Almost every decision taken in society, whether it is about environment, culture, family, or employment, somehow concerns mental wellbeing. The promotion of mental health and prevention of mental health problems are important tasks, which are addressed by many sectors of society, largely outside the formal health care sector. The following section discusses the roles played by the government, non-governmental organisations, and workers' and employers' organisations.

The role of government

 

Mental health promotion is associated with the work of all 13 ministries¹. For instance, promoting well being and preventing mental health problems are part of the work the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does in developing countries. The Ministry of Defence deals with mental health services as a part of health care in the military and peacekeeping services. Some 60 % of cases of interrupted military service can be attributed to mental health issues, and the Ministry of Defence has taken action to promote mental health in the military. The Ministry of Education plays an active role in promoting mental health in educational and cultural and physical activities.²

The Ministries of Labour and of Social Affairs and Health play the most important roles in employment and mental health. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its Department for Occupational Safety and Health are responsible for maintaining the working capacity of employees.³ Several agencies and institutions within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health perform research, development, and supervisory functions connected with social welfare and health care. These include the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) and the National Council on Disability.

MINISTRY OF LABOUR

The Ministry of Labour defines the national priorities of employment policy. It is responsible for labour administration and for providing and developing employment services, including vocational guidance and rehabilitation, vocational training for adults, and vocational information services. Since 1992, the Ministry of Labour has used annual surveys to monitor the quality of workplaces in Finland and follow long-term developments and trends.⁴

The Ministry allocates resources to Labour District Offices, which are responsible for planning and implementing regional employment policies. The Labour District Offices set objectives for local employment offices. Employment offices seek to promote efficient labour market policies by helping unemployed people find work through activities such as matching applicants to vacancies. They also promote measures to help people with disabilities find work through mainstream services.⁵

In 1999, The Ministries of Labour, Social Affairs and Health, and Education, and the central labour market organisations launched a comprehensive research plan and action programme to maintain and improve