The aim of this network is to bring together stakeholders (from any country) interested in applying values-based practice in the context of the challenges presented by the large and culturally diverse population of Brazil.  The network will have a particular concern with vulnerable populations. Values-based practice offers an appropriate instrument for bringing together cultural diversity in Brazil, and therefore for improving the effectiveness and global impact of mental health in the country.

The initial focus of the Network will be on bringing values-based practice to bear on alcohol and drug use in Brazil. This is an area of healthcare where the challenges for policy and practice presented by Brazil’s culturally diverse population are particularly acute. Public, private, philanthropic, lay, and religious institutions all work in this field, each bringing unique perspectives, values, and goals for clinical care and policy.  Consequently, preserving the features of each stakeholder´s culture is key to developing a successful alcohol and drug misuse policy in Brazil. The launch activity of the network was a visit by Lucy Webb (who co-leads the Co-Production Addictive Behaviour Research Network) and her colleague Samantha Baron to Sao Paulo. Click here to see their schedule.

The network is open to both Brazilian and non-Brazilian stakeholders willing to be part of a comprehensive and pluralistic Project for Alcohol and Drug Policies in Brazil and other areas of mental health policy and practice.