European pact for mental health and well-being | EU high-level conference

In June 2008, the “European Pact on Mental Health and Well-being”, an intersectoral statement on mental health action in Europe, was launched at the High Level Conference “Together for Mental Health and Well-Being” by the European Commissioner for Health. The document acknowledged the importance and relevance of mental health and well-being for the European Union, its Member States, stakeholders and citizens. They called for action in five priority areas: 1 - Prevention of Depression and Suicide; 2 - Mental Health in Youth and Education; 3- Mental Health in Workplace Settings; 4 - Mental Health of Older People; 5 - Combating Stigma and Social Exclusion. The 2nd priority area, Mental Health in Youth and Education also invites policy makers and stakeholders to promote the participation of young people in education, culture, sport and employment.
The Pact brings together European institutions, Member States, stakeholders from relevant sectors, including people at risk of exclusion for mental health reasons, and the research community to support and promote mental health and well-being. It is a reflection of their commitment to a longer-term process of exchange, cooperation and coordination on key challenges. The Pact should facilitate the monitoring of trends and activities in Member States and among stakeholders. Based on European best practice, it should help deliver recommendations for action for progress in addressing its priority themes.