Working together on mental health, homelessness and extreme exclusion
SMES Europa is a European network that connects organisations, professionals, researchers and people with lived experience who work at the intersection of mental health, homelessness and extreme social exclusion.
By becoming a member, you join a community that believes that every person has the right to dignity, health, housing and participation, regardless of their living conditions or mental health status.
Membership is open to organisations and individuals from all European countries who share these aims and wish to contribute to a stronger, more coordinated European response.
Why join SMES Europa?
As a member of SMES Europa, you will:
- Be part of a European community
Connect with services, professionals and initiatives from different countries who face similar challenges and questions in their daily work. - Access knowledge and learning opportunities
Receive priority information and access to webinars, seminars, conferences and study visits, as well as materials, reports and practice fiches produced by SMES Europa and its partners. - Increase the visibility of your work
Have your organisation (or expertise, if you join as an individual) featured on the SMES Europa website and in selected communications. When possible, members are invited to present their experiences at webinars, conferences and events. - Contribute to European projects and initiatives
Be informed about opportunities to take part in European projects, exchanges and working groups coordinated or supported by SMES Europa. - Help shape policy and practice debates
Contribute to position papers, recommendations and consultations on mental health, homelessness and extreme exclusion, bringing in your national or local perspective. - Strengthen the network
Your membership – and, where applicable, membership fee – helps sustain the coordination and activities of SMES Europa, making the network more stable and effective.
Who can become a member?
We welcome membership from:
- Organisations
- Services working in the fields of homelessness, mental health, social inclusion, housing, harm reduction, migration, youth work, etc.
- NGOs, associations, foundations, faith-based organisations and community initiatives.
- Public authorities (local, regional or national), health and social services.
- Universities, research centres and training institutes.
- Individuals
- Professionals and practitioners (social workers, mental health professionals, outreach workers, service managers, etc.).
- Researchers, trainers and students.
- People with lived experience of homelessness, mental distress or extreme exclusion who wish to contribute to the network.
All members are expected to support the mission and values of SMES Europa, including respect for human rights, non-discrimination and person-centred, integrated approaches.
Membership categories and benefits
Organisational members
Organisational members typically receive:
- visibility on the SMES Europa website (“Our members” section, logo and short description);
- priority or reduced-fee access for staff to SMES Europa conferences and training activities (where applicable);
- invitations to participate in projects, working groups and European exchanges;
- the possibility to propose sessions, case studies or speakers for SMES events;
- voting rights in the General Assembly (according to the statutes).
Individual members
Individual members typically receive:
- invitations to webinars, seminars and conferences;
- access to selected materials and resources;
- opportunities to contribute as speakers, authors or experts in their field;
- the right to participate in the General Assembly and, where foreseen, to stand for certain roles.
Details of rights and benefits for each category are set out in the internal membership guidelines approved by the Governing Board.
Member engagement and participation
SMES Europa encourages members to be active participants, not only recipients of information. Members are invited to:
- share examples of good practices and projects from their country;
- propose ideas for webinars, conference sessions or study visits;
- contribute to working groups and consultations;
- suggest topics or priorities for future action plans.
The network regularly organises online meetings and consultations with members and Country Focal Points to ensure that its work reflects the realities and needs of different European contexts.
Questions?
If you have questions about membership categories, benefits or practical aspects (including fees and payment methods), please use the contact form on this website, indicating “Membership” in the subject line.
We look forward to welcoming you to SMES Europa’s growing network
How to join
Find out step by step how to join the SMES Europe network and actively contribute to our initiatives for the dignity and rights of people in marginalized situations.
Complete the online membership form
Provide basic information about you or your organisation.
Indicate your areas of work and your interest in SMES Europa.
Confirmation and, where applicable, membership fee
The Coordination Office will review your application and confirm your eligibility in line with the statutes and membership criteria.
You will receive information about any membership fee applicable to your category and how to pay it.
Welcome to the network
Once your membership is confirmed, you will start receiving members’ updates, invitations and opportunities.
Your organisation, if relevant, will be added to the list of members on the website.
Join SMES Europe today.
Join our network to promote dignity and rights: become a member and make a real contribution to the well-being of marginalized people. Fill out the form to get started right away.