• BasicNeeds (www.basicneeds.org) helps mentally ill people in develping countries to access treatment in their communities, and to earn a living. It trains NGO & INGO staff to recognise and treat mental illness and epilepsy.

• An estimated 220 million people in developing countries suffer from a severe mental illness, depression or epilepsy. Malnutrition, poverty, disasters and conflict can all contribute to mental illness.

• Mental illness is even more neglected than physical disability. There are very few public sector psychiatrists and mental health specialists working in developing countries. In some areas, psychiatric hospitals may be no better than prisons.

• Stigma is one of the main reason why mental health is not a government priority. BasicNeeds works to improve the rights of mentally ill people. As a result, two mental health bills are being passed through parliaments and several new ministerial health policies now include people with mental illness and epilepsy.

• Many mental illnesses can be successfully treated to keep symptoms stabilised. Cost-effective medication and trained health workers and volunteers help maintain participants’ regimen and progress. Small loans help people start-up in business.

• Helping a patient become productive frees their carer to work and support others.

• Over 54,000 people were treated and cared for under BasicNeeds programmes in 2007. 65% are showing a reduction in symptoms. Over 10,000 are now earning.