Mental health is at a crossroads in Europe. Rising needs, persistent inequalities, and increasing pressure on health systems demand a stronger, more coordinated response—one that goes beyond care to include prevention, community support, and cross-sector collaboration.

This session explores how public health approaches can help address today’s mental health challenges, bringing together perspectives from policy, research, and lived experience. From strengthening partnerships to improving data and reducing stigma, the discussion will highlight how investment in mental health is essential for resilient and sustainable health systems.

The webinar will also introduce a new capacity-building programme led by WHO Europe and EUPHA, designed to support public health professionals in advancing mental health across sectors.

Following this session, participants are invited to join a series of five thematic webinars, covering:

• Reducing stigma in mental health
• Advancing prevention research
• Intersectoral collaboration and good practices
• Integrating lived experience into practice
• Strengthening mental health data and surveillance

Join us to explore how we can turn knowledge into action—and build stronger, more inclusive mental health systems across Europe.

The EARLY project aims to provide robust and representative data on youth mental health across the European region, and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions. With 19 partners from 14 countries, the initiative is focused on addressing the critical issue of youth mental health in order to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases – particularly mental health conditions – among young people.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the project will develop a comprehensive exposure matrix, investigate perceptions around youth mental health, and generate high-quality data to inform future interventions.