Council of Europe marks World Mental Health Day 2026 with youth projects
European Youth Foundation highlights 2026 projects on mental health, stigma and youth well-being as the Council of Europe points to its human rights instruments.
The story in focus
The European Youth Foundation marked World Mental Health Day 2026 by highlighting youth-led projects on stigma, refugee support and school mental health, alongside Council of Europe human rights instruments on mental health.
- World Mental Health Day 2026 is observed on 10 October under the theme of lived experiences being heard.
- The Council of Europe cites its 2004 Committee of Ministers recommendation on rights and dignity of persons with mental disorder.
- Four EYF-supported 2026 projects address youth mental health, stigma, refugees and schools.
What the foundation highlighted
The European Youth Foundation published a World Mental Health Day 2026 notice on 9 October, ahead of the 10 October observance. The 2026 theme focuses on listening to people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
The notice describes four EYF-supported projects running in 2026. One brings young people from Europe and Latin America together for a summer camp on mental health, stigma, privilege and inclusion. Another, run by UNITED for Intercultural Action, trains youth workers and other professionals to provide mental health and psychosocial support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Two further projects use creative methods for emotional well-being and student-led advocacy for mental health in schools.
Council of Europe instruments
The Council of Europe lists legal and awareness-raising instruments in mental health, including a 2004 Committee of Ministers recommendation on protecting the human rights and dignity of persons with mental disorder. It also cites a HELP course for legal professionals on mental health and human rights, and a compendium report on voluntary measures in mental health services.
The notice describes young people as particularly vulnerable, citing World Health Organization figures that around 15% of adolescents globally experience a mental disorder and that suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. It says youth organisations play a key role in creating spaces for open discussion and advocacy.
What figures does the Council of Europe cite on adolescent mental health?
It cites WHO figures that around 15% of adolescents globally experience a mental disorder, and that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29.
Sources & further reading
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