Värmland’s Fokusmånad Tackles Mental Health and Suicide Prevention from September 10 to October 10, 2026

Värmland will host Fokusmånad psykisk hälsa och suicidprevention 2026, a dedicated month-long initiative running from September 10 to October 10 that aligns with World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day. The focus month is coordinated by Länssamordning in Värmland together with the Regional Network for Suicide Prevention, bringing together a broad spectrum of activities aimed at raising awareness and providing support across various groups.

The initiative features educational events, sharing of best practices by participating organizations, and personal narratives about mental health struggles. One highlighted event involves the presentation of the educational material “Vägen vidare - att leda en samtalsgrupp om sorg efter att en närstående tagit sitt liv” (“The Way Forward – Leading a Support Group for Grief after a Relative’s Suicide”), conducted by the Hospital Church at Östra Hospital. Speakers include Gull-Marie Jangbring Mare, head of the Hospital Church at Sahlgrenska, and hospital pastor Anders Elfström.

This particular session targets employees of the Church of Sweden, as well as municipal and regional authorities. It is set to take place at Karlstad Cathedral’s parish house with no participation fee, emphasizing accessibility. Registration closes on September 30.

Through Fokusmånad, Värmland aims to enhance mental health knowledge, foster community engagement, and strengthen suicide prevention efforts in synergy with global observances, reflecting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to these critical issues.