Stronger Together: A Week of Solidarity, Community, and Mental Health Across Europe

This year’s edition of European Mental Health Week showed something powerful: across Europe, people are ready to rethink mental health not as an individual issue alone, but as a shared societal responsibility.

Under the theme “Stronger Together: Prioritise Mental Health in a Changing Europe,” the 7th edition of European Mental Health Week brought together more than 44 events and activities across Europe in just one week. From policy discussions and community walks to creative workshops, art exhibitions, webinars, comedy, youth dialogues, and awareness campaigns, this year’s programme reflected the diversity of voices, experiences, and communities shaping the future of mental health in Europe.

Throughout the Week, five core themes guided the conversation:

• the impact of digitalisation on wellbeing and online safety;
• the urgent need to support young people’s mental health;
• how inequality, discrimination, housing, work, and social conditions shape mental health outcomes;
• the need for equitable access to community-based mental health support;
• and the importance of community, belonging, solidarity, and connection as foundations for wellbeing.

Together, these conversations reinforced a central message: mental health does not happen in isolation. It is shaped by the environments we live in, the policies we create, and the ways we support one another.

European Parliament: A Path Towards a European Mental Health Strategy for All

One of the central moments of the Week took place at the European Parliament, where the European Parliament Intergroup on Mental Health, together with Mental Health Europe and GAMIAN-Europe, brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society organisations to discuss Europe’s next steps on mental health policy.

The event highlighted both progress and urgency. Discussions explored the economic and social impact of poor mental health, the importance of investing in prevention and positive mental health, and the reality that discrimination, poverty, insecure housing, and exclusion continue to prevent many people from accessing wellbeing and support. Contributions from policymakers, civil society, and the European Commission demonstrated growing political momentum — but also a clear understanding that current action is not enough.

During the event, Mental Health Europe presented its new policy brief, “Stronger Together: A Path Towards a European Mental Health Strategy for All,” calling for:

• a long-term European Mental Health Strategy;
• a mental health in all policies approach;
• and sustained investment in community-based support.

But European Mental Health Week was not only about policy. It was also about creating spaces for connection, openness, and community.

A Comedy Night for Mental Health

One of the most memorable moments of the Week came through Laughing Together: A Comedy Night for Mental Health in Brussels, which brought people together for an evening of humour, storytelling, and solidarity. The sold-out event showed that conversations about mental health can also happen through laughter, creativity, and shared human experiences.

The evening also raised funds for DIOGENES ASBL, supporting their work with vulnerable people in Brussels (donations can still be made via their website).

A Movement Across Europe

Above all, European Mental Health Week 2026 demonstrated the strength of collective action. None of this would have been possible without the incredible engagement of partners, speakers, organisations, volunteers, artists, policymakers, practitioners, and participants across Europe who helped turn this Week into a true movement for mental health awareness, dignity, and change.

To everyone who organised an event, shared a story, joined a discussion, attended an activity, or helped spread the message: this week’s success is all thanks to you.

European Mental Health Week may last one week, but the issues raised throughout these days continue all year round. The work to build inclusive communities, tackle inequality, strengthen mental health systems, protect human rights, and ensure that nobody is left behind does not end here.

Because mental health is a shared responsibility.

💚 Stronger Together to build an inclusive community. We’re already looking forward to collaborating with you next year!

Be sure to follow along for updates about European Mental Health Week 2027 and other campaigns coming soon!

Mental Health Europe is on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook

You can find the European Parliament Intergroup on Mental Health on Linkedin