The ABCs of Mental Health
The project aims to improve mental health and well-being among disadvantaged groups in Europe by expanding and developing the successful, research-based ABC model.
Spreading Well-being Across Europe
We’re bringing the Act-Belong-Commit approach to communities across Europe – inspiring people to take small, everyday actions that support their well-being and quality of life.
How it started?
Originally developed in Western Australia in the early 2000s, Act-Belong-Commit is Australia’s longest-running mental health promotion campaign. In 2016, Denmark became the first country in Europe to adapt the model, which has since expanded to Finland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden, and Austria.
In September 2024, the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), together with partner organisations, launched the ABCs of Mental Health project to further scale the model across Europe, starting with pilot programmes in Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine.
Mental health is everyone’s business
The ABCs of Mental Health project is more than just a framework. It’s an invitation to everyone—regardless of their background, expertise, or age—to take part in creating a mentally healthier society.
This shift in perception is crucial to the success of prevention programmes. If people understand that they can support their own mental well-being and that of others simply by engaging in activities that promote social connection, physical health, and community involvement, we can create a mentally healthier society.
The ABC methodology is about empowerment—empowering individuals to take action, belong to a supportive community, and commit to activities that promote their mental health.
Power of prevention
Think of life as a river… Upstream, the water is clear and calm—a place for those feeling strong and energised. Further down, the current picks up—where everyday stress makes life harder but still manageable. In the roughest waters, the struggle is real—energy is low, and the risk of anxiety or depression increases.
Life is always changing. No situation lasts forever—good or bad. We all start at different points, and our resources help us navigate challenges and stay strong during tough times. That’s why mental health promotion and prevention matter at every stage.
Salutogenic – remember this word!
One of the strengths of this project is its unusual salutogenic approach — focusing on what keeps people mentally healthy rather than what causes illness. Instead of restrictions or "don’ts," the ABCs of Mental Health encourages doing more of what works well to build resilience and well-being in everyday life.
Do more of what makes you happy and healthy!
Our objectives
- To build a model and tools for European implementation of the ABCs of Mental Health.
- To build capacity in partner and stakeholder organisations.
- To implement pilot programmes in Denmark, Poland, Italy, Sweden, and Ukraine.
- To enhance European awareness about the ABCs of Mental Health and engage more countries and organisations in scaling out the model.
Partners
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor HADEA can be held responsible for them.