Anti Stigma Programme: European Network (ASPEN)

ASPEN is a Europe-wide 3-year (2008-2011) project that will develop tools for use in implementing actions for reducing stigma against people with depression.

The objective of the project

The main objective of the project is to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with depression. The objective will be achieved by

1. producing assessment scales to assess stigmatization and discrimination against people with depression
2. interviewing people with depression in order to measure the prevalence of stigmatization and discrimination
3. collecting examples on best practices in order to reduce stigmatization and discrimination
4. developing methods on how to include service users in mental health policymaking and legislation formation to reduce discrimination.

Funding and partners

ASPEN is a European project co-funded by the EU Health Programme. The project has been arranged in collaboration with 18 European partners.

ASPEN is led by the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London. In Finland the project is co-ordinated by the National Institute for Health and Weflare (THL) Vaasa Satellite Office. THL is also responsible for the evaluation of the ASPEN project.

The project partners are part of the INDIGO network that has previously carried out a study about stigmatization associated with schizophrenia.

Basic information about the project