New adaptations to the QualityRights trainer training

Within the framework of QualityRights , the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed various tools and materials to achieve the necessary changes in the social and healthcare services provided to people experiencing mental health problems. Among these tools, the most well-known is online training, which serves as a first step , an introduction to the topic, and is designed to help anyone better understand the key concepts of the rights of people with mental health problems. In addition to this online training, the WHO has developed a more comprehensive program, designed to be delivered in person, which allows for collaborative reflection and discussion.

At Obertament we assumed the coordination of the adaptation of these face-to-face training materials within the framework of the agreement to fight against stigma and discrimination with the National Mental Health Pact (Government of Catalonia).

Why was there a need to adapt the training?

Firstly, because the training is designed for global use, it often feels disconnected from the Catalan context. This disconnect is evident in the topics covered and the examples and case studies employed. The initial challenge in adapting the training was to make it our own, ensuring that the topics discussed and examples used resonated with the audience.

Furthermore, the original proposal was a very extensive and unrealistic training program, especially if our goal is to reach the largest possible number of people. Therefore, we have condensed and reduced the content to create a more time-bound training program.

The adaptation of QualityRights ' in-person training has been made possible thanks to the dedicated and intensive work of frontline professionals: community mental health professionals, hospital mental health professionals, and support organizations. The experts who have worked on this adaptation have been key to ensuring the quality of the training, as they have firsthand knowledge of the realities of the topics covered.

Who is the training aimed at?

Following WHO guidelines, the training is aimed at first responders (people with lived experience in mental health), management and healthcare professionals, social service professionals, associations and NGOs linked to mental health, family members and support networks, and members of the public administration, whether from departments or institutions and services.

What will you find?

In this adaptation, we have strived to remain faithful to the original training program. Therefore, following the WHO training model, we have developed four training modules , along with corresponding trainer guides and participant materials. This training is available to anyone who wishes to consult it, although the materials are not intended for reading but rather as documents for delivering in-person training.

You will find four content modules:

• Human rights, mental health and disability.
• Legal capacity, right to decide and support for decision-making.
• Protection against coercion, violence and abuse.
• Recovery and the right to health, recovery practices for mental health and well-being.

The recommendation is to deliver the four training modules and complete them with the proposed workshops over a few weeks.

The National Mental Health Pact, as explained by its director, Magda Casamitjana , is working "on a train-the-trainer strategy that will allow this knowledge to be cascaded to different levels of society, from professionals to social organizations and beyond." The goal, according to Casamitjana, is to train 100,000 people in Catalonia within three years.