The Geðrækt project’s method and implementation were based on a combination of research, experience gained from suc- cessful projects in other countries and Icelandic ideology.
The government and nongovernmental bodies collaborating on the project all had different approaches to mental health, according to their role and status in society.
The aims of Geðrækt were mostly based on government health strategy (Icelandic Ministry of Health and Social Secu- rity, 2001), but the driving force and means to reach them lay within civil society.
The project’s position within civil society allowed it to integrate its activities into the community more easily.
The project had a dynamic manager, stable governing executive board and a policy advisory group made up of people from different areas of society, which made its outreach even easier.
Touching society on an egalitarian basis became easy with the vast social capital and goodwill available.