Advancing Mental Health, Wellbeing and Organisational Health Across the Global Human Rights Movement.
The human rights sector carries immense responsibility. Across anti-trafficking, gender-based violence, humanitarian response, religious freedom, conflict, forced displacement, and other areas of social justice, people work every day at the intersection of trauma, recovery, justice, and human dignity. Yet mental health, wellbeing, and organisational health remain among the most underdeveloped areas across the sector. The MHAT Initiative exists to strengthen the people, organisations, and systems advancing human rights, helping build healthier, more resilient movements capable of sustaining long-term impact.
A Critical Gap in the Sector
Mental health is not a standalone issue; it is fundamental to prevention, protection, recovery, leadership, organisational health, and sustainable impact across the human rights sector. Yet it remains one of the most overlooked and underinvested areas of our work.
"When mental health is neglected, the entire system weakens. When it is prioritised, the entire movement strengthens."
A Global Initiative Advancing Mental Health Across the Human Rights Sector
The MHAT Initiative is a global platform dedicated to advancing mental health, wellbeing, and organisational health across the human rights sector. Through research, learning, leadership development, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, we strengthen the knowledge, capacity, and resilience of the people and organisations working to protect human rights. Our goal is to embed mental health as a strategic priority that enables stronger organisations, healthier workforces, and more sustainable impact.
Six Pillars of Sector-Wide Impact on Mental Health & Wellness
Research & Knowledge
Generating evidence, insights and thought leadership.
- Research reports
- White papers
- Briefing papers
- Sector analysis
- Emerging trends
Learning & Professional Development
Building knowledge and practical capacity.
- Courses
- Certification pathways
- Workshops
- Executive education
- Webinars
Leadership & Executive Wellbeing
Supporting sustainable leadership.
- Leadership development
- Executive & self care coaching
- Fellowships
- Peer learning
- Renewal retreats
Innovation & Practice Development
Developing new ideas and models.
- Framework development
- Pilot projects
- Applied research
- New approaches to care and wellbeing
Organisational Health
Helping organisations become healthier and more sustainable.
- Organisational assessments
- Wellbeing frameworks
- Staff care systems
- Psychological safety approaches
Convening & Sector Collaboration
Bringing the movement together.
- MHAT Global Conference
- Roundtables
- Communities of Practice
- Regional dialogues
- Cross-sector partnerships
Strengthening the People and Systems That Strengthen Others
People with Lived Experience
- Survivors and people with lived experience
Frontline Practitioners
- Social workers
- Case managers
- Shelter teams
- Mental health professionals
Organisational Leaders
- NGO leaders
- Faith leaders
- Community organisations
Knowledge & Research
- Researchers
- Networks and coalitions
Sector Enablers
- Funders and partners
- Government stakeholders
- Law Enforcement
MHAT strengthens the people and systems that strengthen others.
Turning Knowledge Into Action
Each initiative below is a distinct platform within the MHAT Initiative ~ together forming one integrated, sector-wide ecosystem.
The MHAT Global Conference 2026
The sector's premier annual gathering for mental health, wellbeing and organisational health in anti-trafficking.
The MHAT Trainings
A professional learning platform offering courses, certifications and executive education for practitioners and leaders.
The MHAT Leadership Centre
Dedicated to developing sustainable, healthy and effective leadership across the anti-trafficking movement.
The MHAT Research & Knowledge Hub
Generating evidence, insights and thought leadership to advance mental health practice and policy.
The MHAT Innovation Lab
A space for developing new frameworks, piloting approaches and advancing practice in mental health and wellbeing.
The MHAT Organisational Health Initiative
Supporting organisations to build healthier cultures, stronger staff care systems and greater psychological safety.
The MHAT Women & Girls Wellbeing Initiative
Centring the specific mental health and wellbeing needs of women and girls affected by trafficking and exploitation.
The MHAT Fellowship Programme
Investing in the next generation of mental health leaders and practitioners within the anti-trafficking sector.
The MHAT Communities of Practice
Peer learning networks connecting practitioners, researchers and leaders across regions and disciplines.
Shaping the Future of Mental Health in Human Rights &
Anti-Trafficking
The MHAT Initiative produces rigorous, accessible knowledge resources that inform practice, shape policy and advance the field.
Annual State of Mental Health in Anti-Trafficking Report
The sector's definitive annual benchmark publication.
Practitioner Wellbeing Index
Measuring and tracking the wellbeing of frontline workers globally.
Organisational Health Benchmark
Assessing the health, sustainability & integrity of anti-trafficking organisations.
Research Briefs
Concise, evidence-based summaries of key issues and emerging findings.
Practice Guides
Practical tools and frameworks for organisations and practitioners.
Podcasts & Conversations
In-depth dialogue with sector leaders, researchers and innovators.
Sector Insights
Regular analysis of trends, challenges and opportunities across the movement.
Learning Resources
Curated materials supporting professional development and practice improvement.
A Roadmap for Sector-Wide Impact
The MHAT Initiative is building toward a clear and ambitious vision ~ one that unfolds in three deliberate phases.
Phase 1 — Year One: ESTABLISH
Launch the Initiative, knowledge platform, conference, partnerships and flagship programmes. Build the foundation for a globally recognised centre of excellence.
- Initiative launch
- Knowledge platform
- Inaugural MHAT Global Conference
- Founding partnerships
- First research outputs
Phase 2 — Year Two: EXPAND
Develop learning pathways, fellowships, research outputs and regional engagement. Grow the community and deepen the Institute's reach and influence.
- MHAT Academy launch
- Fellowship programme
- Regional dialogues
- Expanded research
- Communities of Practice
Phase 3 — Year Three: INFLUENCE
Shape standards, strengthen practice, influence policy and become the leading mental health authority within the anti-trafficking movement.
- Sector standards
- Policy influence
- Global recognition
- Benchmark publications
- Sustained ecosystem
Building a Stronger, Healthier Humanitarian Movement
The future of humanitarian and anti-trafficking work depends not only on stronger systems and better services, but also on healthier people, healthier organisations and stronger leadership.
The MHAT Initiative exists to help build that future.
Stronger Mental Health
Healthier Practitioners
Healthier Organisations
Stronger Leadership
Better Survivor Outcomes
Greater Long-Term Impact
Join the MHAT Initiative
Partner With Us
Align your organisation with the leading institute for mental health in anti-trafficking.
Collaborate
With Us
Contribute your expertise, research and insights to advance the field.
Learn With Us
Access world-class learning, professional development and executive education.
Support the Initiative
Help build the infrastructure the anti-trafficking movement needs.
The MHAT Initiative —
Advancing Mental Health, Wellbeing and Organisational Health Across the Global Human Rights Movement.
THE MHAT INITIATIVE