In Portugal to evaluate the “Por ti” program, which promotes mental well-being in schools, Gregory Reynand explains that the pandemic has made the importance of mental health recognized, but it is necessary, he pleads, to move from words to action. The leader of the Z Zurich Foundation stresses that prevention is essential, but warns that budgets do not invest too much in this aspect.
In one academic year, 19,000 Portuguese students, over a thousand teachers, 700 operational assistants and nearly 800 families benefited from “Por ti”, a program funded by the Z Zurich Foundation which aims to promote mental well-being in schools. While visiting Portugal for this first assessment, Gregory Reynand, president of this solidarity foundation founded by the Zurich insurance company, spoke with new On the importance of mental health among young people, but also in companies. And he left an appeal: it is necessary to move from words to deeds. This with a particular focus on preventing problems on this forum, argues the responsible person.
Let’s start with the “For You” program. Why did Zurich decide to create this initiative?
The Z Zurich Foundation focuses on helping people in vulnerable situations with four priorities. The first is adaptation to climate change. We help communities through prevention, for example, in dealing with risks of floods, heat waves and fires. We also help communities better deal with major crises from a relief perspective. At the same time, we support young people in two very important things. We assist young people who are vulnerable with mental health and entry into the workforce through education, internships, and other forms of mentoring. Youth mental health is a global issue. That was before the pandemic, and as a result of covid-19 it has now worsened.
Did you really focus on this area before covid-19?
We have already been very active on issues around youth, wellbeing and inclusion. We asked ourselves how we can support young people. We felt that mental health and preventing problems at this level were the areas where we could have the greatest impact. Only 2% of public health budgets are devoted to mental health. It is a small fraction of average government spending.
Are you referring to the Portuguese budget?
It’s average. Within 2%, most investments are focused on recovery, that is, on care and treatment. Not much, or at least not enough, has been done on the prevention side. So we felt this is an issue that we can support.
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