CHARLENE SUNKEL
@charlenesunkel.bsky.social
Founder/ CEO of Global Mental Health Peer Network at www.gmhpn.org
Editor-in-Chief PLOS Mental Health
#livedexperience #schizophrenia
Editor-in-Chief PLOS Mental Health
#livedexperience #schizophrenia
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Sustainable success depends on psychologically safe, mentally healthy workplaces
#workplacewellbeing #workplacementalhealth #sustainableworkplace
#workplacewellbeing #workplacementalhealth #sustainableworkplace
November 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Sustainable success depends on psychologically safe, mentally healthy workplaces
#workplacewellbeing #workplacementalhealth #sustainableworkplace
#workplacewellbeing #workplacementalhealth #sustainableworkplace
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Behind every recovery story is more than survival; there’s strategy, learning, and resilience that can strengthen entire systems.
#LivedExperienceMatters #MentalHealthReform #VoicesOfChange
#LivedExperienceMatters #MentalHealthReform #VoicesOfChange
November 6, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Behind every recovery story is more than survival; there’s strategy, learning, and resilience that can strengthen entire systems.
#LivedExperienceMatters #MentalHealthReform #VoicesOfChange
#LivedExperienceMatters #MentalHealthReform #VoicesOfChange
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Effective deinstitutionalization requires a progressive reduction in institutional caseloads, increased discharges with strong continuity of care, fewer admissions through early intervention, and the scaling up of person-centered community-based & community-led support systems.
November 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Effective deinstitutionalization requires a progressive reduction in institutional caseloads, increased discharges with strong continuity of care, fewer admissions through early intervention, and the scaling up of person-centered community-based & community-led support systems.
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Through peer to peer mentorship, we’re building a generation of lived-experience leaders equipped to guide others toward dignity, hope, and possibility.
#PeerMentorship #EmpowermentThroughConnection
#PeerMentorship #EmpowermentThroughConnection
November 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Through peer to peer mentorship, we’re building a generation of lived-experience leaders equipped to guide others toward dignity, hope, and possibility.
#PeerMentorship #EmpowermentThroughConnection
#PeerMentorship #EmpowermentThroughConnection
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
When we invest in person-centered, recovery-oriented, and human rights-based support, we create pathways to belonging, purpose, and dignity. This is how we move from surviving to thriving.
#CommunityMentalHealth #RecoveryOrientedCare #HumanRightsMatter
#CommunityMentalHealth #RecoveryOrientedCare #HumanRightsMatter
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
When we invest in person-centered, recovery-oriented, and human rights-based support, we create pathways to belonging, purpose, and dignity. This is how we move from surviving to thriving.
#CommunityMentalHealth #RecoveryOrientedCare #HumanRightsMatter
#CommunityMentalHealth #RecoveryOrientedCare #HumanRightsMatter
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Investing in this training is a strategic move toward healthier organizations.
#InclusiveWorkplaces #WorkplaceWellbeing
#InclusiveWorkplaces #WorkplaceWellbeing
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Investing in this training is a strategic move toward healthier organizations.
#InclusiveWorkplaces #WorkplaceWellbeing
#InclusiveWorkplaces #WorkplaceWellbeing
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Changing systems begins with changing who leads them. The mental health field has long relied on professionals about people, not with people. That’s changing.
#MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
#MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
November 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Changing systems begins with changing who leads them. The mental health field has long relied on professionals about people, not with people. That’s changing.
#MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
#MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
At aves, we work with partners worldwide to embed lived experience in leadership, governance, and design.
We understand that systems built without us will never truly serve us. #ExpertsByExperience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
We understand that systems built without us will never truly serve us. #ExpertsByExperience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM
At aves, we work with partners worldwide to embed lived experience in leadership, governance, and design.
We understand that systems built without us will never truly serve us. #ExpertsByExperience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
We understand that systems built without us will never truly serve us. #ExpertsByExperience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Changing systems begins with changing who leads them. The mental health field has long relied on professionals about people, not with people. That’s changing. #
MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Changing systems begins with changing who leads them. The mental health field has long relied on professionals about people, not with people. That’s changing. #
MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
MeaningfulParticipation #PolicyChange
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
From equitable remuneration models to engagement frameworks, our resources support organizations to do inclusion right, not just well-intentioned.
#KnowledgeExchange
#KnowledgeExchange
November 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
From equitable remuneration models to engagement frameworks, our resources support organizations to do inclusion right, not just well-intentioned.
#KnowledgeExchange
#KnowledgeExchange
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
When we shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s strong?”, we don’t just improve performance; we foster workplaces that nurture purpose, resilience, and long-term well-being. #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork
November 26, 2025 at 1:27 PM
When we shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s strong?”, we don’t just improve performance; we foster workplaces that nurture purpose, resilience, and long-term well-being. #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
When we invest in counseling and embed mental health awareness within school environments, we build a foundation for lifelong wellbeing, personal growth, and hope.
#SchoolMentalHealth #ChildWellbeing #EarlyIntervention
#SchoolMentalHealth #ChildWellbeing #EarlyIntervention
November 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
When we invest in counseling and embed mental health awareness within school environments, we build a foundation for lifelong wellbeing, personal growth, and hope.
#SchoolMentalHealth #ChildWellbeing #EarlyIntervention
#SchoolMentalHealth #ChildWellbeing #EarlyIntervention
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
In this seventh episode of our Speak_Out podcast, we are joined by members from across the globe who share powerful reflections on what it means to be part of a peer community.
Listen to podcast here: youtu.be/u3-ShKLdwl4
Listen to podcast here: youtu.be/u3-ShKLdwl4
aves Mental Health Speak_Out Podcast Episode 7: The multifaceted power of peer networks
YouTube video by Global Mental Health Peer Network
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 5:56 AM
In this seventh episode of our Speak_Out podcast, we are joined by members from across the globe who share powerful reflections on what it means to be part of a peer community.
Listen to podcast here: youtu.be/u3-ShKLdwl4
Listen to podcast here: youtu.be/u3-ShKLdwl4
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Peer Support Models for Global Communities Impacted by War and Adversity
From shared experience to shared recovery, community-led models strengthening mental health after conflict and displacement
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan | 🇯🇴 Jordan
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
From shared experience to shared recovery, community-led models strengthening mental health after conflict and displacement
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan | 🇯🇴 Jordan
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
October 22, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Symposium: Peer Support Models for Global Communities Impacted by War and Adversity
From shared experience to shared recovery, community-led models strengthening mental health after conflict and displacement
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan | 🇯🇴 Jordan
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
From shared experience to shared recovery, community-led models strengthening mental health after conflict and displacement
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan | 🇯🇴 Jordan
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Psychosis Research in Africa: Where We’ve Been, What Works, Where Next?
From lived experience to scientific discovery, shifting from deficit to strength in understanding psychosis
Voices from 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | 🇲🇼 Malawi | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
From lived experience to scientific discovery, shifting from deficit to strength in understanding psychosis
Voices from 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | 🇲🇼 Malawi | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
October 23, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Symposium: Psychosis Research in Africa: Where We’ve Been, What Works, Where Next?
From lived experience to scientific discovery, shifting from deficit to strength in understanding psychosis
Voices from 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | 🇲🇼 Malawi | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
From lived experience to scientific discovery, shifting from deficit to strength in understanding psychosis
Voices from 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | 🇲🇼 Malawi | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 November 2025
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: From Evidence to Action: Collaborative Models for Transforming Youth Mental Health
Collaboration, innovation, and prevention are driving systems change for young people worldwide.
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇨🇦 Canada
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Collaboration, innovation, and prevention are driving systems change for young people worldwide.
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇨🇦 Canada
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
October 24, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Symposium: From Evidence to Action: Collaborative Models for Transforming Youth Mental Health
Collaboration, innovation, and prevention are driving systems change for young people worldwide.
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇨🇦 Canada
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Collaboration, innovation, and prevention are driving systems change for young people worldwide.
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇨🇦 Canada
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
🟣 Symposium: From Pilot to Policy: Embedding Adolescent Wellbeing in National Education Systems
Exploring how to make wellbeing a guaranteed part of education, from pilots to national systems change.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇰🇪 Kenya
#WorldBeing
Exploring how to make wellbeing a guaranteed part of education, from pilots to national systems change.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇰🇪 Kenya
#WorldBeing
October 25, 2025 at 8:18 AM
🟣 Symposium: From Pilot to Policy: Embedding Adolescent Wellbeing in National Education Systems
Exploring how to make wellbeing a guaranteed part of education, from pilots to national systems change.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇰🇪 Kenya
#WorldBeing
Exploring how to make wellbeing a guaranteed part of education, from pilots to national systems change.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇰🇪 Kenya
#WorldBeing
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Nurturing Strength and Mental Wellbeing: Supporting Child and Adolescent Resilience
Exploring how collaborative research and community programs strengthen youth resilience in Africa 🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇿🇦 South Africa| 🇿🇲 Zambia| 🇨🇩 DRC
#REPSSI
Exploring how collaborative research and community programs strengthen youth resilience in Africa 🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇿🇦 South Africa| 🇿🇲 Zambia| 🇨🇩 DRC
#REPSSI
October 26, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Symposium: Nurturing Strength and Mental Wellbeing: Supporting Child and Adolescent Resilience
Exploring how collaborative research and community programs strengthen youth resilience in Africa 🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇿🇦 South Africa| 🇿🇲 Zambia| 🇨🇩 DRC
#REPSSI
Exploring how collaborative research and community programs strengthen youth resilience in Africa 🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇿🇦 South Africa| 🇿🇲 Zambia| 🇨🇩 DRC
#REPSSI
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Building the Brain Economy: A Global Call to Action to Foster Resilient Communities and Strengthen Societal Well-being
How brain health and skills can strengthen communities and resilience worldwide.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇩 Congo
How brain health and skills can strengthen communities and resilience worldwide.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇩 Congo
October 27, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Symposium: Building the Brain Economy: A Global Call to Action to Foster Resilient Communities and Strengthen Societal Well-being
How brain health and skills can strengthen communities and resilience worldwide.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇩 Congo
How brain health and skills can strengthen communities and resilience worldwide.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓️ 10–12 Nov 2025
🌍 Voices from 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇩 Congo
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Advancing Africa CDC’s Mental Health Agenda: From Strategy to Action
Africa CDC is turning strategy into action, strengthening mental health systems, policies, and community support across Africa
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇿🇦 SA, 🇬🇧 UK & 🇳🇴 Norway.
Africa CDC is turning strategy into action, strengthening mental health systems, policies, and community support across Africa
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇿🇦 SA, 🇬🇧 UK & 🇳🇴 Norway.
October 28, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Symposium: Advancing Africa CDC’s Mental Health Agenda: From Strategy to Action
Africa CDC is turning strategy into action, strengthening mental health systems, policies, and community support across Africa
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇿🇦 SA, 🇬🇧 UK & 🇳🇴 Norway.
Africa CDC is turning strategy into action, strengthening mental health systems, policies, and community support across Africa
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇿🇦 SA, 🇬🇧 UK & 🇳🇴 Norway.
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Innovation in Action: Bridging Lived Experience and Global Mental Health Solutions
From tech to policy to community-based solutions shaping the future of global mental health
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇶🇦 Qatar & 🇬🇧 UK
From tech to policy to community-based solutions shaping the future of global mental health
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇶🇦 Qatar & 🇬🇧 UK
October 29, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Symposium: Innovation in Action: Bridging Lived Experience and Global Mental Health Solutions
From tech to policy to community-based solutions shaping the future of global mental health
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇶🇦 Qatar & 🇬🇧 UK
From tech to policy to community-based solutions shaping the future of global mental health
📍Cape Town, South Africa
🗓10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇶🇦 Qatar & 🇬🇧 UK
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: The EMPOWER Peer Support Initiative: Lessons from Global Co-creation Efforts to Build the Peer Workforce
Global co-creation in action 🌍 Empowering lived experience through scalable peer support training.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA & 🇿🇦 South Africa
Global co-creation in action 🌍 Empowering lived experience through scalable peer support training.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA & 🇿🇦 South Africa
October 30, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Symposium: The EMPOWER Peer Support Initiative: Lessons from Global Co-creation Efforts to Build the Peer Workforce
Global co-creation in action 🌍 Empowering lived experience through scalable peer support training.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA & 🇿🇦 South Africa
Global co-creation in action 🌍 Empowering lived experience through scalable peer support training.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 Nov 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA & 🇿🇦 South Africa
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: Coalition for Mental Health Investment: Ambitious, Collaborative and Innovative Financing for Mental Health
Innovative financing and bold partnerships are reshaping global mental health.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇰🇪 Kenya, and 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Innovative financing and bold partnerships are reshaping global mental health.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇰🇪 Kenya, and 🇵🇰 Pakistan
October 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Symposium: Coalition for Mental Health Investment: Ambitious, Collaborative and Innovative Financing for Mental Health
Innovative financing and bold partnerships are reshaping global mental health.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇰🇪 Kenya, and 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Innovative financing and bold partnerships are reshaping global mental health.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Voices from 🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇰🇪 Kenya, and 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
Symposium: 45 Years of FGIP - How Mental Health Care Has Changed Over the Past 45 Years
From institutions to inclusion, 45 years of transformation in global mental health.💡🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Reflections from 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇳🇱 Netherlands.
From institutions to inclusion, 45 years of transformation in global mental health.💡🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Reflections from 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇳🇱 Netherlands.
November 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Symposium: 45 Years of FGIP - How Mental Health Care Has Changed Over the Past 45 Years
From institutions to inclusion, 45 years of transformation in global mental health.💡🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Reflections from 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇳🇱 Netherlands.
From institutions to inclusion, 45 years of transformation in global mental health.💡🌍
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Reflections from 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇳🇱 Netherlands.
Reposted by CHARLENE SUNKEL
🟣 Symposium: Searching for Salama: Trauma, Survival, and Mental Health in Cyclical Violence
When safety is out of reach, healing must begin where people already stand. 🕊️💬
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Powerful voices from 🇺🇸 USA/🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇬🇧 UK.
When safety is out of reach, healing must begin where people already stand. 🕊️💬
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Powerful voices from 🇺🇸 USA/🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇬🇧 UK.
November 2, 2025 at 8:04 AM
🟣 Symposium: Searching for Salama: Trauma, Survival, and Mental Health in Cyclical Violence
When safety is out of reach, healing must begin where people already stand. 🕊️💬
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Powerful voices from 🇺🇸 USA/🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇬🇧 UK.
When safety is out of reach, healing must begin where people already stand. 🕊️💬
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗓 10–12 November 2025
Powerful voices from 🇺🇸 USA/🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and 🇬🇧 UK.