The BasicNeeds Network
Strengthening Communities, Improving Mental Health
The BasicNeeds Network is a collective of community mental health organisations that utilise the proven BasicNeeds Model of Mental Health and Development. Through mutual support, knowledge exchanges, sharing innovative program strategies, and collaborative development projects, members of the Network seek to improve mental health outcomes and community resilience in low-income settings around the world.
Member achievements in 2025
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21,030
persons with mental health needs supported by network members
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162
active peer groups or Self Help Groups with 2727 members
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2459
people supported to earn a living or improve their livelihoods
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1781
frontline health workers and teachers received specialist mental health related training
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3696
people facilitated to access social protection systems
Watch the video to hear Eunice’s BasicNeeds story
The BasicNeeds Model
The BasicNeeds Model has four Foundations and four Elements.
The four Foundations – Human Rights, Recovery, Integration and Quality, represent the core principles and expected broader impact of implementing the Model. These foundations reflect the unwavering commitments and outcomes that the Model strives to achieve.
The four Elements – Psychosocial support, Community development, Livelihoods and System Strengthening, represent what we know to be important to people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities. They also indicate the set of activities that are part of the Model.
Elements of the Model
Psychosocial Support
Accessing psychosocial support through membership of community support groups, mutual peer support, counselling and home visits. Peer support groups provide local, immediate and free support for people with mental health needs.
Community Development
Organising and mobilising communities that are mutually supportive, understanding and resilient. Main activities include; community awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, training community leaders in mental health and recovery, supporting community engagement, and mobilising inclusive community support groups.
System Strengthening
Advocating for and developing services that are effective, responsive, and recovery-focused. This includes activities like strengthening mental health treatment capacity in existing health systems and collaborating with other community services, including training law enforcement, health personnel, and teachers.
Livelihoods
Facilitating access to livelihoods and economic opportunities by organising peer and community support cooperatives through governing charters, coaching in business plans, and seed capital. These include the development of inclusive savings and loan schemes, agricultural enterprises and other productive work.
“The BasicNeeds Network is a great idea. Mutual support across countries and cultures will create strength in numbers.”
— Chris Underhill, Founder of BasicNeeds
Our aim for the next five years is to expand our partnerships and touch the lives of 1 million people with mental health needs.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to get membership benefits.
Email
basicneeds@cbmuk.org.uk
Phone
Switchboard: +44 (0)1223 484700