Cross Policy Workshop on The Role of Mental Health in European Schools

In November 2007, SUPPORT and DG-SANCO organised a cross policy workshop on mental health in schools. This meeting drew together experts and stakeholder groups to discuss the key messages that could underpin future EU level work in this area. 

The workshop took place in the context of DG SANCO led activities on mental health  and the DG Education and Culture (EAC) consultation on "Schools for the 21st Century ". Representatives of both policy areas gave presentations, and the meting was introduced by Georgina Georgeou, from the Cabinet of Commissioner Markos Kyprianou.


The objective of the workshop was to start a process of discussion between key stakeholders in the field, to begin outlining principles for potential EU level actions in three areas:

  • The State of School-aged Children’s and Adolescent's Mental Health in the EU: Data and Instruments
  • Promoting Positive Mental Health and Reducing Risk Factors in Schools: Options, Evidence Benefits for Health and Education
  • Supporting Children with Mental Illness: Reducing Exclusion and Providing Appropriate Interventions

The workshop did not seek to produce all the answers or to complete discussions in an ever changing field.  It was intended to be an initial exchange, to explore the kinds of actions that could be taken, and to discuss the potential for sustained cooperative action between stakeholders in this area.


Three outcomes were sought from the meeting:

  • A set of ‘key messages’ across three themes to which the group could subscribe, and which could be made available for wider dissemination.
  • A ‘consensus statement’ based on discussions in the meeting, produced by Commission Services, that could form the basis for discussions at future events and activities.
  • An agreement as to how the group might continue to share information and contribute to ongoing developments in EU level activities on mental health.

A full report of the meeting is forthcoming, but the key messages agreed in the discussions are available.

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