Embedding an Emancipatory Educational Framework in Communities for people marginalised and excluded because of mental health and/or substance misuse issues (EEEfcom)

This project has developed an international network of professionals, experts by experience, academics and people affected by mental health and substance use issues, with a view to building community capacity in responding to these issues through designing and implementing an empowering adult educational process in five designated communities. The project has evaluated the impact of the participatory process and educational intervention on participant stakeholders and developed good practice guidelines for others who may wish to mirror the process in their communities.

The Geneva Charter for Wellbeing (World Health Organisation, 2021) had recommended responses “that integrate planetary, societal, community and individual health and wellbeing, as well as changes in social structures to support people to take control of their lives and health” (p.1) and suggests that more democratic approaches to understanding and promoting citizen well-being are necessary going forward. The justification for this project derives from an increasing acceptance at EU level that marginalised and vulnerable populations require broader inclusive approaches where they are actively involved in determining how they will manage their health and wellbeing (Hickey et al. 2022). This Erasmus +  Co-operative Partnership believe that this innovative participatory community education process will develop resilience and capacity within the communities involved in the project, to respond to the challenges of mental health and substance use issues.

Aim and Methodology

This was an Erasmus+ Project-Cooperation partnership in adult education. This project aimed to embed an emancipatory educational framework in communities for people marginalised and excluded because of mental health and substance misuse issues.

Overall objectives:

1. Establishment of an overarching participatory action research (PAR) process that incorporates students, associate partners, partners and any other relevant stakeholders in the educational process and project outcomes


2. Establish proof of concept evaluation framework adopting Participatory Action Research methods.


3. Implementation of educational Processes.


4. Development of Good Practice Guidelines based on the project process and proof of concept.

People who experience mental health and substance misuse challenges often find themselves in exclusionary positions within their communities and society generally, where diversity of experience and lifestyle are not accommodated. Subsequentially, community/society and self stigma and discrimination brings about marginalisation that creates difficulties for people within these communities to thrive; to connect with community; to overcome ‘otherness’; to achieve equal citizenship rights status and opportunity. Moreover, contemporary health.

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