The executive committee of the 1st International Congress on Solidarity Economy and Social Reintegration in Mental Health is honored to count on the expertise and engagement of Professors Carla Wunsch, from the School of Nursing, and Vanessa Furtado, from the School of Psychology, both from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT).

With careers dedicated to training future professionals in the field, Professors Carla and Vanessa are recognized for their innovative, evidence-based approaches. Their research and pedagogical practices have significantly contributed to improving the quality of mental health care in Brazil's Central-West region.

Beyond their academic roles, both professors are active in the Anti-Asylum Movement, advocating for social reintegration and deinstitutionalization of people with mental disorders. Their commitment to this cause drives them to seek solutions to the challenges in mental health care, such as the expansion and strengthening of social reintegration mechanisms within the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) in the region.

Under their leadership, the congress promises to be a landmark event in the discussion of mental health and solidarity economy, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and professionals to share knowledge and experiences, and to build a fairer and more inclusive future for all.

In addition, the congress brings together strategic partners, who contribute their experience and knowledge to enrich the discussions and strengthen the mental health collaboration network in the Central-West region and across Brazil.

Key Partners:

• School of Nursing and the Center for Studies in Mental Health at UFMT: Led by Marina Nolli Bittencourt, the NESM-UFMT and its Graduate Program have been major drivers of research and education in mental health in the region.

• State Health Department of Mato Grosso (SES-MT): Represented by Daniely Beatrice do Lago, SES-MT contributes its expertise in public mental health policies and in strengthening services within the psychosocial care network.

• Public Health School of the State of Mato Grosso (ESP-MT): With the participation of Veline Simioni, ESP-MT brings its experience in health education and contributes to the training of qualified professionals in mental health.

• State Health Department of Goiás (SES-GO): Represented by Nathália dos Santos Silva, SES-GO contributes insights into public mental health policy in Goiás.

• Research Group on Mental and Psychiatric Health Nursing – Macapá, Amapá – Federal University of Amapá (UNIFAP): Led by José Luis da Cunha Pena, this group brings the perspective and experience of Brazil’s Northern region to the discussion on mental health.

• Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS): Represented by Naiara Gajo da Silva, UFMS contributes its mental health expertise and a Central-West regional perspective.

• Brazilian Nursing Association – Mato Grosso Section – Mental Health Department: Led by Carla Gabriela Wünsch, ABEn-MT strengthens the involvement of nursing professionals in mental health discussions.

• Income Generation Collective – Belém, Pará: With the participation of Patricia do Socorro Maciel Castro, the Collective brings its experience in solidarity economy and income generation for people with mental disorders.

The collaboration among these partners ensures diverse perspectives and broad reach, contributing to the construction of a fairer and more inclusive future for people with mental disorders.