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 the European Pact on Mental Health and Well-Being with proposals for intersectoral action in mental health around 5 thematic priority areas:
- Youth, Education and Mental Health;
- Prevention of Depression and Suicide;
- Mental Health and Older People;
- Mental Health in Workplace Settings; and
- Combating Stigma and Social Exclusion.
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.
Thematic Consensus Papers
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, along with the information condensed into a “policy briefs” paper, and a research paper on the 5th priority area, stigma and social exclusion 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.
The Coordinating Consortium
In February 2007, the EC commissioned a tender contract to a consortium to coordinate the technical process for the preparation of the Consensus Papers and lead up to the High-Level Conference .
| The Consortium was led by: |
Programme on Substance Abuse
Health Department
Government of Catalonia, Spain
Dr. Eva Jané-Llopis |
 |
| In collaboration with: |
Mental Health Programme.
National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL , former STAKES), Finland
Professor Kristian Wahlbeck |
 |
London School of Economics and Political Science
Enterprise LSE, University of London
United Kingdom
Mr David McDaid |
 |
Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health
Project Support,
Scotland, United Kingdom
Dr. Allyson McCollam |
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