Announcement: EUREGHA Endorses the Joint Statement on Mental Health in All Policies

We are excited to announce that EUREGHA has officially endorsed the Joint Statement titled “Deliver on Promises and Honour Commitments on Mental Health,” a crucial initiative led by Mental Health Europe and the European Mental Health Advocacy Platform. This statement reaffirms our dedication to promoting mental health as an integral component of public health and social well-being across Europe.

The Joint Statement emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the commitments made at both the European and national levels to ensure mental health is prioritized in policy-making. It serves as a call to action for the European Commission, Member States, and the European Parliament to deliver on their promises related to mental health and to work collaboratively towards a comprehensive and inclusive approach to mental health policies.

Why Regional Policy Matters:

Mental health is profoundly influenced by local contexts and regional dynamics. Regional policies play a crucial role in shaping the mental health landscape, as they are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking support. By endorsing this Joint Statement, we highlight the necessity for regional authorities to actively engage in developing and implementing mental health strategies that address local needs.

1. 1. Holistic Integration: Mental health is not just a healthcare issue; it permeates every aspect of society. The statement advocates for the integration of mental health into all areas of public policy, emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration at the regional level.
   2. Commitment to Action: Signatories of the Joint Statement urge stakeholders to implement concrete actions that translate commitments into effective policies. This includes ensuring equitable access to mental health services for all individuals, especially marginalized groups who face additional barriers. Regional policies can drive initiatives that cater to local populations.
   3. Accountability and Transparency: The document underscores the need for accountability in policy implementation. It calls for mechanisms that hold policymakers responsible for the mental health outcomes of their decisions, ensuring that mental health is prioritized in all government actions at every level, including regional authorities.
   4. Promotion of Well-Being: The statement outlines the significance of creating environments that support mental well-being, advocating for initiatives that span education, employment, social protection, and community engagement. Regional governments have a unique opportunity to foster local partnerships that enhance mental health support systems.

By endorsing this statement, EUREGHA stands alongside numerous organizations that share a vision of a Europe where everyone has the right to good mental health and can access timely, appropriate support throughout their lives. We believe that mental health should be a fundamental right, accessible to all individuals regardless of their circumstances.

As we move forward, we encourage all stakeholders, particularly regional authorities, to follow this vital initiative for future actions and  opportunities for all voices to be heard in this important conversation.

We invite you to read the full Joint Statement and join us in advocating for policies that respect and uphold the mental health rights of all individuals. Together, we are advancing towards a future where mental health is prioritized, and everyone can thrive.

The document is enriched with an Annex containing concrete tools for a Mental Health in All Policies approach, promising practices, and further resources. In addition, other resources and practices are available on the Mental Health in all Policies Thematic Network library. 

About the Thematic Network:

The Thematic Network on “Mental Health in All Policies” is led by Mental Health Europe and is open to stakeholders within and beyond the health sector to share knowledge and provide policy recommendations on how to develop (or expand existing) mechanisms and approaches for integrated policies and actions to promote and protect mental health.

Since June 2023, the Thematic Network has been transformed into a Stakeholder Network. To be part of the Stakeholder Network on “Mental Health in All Policies”, you can request access by following these steps: login in the EU Health Policy Platform here, search the Stakeholder Network, click on the “request access” button, provide input and submit.