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Psychosocial Health and Work Conference Ljubljana, 9 October 2008 PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING IN EMPLOYMENT Mary Van Dievel Director Mental Health Europe (MHE). Outline. Part I: About Mental Health Europe Part II: The European Pact on Mental Health and Wellbeing Part III:

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Outline

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  1. Psychosocial Health and Work ConferenceLjubljana, 9 October 2008PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING IN EMPLOYMENTMary Van DievelDirectorMental Health Europe (MHE)

  2. Outline • Part I: • About Mental Health Europe • Part II: • The European Pact on Mental Health and Wellbeing • Part III: • Promoting mental health and wellbeing in employment

  3. A European non-governmental organisation committed to: the promotion of positive mental health and well-being the prevention of mental distress the improvement of care advocacy for social inclusion protection of human rights for (ex)users of mental health services, their families and carers Mental Health Europe (MHE)

  4. About Mental Health Europe • Was set up in 1985 as the European branch of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) • Has a history in representing mental health in its broader sense • Is in official relations with WHO Regional Office for Europe • Has participatory status with the Council of Europe • Has a liaison function for mental health promotion with the European Commission

  5. More than 50 full members, 12 associate members in 30 EU Countries Mental health promotion NGOs NGOs representing users of mental health services NGOs representing users’ families Research and educational institutions + 55 individual members • Members of Mental Health Europe

  6. Lobbies the European institutions to raise the profile of mental health and well-being on the European agenda Mainstreams mental health and well-being in European policies together with other NGOs Develops policy recommendations through its European projects Acts as a platform for exchange and collaboration among European health and social NGOs Represents the interests of its members and supports them with information on European policy and legal developments Develops communication strategies and materials: newsletter, website, leaflets, press releases, position papers and media relations What does Mental Health Europe do?

  7. MHE affiliation with other European networks

  8. Mental Health and Social Policy Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Disorders Mental Health and Human Rights Mental Health and Disability MHE Thematic Committees European Projects MHE’s areas of work

  9. Some projects including employment issues: ProMenPol - Promoting and Protecting Mental Health (2007 – 2010) – DG Research, VI Framework Programme (6FP) Website: www.mentalhealthpromotion.net Good Practices for Combating Social Exclusion of People with Mental Health Problems (2005-2007) – DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Website: www.mentalhealth-socialinclusion.org MHEENII - Mental Health Economics European Network – Phase II (2005-2007) – DG Health and Consumers Website: www.mheen.org MHE’s areas of work – European Projects

  10. MHE work programme “From exclusion to inclusion: Making social inclusion a reality for people with mental health problems in the EU” (2008-2010) – DG EMPL Capacity-building seminar for MHE members on EU policies and strategies in the field of mental health and social inclusion, Aalborg, Denmark, 6 August 2008 MHE Conference 2008 “Diversity in Mental Health and Well-being”, Aalborg, Denmark, 7-9 August 2008 Advocacy event to raise awareness on key mental health issues, European Parliament, Winter 2008 MHE key activities in 2008

  11. "Working together in the EU – Enhancing communication, collaboration and commitment in the fight against poverty and social exclusion of people with mental health problems“ Key objectives Developand strengthen MHE’s activities and that of its member organisations, including (ex)users of mental health services, toinform and influence employment and social policy at the local, national, regional and European level Actively participate and effectively contributeto the development,implementation and monitoring of theNational Reports on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion,and in particular the National Action Plans against Poverty and Social Exclusion Build the capacity of MHE members and empower (ex)users of mental health servicesto become involved in activities aimed at reinforcing the social dimension of the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs at the local and national level. MHE work programme 2008-10 (funded under PROGRESS, DG Employment)

  12. THE EUROPEAN PACT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING • Launched at the • EU high level conference • "Together for • Mental Health and Well-being“ • Brussels, 13 June 2008 • The Pact is a symbol of the commitment of the conference participants to join forces to work together on mental health policies and actions

  13. A statement of intent to work together on mental health and well-being at an EU level A true cross-policy EU initiative (Health, Education and Culture, Employment, Research, Justice) A route in for stakeholders of all kinds Complementary to WHO, OECD and CoE activity Calls for action on five themes, with cross-cutting horizontal issues A start, and not an end The European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being

  14. Mental Health in Youth and Education Mental Health in Older People Mental Health in Workplace Settings Prevention of Depression and Suicide Addressing Stigma and Social Exclusion For each Prevention, Promotion, Support, Knowledge Themes of the Pact

  15. Wide ranging Green Paper consultation inputs Member state consultation and involvement High Level Conference (June 2008) EC Mental Health Process Consortium: Prepared four consensus papers with expert input discussing policy context, examples and potential actions in each theme Produced policy briefs for each theme Coordinating examples of policy and practice from member states High level conference reports SUPPORT Project (Papers, Project Database) WHO Europe Baseline Study Preparation of the Pact

  16. In each area, the Pact invites policy makers and stakeholders to take action in the following areas… A call for action…

  17. Ensure schemes for early intervention throughout the educational system; Provide programmes to promote parenting skills; Promote training of professionals involved in the health, education, youth and other relevant sectors in mental health and well-being; Promote the integration of socio-emotional learning into the curricular and extracurricular activities and the cultures of pre-schools and schools; Programmes to prevent abuse, bullying, violence against young people and their exposure to social exclusion; Promote the participation of young people in education, culture, sport and employment. In Youth and Education:

  18. Promote the active participation of older people in community life, including the promotion of their physical activity and educational opportunities; Develop flexible retirement schemes which allow older people to remain at work longer on a full-time or part-time basis; Provide measures to promote mental health and well-being among older people receiving care (medical and/or social) in both community and institutional settings. For Mental Health in Older People:

  19. Promote the active participation of older people in community life, including the promotion of their physical activity and educational opportunities; Develop flexible retirement schemes which allow older people to remain at work longer on a full-time or part-time basis; Provide measures to promote mental health and well-being among older people receiving care (medical and/or social) in both community and institutional settings. In Workplace Settings:

  20. Improve the training of health professionals Restrict access to potential means for suicide; Take measures to raise mental health awareness in the general public, among health professionals and other relevant sectors; Take measures to reduce risk factors for suicide such as excessive drinking, drug abuse and social exclusion, depression and stress; Provide support mechanisms after suicide attempts and for those bereaved by suicide. In Prevention of Suicide and Depression:

  21. Support anti-stigma campaigns and activities such as in media, schools and at the workplace to promote the integration of people with mental disorders; Develop mental health services which are well integrated in society, put the individual at the centre and operate in a way which avoids stigmatisation and exclusion; Promote active inclusion of people with mental health problems in society, including access to appropriate employment, training and educational opportunities; Involve people with mental health problems and their families and carers in relevant policy and decision making processes. In addressing stigma:

  22. Thematic conferences for each priority area over next two years Potential link to next presidencies (France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Spain) Potential for a Council Recommendation in 2009/2010 Coordination and exchange on practice and policy in mental health and related areas Future Action at the EU Level

  23. Thematic conferences for each priority area over next two years Potential link to next presidencies (France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Spain) Potential for a Council Recommendation in 2009/2010 Coordination and exchange on practice and policy in mental health and related areas Future Action at the EU Level

  24. Demonstrating added value of good mental health Identify non-health initiatives with mental health outcomes Facilitate new partnership opportunities Bring together stakeholders to share information and identify gaps for action Improve the knowledge base: comparability, quality, trends and progress Taking Forward the Pact...at all levels

  25. “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it” (Hans Selye) Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in employment

  26. One key priority of the Lisbon Strategy on Growth and Jobs (2008-2010) is to ‘invest in people and modernise labour markets’ need for both more and better jobs, and for improved social inclusion and gender equality. Community Strategy onHealth and Safety at Work for 2007-2012  identifies poor mental health as the 4th most frequent cause of incapacity for work and highlights the need to develop a preventing culture in training programmes at all levels of education and in all fields, including vocational training and university education. Commission White Paper "Together for Health: A strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013“  recognises that mental health problems are a major cause of work absenteeism and early retirement, thereby causing immense economic losses and social burdens. Community actions in the field of mental health and measures to promote the health of the workforce are foreseen. Mental health in the workplace:policy context (1)

  27. Legally binding Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on occupational safety and health states that “employers have a duty to ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to the work” 2 Framework Agreements (2004 and 2007) concluded by EU-level social partners to address the prevention of "work-related stress" and "harassment and violence at work" respectively  commitment to implement these agreements at national level, with a view to identifying, preventing and managing problems of work-related stress, harassment and violence in workplaces across Europe 2007 Commission Communication on "Modernising social protection for greater social justice and economic cohesion: taking forward the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market” proposes an Active Inclusion strategy to break down barriers to the labour market, while ensuring adequate levels of social protection for those furthest from the labour market, including people with mental health problems. Mental health in the workplace:policy context (2)

  28. In Europe, one in five people at work suffers from a high level of stress at work, the 2nd most common health symptom Emerging psychosocial risk factors behind poor mental health in the workplace include: reduced job security and more fixed term employment contracts work intensification: a higher workload often without additional reward high emotional demands at work, including bullying and violence a poor work-life balance (source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work) Mental health in the workplace:key figures and facts (1)

  29. Overall economic impact to the European economy:  total productivity related costs of mental health disorders in the EU-25: €136.3 billion  of these, €99.3 billionproductivity lossesper annum linked to depression and anxiety disorders A few more considerations…  Productivity losses associated with another major health problem in Europe, cardiovascular disease, are much lower at €36.1 billion in the EU-25  This estimate does not take into account the long term impacts on career progression of periods of absenteeism, reduced educational opportunities and the social exclusion that people with mental health problems can experience. Mental health in the workplace:key figures and facts (2)

  30. 1. A positive mental health approach for all people at work shall be encouraged, while ensuring at the same time that the needs of individuals with mental health problems are duly taken into account when designing employment policies. 2. Core elements of employment policies must include ongoing job support that encompasses opportunity for career growth, and job placement that provides an opportunity for advancement. Employment policies shall not exclusively focus on skills training as this would isolate individuals from the rest of society. 3. Interventions to reduce stress in the workplace shall be designed and linked effectively to existing initiatives, encouraging cross-sectoral and multi-level cooperation between key stakeholders within and outside the health and employment sectors. MHE policy recommendations on mental wellbeing in employment (1)

  31. 4. Mental well-being promotion in the workplace must be built upon the individual’s strengths and abilities while de-emphasising any mental, intellectual or physical disability. Career development programmes should centre on the individual preferences on securing the competitive jobs they want, with job development tailored to their own career interests and capabilities. 5. Clear and accountable information must be provided to the employers on the importance and benefits of promoting mental well-being at work. 6. The education sector at all levels shall be engaged as it plays a key role in promoting awareness and improving resilience by teaching positive coping strategies to enable people to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health distress. MHE policy recommendations on mental wellbeing in employment (2)

  32. 7. Training and social support must be provided in order to empower people at work and lead them to improvements in competence, coping strategies, job satisfaction, work capacity and reduced stress. 8. Initiatives that improve equal employment opportunities for all, and in particular for those with mental health problems, must be encouraged and supported. All individuals have equal rights to seek, obtain, and maintain employment in their community. MHE policy recommendations on mental wellbeing in employment (3)

  33. European Commission’s website on mental health: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/mental/mental_health_en.htm European Commission DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities: http://ec.europa.eu/social/ Website on the European Pact on mental health and wellbeing: http://ec-mental-health-process.net/index.html MHE policy position on promoting mental wellbeing in employment: www.mhe-sme.org/en/publications/mhe-position-papers.html Useful links:

  34. For further information • Mental Health Europe – Santé Mentale Europe • Boulevard Clovis 7, B-1000, Brussels • Tel. +32 2 280 04 68 • Fax +32 2 280 16 04 • E-mail:info@mhe-sme.org • www.mhe-sme.org

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