association begins drafting a plan on the goals of health and political activism regarding bipolar disorder and psychiatric health care. AIBP joins the network of associations Families on the Net.

MENCAP approach

AIBP turns to MENCAP, a UK association similar to AIBP to seek advice regarding how they have been able to achieve so many positive results in health care, changing policies and laws by improving the protection and care of people with intellectual disabilities.

Why specifically MENCAP?

It is known in England for revolutionizing health care in the UK, changing policies and laws for more inclusive health care, through its successful strategy and its collaborations with institutions of excellence such as King's College London. Plus it was a “niche” organization like ours, so their initiat

International consulting

Following models of foreign excellence, AIBP meets with foreign experts and associations to understand what strategies were used to achieve these changes and how to implement them in Italy

Drafting the first strategy

After talking with experts and associations, the first strategy to achieve the required results emerges. The first step is to write a report, followed by a national survey. To follow the whole strategy in detail, see “Strategy” section (below)

Recruitment team for the project

Three King's College London alumni, employed in the English NHS, are selected to draft the first report and survey. They needed a focus on ethics, research methods, and a team that was familiar with the best practices used in England so they could propose them in Italy. They are familiar with MENCAP, the project, and these kinds of strategies. They also have advanced skills in systematic reviews, bias management, accessibility, and in understanding little-known issues that affect these aspects.

Drafting and publishing the first strategy

After consulting with experts and associations, our first strategy to achieve concrete results is born. The first step is the writing of a report, followed by a national survey. This approach ensures that our claims are not perceived as unfounded, but are supported by real data and concrete evidence. Through the reports, we shed light in detail on the challenges that bipolar disorder
brings.
Next, surveys collect data that are disseminated to the media, government, health sector, and general public. This data allows us to structure targeted petitions and letters to policymakers and ministries, ensuring that any intervention is informed and evidence-based. The process continues with ongoing surveys that allow us to monitor every relevant aspect, from which content for subsequent reports emerges. In parallel, we initiate an intensive networking campaign, identifying research institutions interested in the state of health care, policymakers, media and other stakeholders.

Drafting and publishing first report

The first report on bipolar disorder in Italy and the state of health care for all psychiatric patients, also written in English, was a pioneering step: no data or specific statistics on this reality existed until now. Through an in-depth analysis, the report highlighted the main challenges and gaps in the system, creating a solid basis for concrete actions. Its dissemination made these problems visible, preparing us for interventions such as targeted petitions and awareness-raising initiatives.

You can find the full report in the materials or institutional work section

MENCAP Project Presentation at the Mat in Modena

At MAT in Modena, a week-long mental health event, we presented the MENCAP project at a conference. During the presentation, we outlined the project's approach, based on best practices in the English health system and collaboration with international experts, highlighting how the MENCAP model can help fill current gaps in care in our country. The meeting was an important opportunity to raise awareness and engage participants on issues of accessibility, ethics, and targeted support, outlining a shared strategy for a future with increased resources and awareness.

You can find the recording of the project on YouTube.

Volunteers begin to tell the audience about their experiences

We offered our volunteers a dedicated space on Instagram, where they can talk freely about their disorder, daily challenges, and interact directly with users, expressing themselves in a personal and authentic way. This represents a huge step in the fight against stigma and for public awareness: each week a different volunteer shares their experience, without censorship or filters, to create a real and direct dialogue with the community.

Creation and coordination of a European network

Following models of foreign excellence, AIBP The creation of a European Bipolar Disorder Network is a strategic step in expanding the scope of our initiatives and promoting a coordinated approach to mental health. This network allows us to share resources, knowledge, and best practices with associations and professionals across Europe, creating a common front to address similar challenges, such as stigma and lack of adequate support.
European coordination not only strengthens advocacy and awareness raising, but also allows us to develop transnational research projects and compare data across countries. This collaboration is designed to generate significant impact by actively engaging European institutions and making our strategies replicable, so that we build a network that concretely supports people with bipolar disorder throughout Europe. AIBP also joins GMHAM, a Global Network for Activism in Mental Health.

Drafting first national survey on malpractice and discrimination

The first national survey on malpractice and discrimination against people with bipolar disorder and psychiatric patients is a crucial initiative in a health care system often characterized by disparities and prejudice. In a context where the word of people with bipolar disorder is up against a system that tends to downplay their experiences, collecting concrete and reliable data is essential to obtain objective feedback on the issues that exist.

This survey was designed with rigorous criteria for validity and reliability, including questions that minimize bias and ensure inclusiveness, to give a real voice to those who have suffered discrimination or experienced malpractice. In addition, the survey follows a clear and replicable study protocol so that it can be replicated by other associations and even internationally. With solid data and statistics, we can finally present the problem in an uncontroversial way, laying the groundwork for demands for change supported by hard evidence.

Participation in proposed legislation and lobbying

We are working with Francesco Maesano, a political journalist and psychological rights activist, to support important legislative initiatives in Italy. After conceiving the Bonus Psicologo (Psychologist Bonus) bill, which was approved thanks to more than 350,000 signatures, Maesano is now promoting a new popular initiative law. This proposal aims to create a network of public psychological services integrated into everyday settings, such as schools, work, hospitals and prisons, to ensure accessible and present psychological support in communities.

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is the activity of pressure carried out by groups or individuals to influence policy and legislative decisions. Through meetings, campaigns and signature gathering, it aims to promote specific interests and achieve concrete changes in laws or policies.

Coming soon

We have several initiatives planned to expand and consolidate our work. We will publish the results of the -survey through our network of contacts and work on training professionals in the field. We are contacting media and political representatives to initiate lobbying activities on new legislative proposals, and we aim to strengthen collaborations both nationally and internationally. In parallel, we will work to enter the field of research, supporting epidemiological studies that analyze problems at the local level. We plan to create multidisciplinary focus groups, involving users, families and associations, and we intend to support other organizations in developing similar projects. We also want to be partners in research and policy making, pursue new surveys, and build a European network to address common challenges.

How it works?

Report

They inform about the situation
They display statistics

Surveys

They give an idea of the problem and magnitude
They create evidence and data

Petitions

Inform about the results
Require action on it

How do you disseminate the data collected in surveys?

It is crucial that the data and statistics collected be disseminated to all levels-health care, government, media, general public, associations and networks.

Health care and government

For the health system, these data provide essential information to improve services and treatment responses, better adapting to the real needs of patients
For the government, they provide an evidence base on which to base policy and legislative decisions, making regulations and resources allocated to mental health more effective.

Politicians

For the government, they provide an evidence base on which to base policy and legislative decisions, making regulations and resources allocated to mental health more effective.

Media

For the media, the dissemination of data fuels public awareness and helps counter stigma by telling stories based on objective realities.

Audience

For the general public, statistics offer a concrete and truthful view of the challenges associated with bipolar disorder, fostering empathy and knowledge

Associations and networks

Finally, for associations and networks, this data is crucial for developing targeted interventions, promoting awareness-raising initiatives, and building collaborations that make joint action more
incisive. Each group receives crucial tools and information to act in a more informed and coordinated way.

What happens next? The results we would like

Collection of Data and Publication of Reports:

AIBP will initiate structured data collection through surveys and studies, aimed at documenting the experiences of people with bipolar disorder in Italy. The reports will be used to build a solid evidence base on issues of health, discrimination and access to care, making our voice more forceful at the institutional level

National and European Academic Collaborations.

We aim to collaborate with universities and research centers in Italy and Europe, taking advantage of the European network to participate in joint research projects. This will make it possible to adopt European standards, compare data across countries and import best health practices.

Monitoring and Review System

In the future, we could take inspiration from the British LeDeR model, developing a system that monitors risks and flaws in bipolar disorder services in Italy, highlighting critical areas for prevention and mental health management

Advocacy and Lobbying at the National and European Levels.

We will use the data collected to initiate lobbying and advocacy activities with Italian institutions and, through the European network, with EU institutions. This will enable us to push for policies and legislation that support the rights and well-being of people with bipolar disorder throughout Europe

Proposed Legislative Changes in Italy and Involvement in European Initiatives.

Through data and collaborations, we will propose legislative changes in Italy to improve services and guarantee patients' rights. At the European level, AIBP could participate in initiatives that promote uniform standards of care and legal protection

Focus Group and Continuous Monitoring

AIBP will work to create multidisciplinary focus groups, with the participation of users, families, associations and professionals, for ongoing monitoring and periodic reports indicating progress and needs.

Expansion of the European Collaboration and Pressure Network.

Through the European network, AIBP will be able to join forces with other associations to lobby at the supranational level on crucial mental health issues, actively participating in research projects and influencing European public policy.

Changing Mentality and Abolishing Stigma

AIBP’s long-term goal is to promote a profound change in the mindset of the general public and medical personnel so that bipolar disorder and psychiatric disorders in general are understood and accepted without stigma. We want an Italy where people can speak openly about their diagnosis without fear of repercussions, where patients are placed at the center of their care and treated with respect and dignity. In this ideal future, there will be no room for discrimination, and associations such as AIBP will be considered essential partners in research, policy and healthcare, recognized as experts in the field. Open and transparent collaboration among all actors-citizens, institutions, physicians, and associations-will become the basis for a truly
inclusive and good-oriented health care system

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