The message of the European Conference on Promotion of Mental Health and Social Inclusion is clear: there is no health without mental, and this concerns all citizens. Mental health must be promoted cross-sectorally and at all levels of society, since it is a significant resource for both individuals and nations. During the conference a recommendation was formulated for a European mental health policy, that is proposed to be incorporated in the EU’s new public health programme.

According to Minister Eva Biaudet the debate about mental health promotion will continue within the EU, since the next Presidency countries Portugal, France and Belgium have promised to support Finland’s mental health initiative.

The ministers of health were unanimous that extensive co-operation, research and exchange of good practices are needed to promote mental health. Minister Biaudet put forth that a follow-up conference should be arranged in a few years to evaluate the outcomes of the conference in Tampere.

It was stressed in the recommendation of the conference that mental health policy should include certain components linked to national social infrastructures and services.

At the national level mental health could be promoted, among others, through legislation, a strategy for mental health promotion and networking across different sectors. Strategies supporting mental health are needed in the field of mental health information, research and development and human resources.

Mental health should be promoted e.g. at schools and workplaces, and evidence-based guidelines for good practices should be created for the related services. The participation of service users and their families in the planning and implementation of operations is considered especially important.

The recommendations underline that the details of European mental health policy vary according to the culture and other circumstances of each individual country. Priorities in the promotion of mental health are enhancement of the value and visibility of mental health, development of mental health indicators, promotion of mental health of children and young people, working life, employment policy and mental health promotion, as well as telematics in mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention.