The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe is set to launch a new toolkit designed to help reduce stigma and discrimination in mental health.
Stigma and discrimination related to mental health are present in every country and can severely impact individuals’ lives. Many people living with mental health conditions are less likely to seek or continue treatment due to this stigma. Additionally, they often struggle to find jobs and build relationships. This stigma not only affects their mental well-being but also contributes to a shorter life expectancy. It is crucial to end the discrimination against people with mental health conditions.
The “Mosaic Toolkit to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health” was created by WHO/Europe in collaboration with experts from King’s College London and the Global Mental Health Peer Network. It also received input from the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition and anti-stigma experts worldwide. This toolkit is based on the best available evidence regarding stigma reduction in mental health.
This initiative responds to a recommendation from the Lancet Commission aimed at ending mental health stigma and fulfills needs identified by the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition in its initial working package on mental health leadership.
The Mosaic toolkit is intended for anyone interested in anti-stigma efforts. It seeks to simplify the process of reducing stigma and discrimination. The toolkit aims to assist individuals and organizations that have not yet engaged in evidence-based anti-stigma activities. It can also serve as a reference for those who have experience in this area, helping them gain support from stakeholders and promote evidence-based stigma reduction in sectors where it has not yet been implemented.
The launch event will be led by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe. It will include a panel of individuals with personal experience and anti-stigma experts from around the globe, including members of the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition.
The toolkit will be available on the WHO/Europe website starting on October 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM Central European Summer Time (CEST).
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