Introduction

As understanding has progressed mental health has come to be appreciated as something much broader than mental illness: as relevant to us all, not just something affecting a few. Over that time models of care have moved beyond that of institutionalised treatment with support now offered on the psychological, social and environmental levels.

Since its inception EFPA has engaged as an active participant in mental health advocacy throughout Europe and alongside our collaborators internationally. EFPA welcomes a recognition of the importance of ensuring that EU and national policies proactively promote good mental health, as well as work to prevent, mitigate and respond to mental health challenges.

More recently, following European Commission President von der Leyen's announcement of a European commitment to mental health, EFPA has contributed to the call for evidence by the European Commission as part of its 'Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health', along with attending meetings with members of the European Parliament and other important stakeholder organisations to identify practical ways of creating meaningful change on the ground.

EFPA's response makes the case for seven points: mental health commitment, societal crises, community-oriented services, the workplace, climate change, standards and equality of access/digitalisation. EFPA calls for a recognition of the importance of mental health, a normalisation of its discussion and for policy and practice at all times to consider it as a factor.

The seven priorities,  are offered as concrete ways to ensure sustained and meaningful EU-level action. Ideally these priorities would become workstreams of a coherent strategy, which could be launched and effectively bound together in the form of an EU Year for Mental Health.

Read more about the seven points on EFPA website 

EFPA Webinar

EFPA participates in European Mental Health Week 2023: Panel event and new mental health web page on efpa.eu

EFPA was delighted to host a panel event: 'European Mental Health: A comprehensive and unified approach' on Monday 22nd May 2023.

This event marked the occasion of European Mental Health Week (22-28 May 2023) and aimed to highlight the diverse ways that psychology can contribute to the development of mental health in both policy and practice. The event featured contributions from panelists Magda Rooze, Felix Bolinski, Ole Tunold, Kinga Dengyel, Rosaleen McElvaney and Tom Van Daele and was hosted by EC Member and Liaison for Mental Health John Francis Leader.

The topics discussed were centred around EFPA's recent submission to the European Commission's 'A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health' process—relating to: mental health commitment, societal crises, community-oriented services, the workplace, climate change, standards and equality of access/digitalisation.

A new mental health section on the EFPA website has also been launched as part of European Mental Health Week. There you will find details of EFPA's work in this area including further details on the 7 points mentioned above, submissions to the European Commission and you can watch back the panel event:

Watch Youtube:

Panel discussion May 22 2023 European Mental Health Week

World Health Day April 7

On 7 April 2023, World Health Day, the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA) joins many around the world today in marking 75 years since the establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and recognising its important work in promoting public health.

Read EFPA statement here 

EFPA at European Parliament meeting MEPs about 'Plan, Act, Change', a comprehensive approach to Mental Health in Europe

March 21, 2023  

EFPA was delighted to attend the MEP Alliance for Mental Health and the Coalition for Mental Health and Well-Being's meeting on ‘A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health: Plan, Act, Change’.

The event was co-hosted by Mental Health Europe and GAMIAN and took place in the European Parliament on 21st March 2023. It featured important contributions from variety of mental health stakeholders.

Read more and see the meeting report here 