MHiAP to strengthen mental health promotion strategies and actions across sectors

Abstract Background The JA PreventNCD project aims to address the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health. Part of the work focuses on Mental Health in All Policies (MHiAP) and the development of effective implementation strategies. The MHiAP approach highlights the impact of public policies on the determinants of mental health and well-being, and seeks to advance mental health promotion (MHP) by integrating it into all policies. The aim was to explore the role of various sectors in MHP and map the current situation of policies that promote mental health. Further, the aim was to gain an understanding of current practices, identify opportunities and challenges in MHiAP implementation, and provide recommendations for how it can best be implemented at different levels of governance. This work complements and supports the efforts of the JA MENTOR. Methods A situation analysis with key policy stakeholders and actors was carried out to map the inclusion of mental wellbeing in various policies and sectors at both national and regional levels, and to identify good practices of MHP at the policy level across sectors. Feedback from national thematic workshops in the participating countries (n = 7 EU/EEA countries) complemented the survey results. Results Good practices and successful strategies for strengthening MHP and actions across sectors were identified. These include national MHP strategies and interministerial working groups, the integration of mental health and wellbeing issues into national non-health policies, and established networks for intersectoral collaboration in MHP. The results are outlined, and recommendations presented in a final report of good MHiAP practices which are presented at the workshop. Conclusions MHiAP is an effective approach to promoting mental health and wellbeing across different levels of governance. While MHiAP can be implemented in various ways, further actions are necessary to strengthen this approach.