Establishment of a Mental Health Service User Association in Lebanon : Experiences, Challenges and Lessons for Future Engagement

This study explores the experiences and challenges encountered during the formation of a mental health Service User Association (SUA) in Lebanon and how these experiences can inform future practice in similar contexts. Utilizing an exploratory qualitative case study approach within a socioecological framework, we conducted interviews and feedback sessions with SUA members (N = 5). The findings highlight several critical issues: positional challenges and tokenistic behaviours that undermine meaningful SUA participation, financial and structural obstacles that threaten SUA sustainability and the essential need for group support and collaboration between the SUA and other organizations. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support the association’s development. These insights offer guidance for policymakers and emerging service user associations working in complex settings.

Key implications for practice

• Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) stakeholders should critically reflect on the entry points for meaningful Service User Association (SUA) engagement to avoid tokenism.
• Meaningful engagement with SUAs requires creating space for dialogue and service user decision-making, not just collecting testimonies.
• Sufficient time and investment are needed to account for bureaucratic processes needed for SUA registration.