UNICEF, Z Zurich Foundation advance youth mental health efforts
- UNICEF and the Z Zurich Foundation renewed their global partnership, Thriving Together, on World Mental Health Day to amplify efforts in promoting mental well-being among young people globally, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment and action in youth mental health.
- The partnership features a comprehensive approach involving in-country programming, global advocacy, and learning opportunities aimed at equipping both caregivers and youth with tools to manage stress, with particular focus on supporting young refugees and reducing stigma associated with mental health issues.
- Thriving Together aims to impact over half a million adolescents and caregivers in seven countries while reaching 30 million people worldwide through communication campaigns, driving a global movement to enhance mental health awareness and prevent long-term challenges.
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On a significant day dedicated to mental health awareness, World Mental Health Day, the Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF announced the renewal of their global partnership, Thriving Together. This collaborative effort aims to significantly scale up initiatives focused on promoting mental well-being among young people worldwide. The renewed partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to addressing the pressing issue of youth mental health.
A Global Call to Action
The partnership between UNICEF and the Z Zurich Foundation is part of a broader movement to mobilize public and private sector investment and action in youth mental health. This initiative is particularly crucial given the alarming statistics: one in seven adolescents lives with a diagnosed mental health disorder, representing 13 percent of adolescents globally. The economic impact of neglecting mental health is substantial, with an estimated $387.2 billion in lost human potential annually.
A Comprehensive Approach
Thriving Together is designed to address the mental health needs of young people through a multifaceted approach. The partnership involves in-country programming, global and local advocacy, and learning opportunities for all members and participants. This framework ensures that both caregivers and youth receive the necessary support and resources to manage their stress and anxiety effectively.
In-Country Programming
One of the key components of Thriving Together is in-country programming. This involves targeted interventions aimed at both caregivers and young people. The goal is to equip them with essential skills and strategies for promoting positive mental well-being. For instance, the partnership includes psychosocial interventions for adolescent refugees, focusing on skills for emotional well-being. Additionally, caregivers are provided with information and support to promote adolescents' well-being, strengthen their relationships, and create safe spaces within their homes.
Global Advocacy
The partnership also emphasizes global and local advocacy. This includes targeting the general public, governments, and policy makers to raise awareness about the importance of investing in mental health promotion and prevention. The Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF are calling for a massive scale-up in investment and action on mental health, acknowledging that current funding levels are woefully inadequate. Globally, only 2.1% of government health expenditure is allocated to mental health, highlighting a significant gap between needs and funding.
Learning Opportunities
A crucial aspect of the partnership is the provision of learning opportunities for all members and participants. This includes the launch of innovative digital resources like "Connecting Generations," a tool designed to help caregivers better support their own mental well-being and that of their adolescents. This digital resource equips caregivers with essential resources to enhance their understanding of adolescents, support their mental well-being, and strengthen connections with the young people they care for.
Supporting Refugees
The partnership is particularly urgent for young refugees fleeing conflict zones like Ukraine. In response, the Z Zurich Foundation is matching all donations up to CHF 1 million until June 30th, 2022, to support UNICEF mental health programs for young refugees. This initiative aims to promote mental well-being and prevent the development of lifelong mental health challenges during these difficult times.
A Shared Vision
The ultimate goal of Thriving Together is to create a world where every young person is empowered with the tools and information to promote positive mental well-being. By focusing on prevention and providing resources to manage stress and anxiety, both organizations believe they can improve mental well-being at an early stage. This collective effort not only benefits individual young people but also contributes to the overall health and productivity of communities worldwide.
Global Impact
The partnership aims to benefit more than half a million adolescents and caregivers in seven countries and hopes to reach 30 million people worldwide through a communication campaign. By scaling up efforts to promote mental health awareness, the partnership aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage open conversations about mental health.
A Call to Action
As part of the #OnMyMind advocacy campaign, the Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF are urging governments to urgently increase investment in critical mental health services. By breaking the stigma around mental health, they believe it is possible to start conversations that build connection and increase awareness, knowledge, and action around mental well-being.
Conclusion
The renewal of the global partnership between UNICEF and the Z Zurich Foundation on World Mental Health Day marks a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of youth mental health. With a comprehensive approach that includes in-country programming, global advocacy, and learning opportunities, Thriving Together is poised to make a substantial impact. By mobilizing public and private sector investment and action, this partnership can empower young people worldwide with the tools and information needed to thrive in their mental well-being.
