Barbados is revising its Mental Health Act to pave the way for a more compassionate and person-centred mental health system. The reform is grounded in a rights-based approach, providing a legal framework to address the diverse needs of individuals with mental health conditions.

The new Mental Health Act aims to:

• Protect the rights and dignity of people with mental health conditions
• Uphold the principles of autonomy by supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their care
• Promote inclusion through community-based support
• Help people get the right care, in the right place, and in ways that are respectful and non-discriminatory
• Ensure that the mental health system is transparent and accountable
• Support families and caregivers
• Follow international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The Draft Mental Health Legislative Notes have been developed in consultation with people with lived experience, family, friends, and caregivers, non-governmental and civil society organisations, mental health organisations, and the Ministry of Educational Transformation, among others.

Your voice is central to the new Mental Health Act!

We welcome feedback on the Draft Mental Health Legislative Notes from all members of the public, including individuals, families, professionals and communities.

You do not need legal expertise to provide us with any feedback.

We want you to read the Draft Mental Health Legislative Notes, and:

• Let us know what you agree with
• Suggest improvements or highlight what’s missing
• Raise questions or concerns, if any