Table 1 Objectives of the Community Mental Health Forums

Engage with communities to share understandings of issues related to mental health

Increase mental health awareness among informal care providers (traditional healers, traditional leaders and religious leaders)

Encourage positive changes in the way people with mental health difficulties are treated within and by their communities

Address negative myths and beliefs surrounding mental health conditions

Reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill health

Strengthen the relationship between trained mental health nurses and the communities where they work

Facilitate collaboration between both formal and informal care providers

Improve access to and utilisation of services by strengthening and defining a referral mechanism