We are delighted to announce that our President, Åsa Konradsson-Geuken, has been awarded the distinguished SNAPPER of the Year award for 2025. The award was presented at a ceremony held at Djursholm Castle in Sweden.
The SNAPPARE award is given to individuals who make a tangible difference for relatives of people with mental illness. It specifically highlights work that makes the needs of families visible, strengthens their knowledge, reduces loneliness and hopelessness, and builds crucial bridges between research, healthcare, civil society, and decision-makers.
The official nomination for Åsa stated: "With her strong commitment, Åsa has highlighted the problems of relatives and made visible the specific needs of relatives. Her driving force has had a clear effect and given relatives a better life through strengthened knowledge and reduced feelings of loneliness and hopelessness... Åsa is also a bridge builder with a large and broad network that extends from research to decision-makers... Her network also extends into Europe through her involvement in EUFAMI where she recently became chair. She is an example for us relatives. Åsa combines a cold and clear brain with a big and warm heart."
This recognition is a powerful validation of the core mission that drives EUFAMI. Åsa’s work embodies our commitment to ensuring the family perspective is not just heard, but is integral to all aspects of mental health policy and care across Europe. Her leadership in bridging gaps between different sectors is essential for creating a more cohesive and supportive ecosystem for families.
In her acceptance speech, Åsa dedicated the award to the countless relatives who support their loved ones daily. "I accept this award in my name, but it really belongs to all the relatives who stand every day, carry, fight, love and try to cope a little more. You are the reason," she said. She also reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, vowing to "continue to be a difficult bridge builder until family support is as obvious as it is necessary."
Here at EUFAMI, we are incredibly inspired by her leadership and are proud to have her guiding our federation. Her achievement reinforces our resolve to continue fighting for the rights and support that every family and carer deserves."
We extend our warmest congratulations to Åsa on this well-deserved honour. We look forward to continuing this vital work under her guidance, strengthening our network and amplifying the voice of families and carers across Europe.
