Through the advocacy department, the ACCE works with interest groups, policy makers as well as ministries in order to develop policies related to mental health on the national level, as well as provide the international community with credible information on the effects of the Israeli occupation on mental health in Jerusalem. The main objective of the department is to improve policies, procedures, systems and practices related to the mental health of individuals and the Palestinian society at large.
Period: 2005 - present.
Location: Throughout the West Bank, with a special focus on Jerusalem.
The role of ACCE and partners: ACCE conducts advocacy on the local, regional and international levels. Partners include the Building Balance Group (which includes 10 organizations active in the mental health field); Coalition for Jerusalem (PCC leads this Coalition); PNGO; the Mental Health Thematic Group; the National Steering Committee for Mental Health; the National Referral Committee; Al-Muntada Network to End Domestic and Family Violence. The ACCE is also part of a number of regional and international networks.
Programs that have been implemented by the advocacy department include the following: development of policies related to mental health, especially related to the mental well being of psychiatric patients; contribute to the development of a national plan of action on mental health; provide the general public and the international community with credible information on the effects of the Israeli occupation on mental health, especially in Jerusalem.