EFPA Celebrates European Public Health Week

12th May 2025—Marking the occasion of European Public Health Week, EFPA was glad to participate in a WHO and European Public Health Association led webinar on optimising mental health services as a workplace.

Key points of discussion included:

• Systemic change is essential. Leadership must foster compassionate, stigma-free workplace cultures and commit to long-term mental health support.
• Policy gaps persist. Despite growing awareness, action remains weak. We need coordinated, multi-level governance and enforceable policies to protect the workforce.
• A generational shift is underway. Younger doctors and nurses are prioritizing work-life balance and are less willing to accept outdated norms and poor conditions.
• Support systems work. Where mental health support is implemented thoughtfully, health workers are better equipped to manage stress and stay in the profession.
• No single solution is enough. A comprehensive, rights-based, and tailored package of mental health services, workplace protections, and fair conditions is vital.

The webinar was part of the “Enough waiting: Reshaping mental health care” series, funded by the European Commission under the “Addressing mental health challenges in the EU, Iceland and Norway” project.

EFPA looks forward to continuing to take collaborative practical action to address these points, paying particular attention to standards, resourcing, culture and the role of technology.