For this year’s European Public Health Week, WHO/Europe is planning a 1.5-hour online event, in collaboration with Mental Health Europe, to highlight the powerful and unique forms of support that communities provide to promote mental health and well-being for people of all ages.
Mental health needs across the WHO European Region are high, with about 1 in 7 people having a mental health condition. There remains underinvestment in mental health interventions, particularly those aimed at preventing mental health conditions in the first place and promoting well-being. Stigma and discrimination are ubiquitous, hindering many in their efforts to seek help.
The event will feature a panel of experts from across the Region, speaking on the diversity of ways that people can get mental health support in their communities: informal social support provided by peers and family, counselling by youth workers or school health staff, arts activities provided in schools or community centres, community-wide anti-stigma campaigns, and much more. The way we design and plan the spaces in our communities can also support mental health and well-being, such as for older people, by enabling social interaction and full participation in society.
With the advent of digital technologies, the idea of “community” now encompasses far more than the immediate environment. Digital communities can offer equally powerful means for people in need to reach out and get support.
Community mental health support can help people already struggling with mental health conditions, as well as those who are most vulnerable, while also helping to maintain and promote well-being.
The event is open to anyone with an interest. Please register using the following link in advance:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
About European Public Health Week
European Public Health Week aims to raise awareness on different aspects of public health and to connect and promote collaboration among members of the public health community. The initiative began in 2019 and WHO/Europe has been an ardent supporter since its inception.
The theme this year is “Public health: Global issues, local actions”. Each day has its own subtheme, as follows:
- Monday 22 May: Mental health for all
- Tuesday 23 May: Diversity in health
- Wednesday 24 May: Access to care
- Thursday 25 May: Prevention and control of chronic diseases
- Friday 26 May: Global health emergencies and response
Join the conversation and promote your activities using the hashtag #EUPHW. You can find the media toolkit for the week here: https://eupha.org/general_page.php?p=279