“Reaching Beyond Rare: Strengthening Mental Health and Wellbeing in Rare Disease Advocacy” Satellite Workshop to EURORDIS Membership Meeting

On 22 May 2025 in Riga, EURORDIS and Rareminds will host a peer training workshop titled “Reaching Beyond Rare: Strengthening Mental Health and Wellbeing in Rare Disease Advocacy”, aligning with this year’s European Mental Health Week theme: Care for mental health, invest in social rights.
People with rare and undiagnosed conditions often experience stigma, isolation, and unequal access to mental health support—issues deeply rooted in broader social and structural inequalities. This workshop recognises that promoting mental health also means addressing these social determinants and empowering communities through peer-led support and inclusion.

The event will launch the EURORDIS Mental Health Toolkit – Reaching Beyond Rare, which offers practical strategies to strengthen mental wellbeing across rare disease communities. Through interactive breakout sessions, participants will explore ways to build resilience, enhance peer support, and foster self-awareness.

A key focus will be on understanding the effects of social exclusion and gathering good practices that promote participation in society and independent living. These collective insights will help inform future advocacy efforts and support policy recommendations that prioritise mental health and social rights for all.