To deepen dialogue on protecting human rights in mental health and to exchange practical knowledge and best practices, a high-level Armenian delegation undertook a study visit to northern France - an initiative embedded in Armenia’s ongoing healthcare reforms and its co-operation with the Council of Europe.

The study visit will help Armenia to improve its mental health system and apply several practices, such as multidisciplinary teams, user-led recovery programmes, and better links between healthcare, housing, and community services. In addition, the focus on patient autonomy and crisis prevention is likely to inform future reforms. 

Led by Deputy Minister of Health Armen Gasparyan, the delegation brought together professionals from the public and prison healthcare systems, alongside legal and mental health experts. Their destination was a set of institutions at the forefront of progressive mental health care, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and the Lille University Hospital (CHU de Lille).

The visit did not only focus on technical exchanges but also on details of how a transition system in France works moving away from hospital-based care toward support that promote autonomy of persons with mental health issues and help to live independently in their communities.

Participants observed how care is delivered in practice, from mobile teams providing support at home to systems ensuring access to help within 48 hours. 
A key message throughout was the importance of involving people with lived experience in shaping services, including through peer support roles and local mental health councils.

One of the highlights was a visit to the Clinique Jérôme Bosch, where participants learned about the “zero seclusion, zero restraint” approach, aimed at treating patients without the use of force. They also explored crisis response services that provide urgent mental health support directly at home. 
At the Lille University Hospital (CHU de Lille) participants learned about national support programmes focused on suicide prevention, including follow-up care for people at risk and a free helpline for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. 

Beyond technical insights, the visit fostered professional exchange and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration between Armenian institutions and European partners. 

This activity highlighted the  synergy between Council of Europe projects - “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine III” and “Further Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty”, – implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026. Together, these initiatives aim to build a more ethical, rights-based, and inclusive approach to healthcare in Armenia.