Nova Medical School (Nova University of Lisbon)

JA MH-WB, launched in 2013, aims at building a framework for action in mental health policy at the European level and builds on previous work developed under the 2008 European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being. The objective is to contribute to the promotion of mental health and well-being, the prevention of mental disorders and the improvement of care and social inclusion of people with mental disorders in Europe. The initiative also looks at mental heath policies in arts and culture, as reflected in one of its reports, i.e. ”Mental Health in All Policies. Situation analysis and recommendations for action” (sub-chapter ”Cultural activities, the arts and mental health”). The report of the final conference of the Joint Action states that : ”Access to, and participating in, cultural and social activities, as well as outdoor recreation and green spaces promote mental health and wellbeing. Personal safety, the safeguarding of human rights, and community involvement are all conducive to mental health and wellbeing. Interventions to prevent mental disorders include interventions to address inequalities, prevention of childhood adversities and abuse, stopping bullying at school and reduction of stress in the workplace.”
The initiative is coordinated by Nova Medical School (Portugal) and has 51 partners (30 associated and 21 collaborating) representing 28 EU Member States and 11 European organizations.