Prioritizing mental health in schools and workplaces: WHO designates the Trimbos Institute as a collaborating centre focusing on mental health services

WHO/Europe has designated the Trimbos Institute in Utrecht, Netherlands, as the new WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services and Interventions Over the Life Course. The announcement comes on World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to renew commitments to prioritize mental health, including in the workplace - this year's theme. The Collaborating Centre will join WHO/Europe's efforts to promote workplace- and school-focused activities for the WHO European Region.

WHO/Europe is dedicated to promoting a future where mental health support is a fundamental right at every stage of life, including in the workplace and at school. The Collaborating Centre will provide expert insights, research and evidence to help reach WHO milestones in improved mental health access, supporting the Region to become a mentally healthy society where everyone feels connected, is encouraged to participate, and has as much control over their own lives as possible.

"Designating the Trimbos Institute as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services and Interventions Over the Life Course offers WHO/Europe a powerful resource for improving mental health in 2 key areas of our lives: school and the workplace," said Ms Ana Maria Tijerino Inestroza, Technical Officer in WHO/Europe's Mental Health Unit. "This partnership is an important step towards fostering a society where people care for themselves, each other and their environment through sound mental health."

Well-being in schools

The Trimbos Institute brings experience in creating and implementing preventative mental health programmes especially designed for young people. It shares knowledge, tools and practical examples, working from a foundation of scientific knowledge, and advocates for an integrated approach to well-being in schools. It provides research, policy and practice-based advice for professionals on mental health and addiction issues over the life course, and across the promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery spectrum.

Well-being in the workplace

In prioritizing mental health in the workplace, the Trimbos Institute will support WHO/Europe's work on integral workplace mental health policies, offering insights and effective interventions for employee assistance, and developing mental health guidelines for professionals, human resources managers and prevention workers. Equipping the right people with the right knowledge and tools to recognize and address mental health issues in the workplace will yield a better future for the Region's diverse and capable employed people.

Professor Laura Shields-Zeeman, Director of the Collaborating Centre, expressed, "We are thrilled to collaborate and support WHO in its mission to advance mental health efforts across the world. We are committed to sharing evidence and good practices and driving forward mental health actions and initiatives that will uplift communities across Member States. Together, we can turn knowledge into action and take steps towards better mental health for all."