Conference:
Conference Goals and Objectives
It is estimated that 45 million people suffer from schizophrenia around the world. It is among the top ten leading causes of disability. The burden on families and those with the illness is incalculable.
Despite the enormity of the problem, knowledge is rarely shared between people with mental illness, their families and mental health professionals. This disconnect often leads to isolation, fear, stigmatization, and a lack of hope.
Across cultures, there is a huge diversity in interpretation and understanding of the illness, with innovations and best practices residing in isolated pockets around the world. There is rarely an opportunity to learn from each other and build a network that includes mental health professionals, as well as families and those with schizophrenia.
The 2007 International Conference – Lighting the Path: Hope in Action aims to fill this gap by:
- Creating innovations in the field by bringing together families, consumers, mental health practitioners and community leaders to share ideas, research and stories.
- Building ongoing and inclusive networks of information and support.
- Inspiring hope and action!