Highlights
Introduction
Following the consultation on the European Commission's Green Paper on Mental Health the European Commissioner for Health Mr. Markos Kyprianou announced the project to launch a Mental Health Pact with proposals for intersectoral action in mental health around 4 thematic priority areas:
- Prevention of Depression and Suicide;
- Youth, Education and Mental Health;
- Mental Health and Older People; and
- Mental Health in Workplace Settings.
A 5th strand, Combating Stigma and Social Exclusion, would run through across all thematic areas.
The Pact was launched at a High-Level Conference on Mental Health that was held on 13th June 2008, led by Commissioner for Health, Ms Androulla Vassiliou, and Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Vladimír Špidla, and with the presence of Commission President Barroso.
EU - institutions, Ministers of Health as well as Ministers and organizations from other sectors (e.g. Employment and Education) across EU Member States and international organizations participated in the event.
In February 2007, the EC commissioned a tender contract to a consortium to coordinate the technical process leading up to the high-level conference and follow-up the Pact.
The Consortium is led by:
Programme on Substance Abuse Health Department Government of Catalonia, SpainDr. Eva Jané-Llopis
In collaboration with:
Mental Health Programme National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) FinlandProfessor Kristian Wahlbeck
London School of Economics and Political Science Enterprise LSE, University of London United KingdomMr David McDaid
Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Project Support, Scotland, United KingdomDr. Allyson McCollam
As background papers for the Conference, preparations included the writing of a 5-10 page “Consensus Paper” in each of the 4 priority areas. These papers were distributed at the Conference and were ment to reflect the way action on mental health can contribute to mutual objectives across sectors and how the implementation of agreed policy objectives can be strengthened. The papers focus on highlighting opportunities for evidence-based action, as demonstrated by research and practice.
Mental Health and the consultation process for the European Commission, DG SANCO.
The Consortium is lead by the Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, and in collaboration with STAKES, the London School of Economics
and the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health.