-Automatic translation

The workshop was linked to the European joint action project JA PreventNCD, aiming to explore how mental well-being and mental health can be integrated into all government policymaking and public service organisation in Iceland – known as the Mental Health in All Policies (MHiAP) approach. The moderator was Sigrún Þóra Sveinsdóttir, a specialist in mental wellbeing in the Public Health Division of the Directorate of Health.

The significance of mental well-being in cross-system policymaking

At the workshop, specialists delivered presentations on the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-system policymaking.

Ingibjörg Sveinsdóttir, a specialist at the Ministry of Health and a consultant at the World Health Organization in Europe, emphasised that systematic mental well-being must be integrated into the policymaking processes of ministries and municipalities. Among other things, she stated:

Soile Ridanpää, a specialist at the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, explained how Finland has incorporated mental health into its national policymaking through a dedicated government decision and a coordinated action plan for all ministries until 2030.

Sigrún Daníelsdóttir, team leader for mental well-being in the Public Health Division of the Directorate of Health, reported on the findings of a situational analysis examining how the focus on mental well-being and mental health is reflected in policymaking in Iceland. This analysis was conducted in connection with the JA PreventNCD project. She also outlined the next steps, which include implementing the MHiAP approach within Icelandic public administration as part of the European joint action project JA MENTOR.

A clear vision from the participants

Towards the end of the workshop, group discussions took place, during which a compelling vision emerged.
If mental health were included in all policymaking in Iceland, society would move from reacting to preventing issues.

Participants emphasised, among other things:

• establishing systematic mental well-being programmes and strengthening resilience in the school system,

• providing early intervention and support for parents,

• ensuring flexibility in the labour market and coordinating municipal services,

• reducing silo thinking between sectors and ministries,

• reviewing children's online environment,

• promoting mental well-being among police and public officials.,

• extending welfare services and support systems for young people beyond the age of 18.

Further information
Sigrún Daníelsdóttir, Team Lead for Mental Health Promotion
Sigrún Þóra Sveinsdóttir, Specialist in Mental Health Promotion