This week we want to highlight European Mental Health Week, an event that aims to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and well being in our day-to-day lives. This event is organised by Mental Health Europe and this year’s theme involves caring for mental health through investing in social rights.
Why mental health through social rights?
- Too often discussions around mental health only focus on individual symptoms, however the theme of social rights reminds us that mental health and well-being is deeply intertwined with our social circumstances and environment.
- Factors such as poverty, lack of access to education or employment, inequality or poor housing/social support systems can all have great impacts on mental health
- Therefore, more than individual change is needed. These are systemic issues that require collective action.
- That is what European Mental Health week is all about, highlighting the need for policy makers and leaders to recognise the impacts of social determinants on mental health.
Mental health is such an important topic and has the ability to impact all aspects of life and society. The Erasmus plus NEXUS Project is committed to raising awareness about this issue and is seeking to develop the training framework for professionals involved in youth work and youth mental well-being. Through including the youth, professionals and those with first hand experiences more in the research, development and decision making, Nexus aims to develop the mental health framework surrounding youth work and specifically involving young carers. This reframing and focus seeks to create an improved experience all round in this area of support.
For more information on NEXUS, follow us via our website or using the hashtags:
#nexusproject #youngcarers
Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-person-standing-on-cliff-in-front-of-sun-697243/