Alvin Tan’s Post

Improving mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility – from individuals to organisations to the government 🧑🤝🧑 We're proud to partner with the Singapore government to make mental health support more accessible. In collaboration with MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT)'s mindline.sg, we’ve launched a podcast to talk about anything and everything that’s on our youths’ mind. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/g8YR6gt3 We're also working on an exciting mental health-themed game which will be available soon! 🎮 That’s not all. 🌟 COMIT Programme with AIC 🌟 Through our partnership with Agency for Integrated Care (Singapore) (AIC), Singaporeans can access fully subsidised counselling services at Intellect’s Clinic locations - ensuring that cost is not a barrier to mental healthcare. 🌟 Mental Health First Aid™ (MHFA™) Certification for Grassroots Leaders 🌟 Members of People’s Association Queenstown attended MHFA™, where they were empowered to recognise and support those experiencing mental health distress and direct them to appropriate resources. With this, we hope it’ll create a ripple effect of mental health awareness and care in our community. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to make mental health support more accessible and inclusive. Together, we’re building a brighter, healthier future for all. 🌱

🌍 USAID Leading on Mental Health 🌍 https://lnkd.in/eudCw9Dx Congratulations to USAID's Mental Health team for this groundbreaking accomplishment! Special congratulations to Teresa Parr, Ph.D. who has been at the forefront of this effort. USAID has released the Agency's first mental health policy document, dedicated to integrating mental health into Agency programs. This Position Paper underscores USAID's commitment to advancing mental health globally and aligns with the Agency's long-term development goals, including advancing inclusive development. This is a pivotal moment for global mental health, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of these transformative efforts. Nearly 200 participants, representing geographic, thematic, professional, and experiential diversity provided input. The Policy Paper is built on four guiding principles: 🌟 Promote sustainable enabling environments that support mental health. 🌟 Apply contextually-appropriate approaches developed in partnership with local communities. 🌟 Actively promote the use of ethics, human rights, and Do No Harm practices. 🌟 Address key barriers to effective programming, including mental health stigma and the need to diversify and strengthen partnerships.

Today, on World Mental Health Day we have a crucial opportunity to affirm our commitment to tackling the mental health challenges facing Europe. At AIM, we believe it’s vital to raise our voices 📢 and call for a comprehensive, inclusive EU strategy on mental health 🧠💙. Mental health is a fundamental component of overall well-being and must be treated with the same priority as physical health. Even before the pandemic, one in six people in Europe experienced issues with mental health. Now, the impact of COVID-19, ongoing conflicts, and rapid societal changes have worsened the situation, with young people being particularly vulnerable. Currently, over 20% of adolescents in Europe report symptoms of depression . These realities highlight the urgent need for coordinated action. A Europe-wide strategy is no longer optional—it is essential 🚨. We are pleased to see that mental health is taken up in the Political Guidelines of the next European Commission. On this World Mental Health Day, we call on the European Commission to take decisive steps: support Member States in investing in mental health 🏥 and developing durable care systems to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to quality mental health care. Promoting cross-border cooperation on good practices is equally important. Mental health must become a priority across Europe, and it is vital that no one is left behind 🤝. Today in Strasbourg, members of the European Parliament are pushing for a more ambitious mental health strategy, and AIM fully supports their efforts 🙌. We stand with Tilly Metz, @Peter Liese, Olivier Chastel, Tomislav Sokol, @Romana Jerković, and Vlad Voiculescu in their commitment to making mental health a priority 💪. Let’s work towards a future where mental health care in Europe is not a privilege but a right for all 🌍. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #EUstrategy #MentalHealthForAll

Tue 2024-04-16 08:14 Restructuring and scaling up mental health care for impactful change Join us on Wednesday, April 17, 20234, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) for the webinar Restructuring and Scaling up Mental Health Care for Impactful Change, an event to promote a community-based mental health approach. The event will incorporate insights and recommendations from key documents, such as the World Mental Health Report, “Transforming Mental Health for All," with special attention to Chapter 7 titled "Restructuring and Scaling Up Care for Impact.” Additionally, it is supported by the "WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030," aligning with the six strategic lines of action outlined by PAHO to improve mental health and prevent suicide in the Americas region. This initiative particularly resonates with the first strategy, which aims to strengthen leadership, governance, and multisectoral partnerships, integrating mental health into all policies. Likewise, it is closely linked to the second strategy, which aims to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of community mental health services, further supporting the advancement of deinstitutionalization. Objectives: 1. Highlight the opportunities that exist in communities to expand access and coverage to comprehensive mental health services. 2. Facilitate the exchange of experiences in the field of community mental health, involving mental health experts, individuals with lived experience, and other health professionals. 3. Share the resources available for developing a community-based mental health service that protects and promotes human rights in mental health. REGISTER HERE How to participate DATE: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 TIME: 11:00 A.M. (Washington D.C. time or EDT) [check the local time in other cities at the end of this page] LANGUAGES: English and Spanish with simultaneous translation. REGISTRATION: https://lnkd.in/eF-7ks2Z

Teletherapy: Revolutionizing Mental Health Support in the Philippine Countryside Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet millions of people worldwide, including in the Philippines, face barriers to accessing necessary care. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Teletherapy offers a promising solution, enabling individuals in the Philippine countryside to receive mental health support through digital platforms. This article explores the transformative impact of teletherapy on mental health care in the Philippine countryside, examining its benefits, challenges, and future prospects. The State of Mental Health in the Philippines The Philippines has a complex landscape when it comes to mental health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16% of Filipinos experience some form of mental illness at some point in their lives. In rural areas, this issue is compounded by a lack of mental health professionals, stigma surrounding mental illness, and limited access to mental health facilities. The Philippine ... Read more https://lnkd.in/g5ggJXsU...

The future of mental health in Australia has taken a promising step forward over the last week, as the Australian and state and territory governments have shown a united front in addressing some of the recommended priorities of the mental health sector. At last Friday’s Health and Mental Health Ministers’ Meeting there was an agreement to deliver on two of the three immediate recommended actions included in our Statement of Priorities, which was endorsed by 80 of our member organisations. This included: ➡ A commitment for health and mental health ministers to meet twice yearly to progress reform priorities ➡ The immediate release of the Analysis of Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support Outside the NDIS This meeting was an important moment. It shows that governments are listening to the priorities of the community and sector, and are willing to work together to achieve change. Read more in our latest CEO Update: https://lnkd.in/gv2VVG4K

Amid rising concerns about the cost of mental health support, remember: seeing your GP could be the first step towards accessing affordable care (at least, more affordable). See if you qualify for a mental health care plan and take charge of your wellbeing. 💙 👉 https://lnkd.in/d3CjeNrB #mentalhealthawareness #seeksupport #affordablecare #mentalhealthaustralia #mentalhealthhelp

Mental Health Policies in the Philippines: Progress, Gaps, and Future Directions Introduction Mental health has emerged as a critical aspect of public health in the Philippines, especially in recent years. The growing acknowledgment of mental health issues in society, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for robust mental health policies. With the enactment of the Mental Health Act of 2018, the Philippines took significant strides toward improving mental health services. However, challenges persist, including resource allocation, stigma, and access to care. This article aims to provide an overview of the progress made in mental health policies in the Philippines, identify existing gaps, and suggest future directions for effective mental health reform. Progress in Mental Health Policies In the past decade, the Philippines has made notable progress in addressing mental health concerns through various legislative and policy initiatives 1. The Mental Health Act of 2018 The landmark Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036), enacted in June 2018, marked a significant milestone in the Philippines’... Read more https://lnkd.in/gSiBWUxA...

This week's reflection centers on the topic: "Why does mental health in Africa often face neglect in workplaces?" On 10th October each year, we observance of World Mental Health Day, back home, we held a casual 45-minute virtual chat with some of my former colleagues across various sectors. During our discussion, one key takeaway was highlighted that: in many African settings, the neglect of mental health is largely due to stigma, cultural misconceptions, and a lack of awareness. Many organizations tend to prioritize productivity over employee well-being, often perceiving mental health concerns as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Limited resources and inadequate policies further limit support for mental health initiatives. Addressing these issues calls for a cultural shift where mental health is recognized as a vital aspect of overall performance. It requires workplaces to invest in creating supportive environments that foster open dialogue and provide access to care. Recognizing the human element in professional spaces is crucial to transforming the mental health narrative in Africa. For practical sessions and team-building activities that support this cause, feel free to DM us. Wishing you a fruitful week ahead as we tag in experts on the issue to hear there opinion. Myranda Lutempo Emma SITAMBULI, Ph.D. Njira Mtonga David Chipanta

NEW POLICY: USAID has long supported initiatives that increase access to mental health services. The Agency now elevates this commitment with the launch of a Mental Health Position Paper, USAID’s first policy document related to the integration of mental health into our programs. The Position Paper signals our strong commitment to addressing mental health in development programming, recognizing the central role that mental health plays in advancing the Agency's mission regarding inclusive international development. Positive mental health allows people to more readily cope with stressors and adapt to change. At scale, mental adaptiveness translates into stronger, more resilient communities. In this way, elevating mental health throughout USAID is another way of putting into practice our Agency's mission of advancing a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. Read the policy here: https://lnkd.in/gETTm_at #USAID #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth