CHARM-EU joins the awareness raising for World Mental Health Day 2023

CHARM-EU joins the awareness raising for World Mental Health Day 2023

On 10th October 2023 – World Mental Health Day, part of our work on inclusion and diversity, CHARM-EU joins to raise awareness of this International Day, strengthening the commitment to providing welcoming, inclusive spaces and appropriate support for Everyone especially in higher education, for students and community.

Image of a head and flowers

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Why it matters

According to United Nations, more than 1 in 10 people live with mental health conditions. (UN OHCHR, n.a.) The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that growing social and economic inequalities, conflicts, violence, and more impacted people’s well-being and mental health even before the pandemic.

As mental health has become a critical issue with recent events, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important to acknowledge and tackle structural barriers, reduce discrimination and stigmatisation.

There is an urgent need for countries to appropriately address mental health based on human rights in responding to and recovering from the pandemic. Various population groups, disproportionately persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities, as well as older persons, and persons belonging to groups at risk of exclusion. (UN OHCHR, n.a.)

Shaping minds and hearts by sharing experiences

CHARM-EU is delighted to share the video message of Nick Morgan, from Euro Youth Mental Health, who addressed the importance of the Day and the theme of 2023 and shared  key aspect of sharing experiences and how active participation and small steps are essential.

Please, find the video here.

CHARM EU is committed to make greater access, however there are resource allocation restrictions too. Please be patient with us, while we are working to provide transcript of the contribution.

CHARM-EU’s commitment to mental health and well-being

In CHARM-EU, we recognise that all stakeholders must engage and invest in supporting their communities’ mental health. We acknowledge that various structural barriers, including stigma and discrimination, remain a huge obstacle to social inclusion and well-being. Throughout the work of the CHARM-EU Inclusiveness Team, alongside relevant units within the CHARM-EU universities, we are committed to providing the appropriate mental health support for our students and staff.

Joins us to raise awareness by using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay on social media and contribute to Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority!

References:

  • United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (n.a). Mental health and human rights OHCHR and the right to health. Retrieved from: OHCHR | Mental health and human rights
  • who.int
  • wmhdofficial.com
  • https://eymh.org/

Credit:

The contribution was prepared by Nick Morgan, director of Euro Youth Mental Health and Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits, Leader of CHARM-EU Inclusiveness (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Team.