The National Mental Health Strategy and the Programme for Suicide Prevention (2020–2030) are based on long term preparation and broad collaboration. The starting point of the strategy is the holistic consideration of mental health at all levels of society and across all sectors.
Mental health is a key resource that can be strengthened; disorders can be prevented and treated effectively, and the stigma associated with them can be reduced. The National Mental Health Strategy defines five priority areas: mental health as capital, mental health of children and young people, mental health rights, mental health services, and leadership in mental health.
These priorities are advanced through various measures, such as promoting mental health, strengthening basic services, increasing mental health competence, reducing discrimination and stigma, and implementing the measures outlined in the Programme for Suicide Prevention.
Goals
The National Mental Health Strategy identifies the need for the following developments in Finland:
- A population level model for mental health promotion
- A comprehensive knowledge base on the availability, quality, and effectiveness of mental health services
- Training for professionals to strengthen mental health services for children and young people
- Support for the implementation of the reformed mental health and substance use legislation, including assessing the need to develop diverse services and reducing stigma and discrimination
- Measures to promote mental health and prevent suicide among the most vulnerable groups.
Implementation
The National Mental Health Strategy and the Programme for Suicide Prevention have been implemented through multiple approaches. In 2020–2022, the implementation focused on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health and substance use services, suicide prevention, strengthening mental health competence, and supporting employment for people with severe mental illnesses.
During the extensive 2023–2024 programme, several tasks were carried out to influence national mental well being and service development. The programme also included measures to reduce stigma and to consider minority groups, thereby supporting equality in Finland.
The project Mental Health Support 2025–2027 aims to improve access to low threshold mental health support nationwide in cooperation with non-governmental organisations. The objective is to provide conversational support and assistance that is open to all. The project is carried out through ten sub projects across Finland.
Funding
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Partners
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the interministerial working group
- Planning group for the implementation of the Government Resolution on Promoting Mental Health (2025–2026)
- Wellbeing services counties
- Municipalities
- Non governmental organisations
Contact details
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