sary policies which improve job security, health, job satisfaction, and outputs. It prepares legislation on occupational health and safety and instructions on the implementation of legislation and the application of research information. The Department's activities are implemented in close co-operation with the social partners and other interest groups. In its work plan for the year 1999, the Department emphasised the importance of maintaining the work capacity of employees. It is facilitating the work of the Districts in reducing excessive work stress and mental health problems at the workplace level.

THE DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF WELFARE AND HEALTH

The Department for Promotion of Welfare and Health is responsible, in co-operation with other departments, for promoting health and social wellbeing, preventing social problems and diseases, and ensuring a healthy environment. It guides and develops preventive work, drafts related legislation, and works to ensure that issues related to the prevention of social and health problems are taken into account in other aspects of social policy It is also responsible for services for people with disabilities, mental health care, occupational health measures to maintain work ability, and health promotion.

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE FOR WELFARE AND HEALTH¹⁰

 

The role of the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) is to safeguard the future of social welfare and health, to enhance the health and social well-being of the nation, and to promote high quality and cost-effective social welfare and health services for all citizens. STAKES undertakes activities concerning mental health and wellbeing and runs programmes aimed at preventing mental health problems and promoting mental wellbeing at the national and international levels. Examples of STAKES programmes follow:

Meaningful Life! Programme 1998 ­ 2002

The most recent programme is "Meaningful Life!" a nation-wide programme launched in 1998. Its aim is to improve the abilities of citizens, especially those suffering from mental health problems, to manage their everyday lives. In addition to the social and health authorities, Meaningful Life! involves ministries and other administrative agencies, non-governmental organisations, and individual citizens and service users in its activities.

The objectives of the programme are to:

*Enhance the value, visibility and understanding of mental health;

*Promote co-operation on mental health issues;

*Support the activities of citizens and non-governmental organisations in promoting mental health;

*Diversify the selection of mental health outpatient services;

*Promote the abilities and strength of mental health professionals;

*Create information technology systems which promote mental health.

The Swallow-Programme

Mental health in Primary Care (Swallow) 1998-2001 is a national education and development programme for mental health services. The programme was established to support the know-how and counselling skills of social services and health care staff. It attempts to widen the perspectives of those working in the field and to enhance interest in new working methods, effective teamwork, and co-operation with partners.