📋 Tender Overview
Project No.
HWG_102_2025A
Project Title
Building Capacity of Mental Health Literacy Leaders for Positive Social Change on Mental Health
Project Status
Project in Implementation
Fund Account
APEC Support Fund
Sub-fund
ASF: General Fund
Project Year
2025
Project Session
Session 1
APEC Funding
30,200
Co-funding Amount
15,000
Total Project Value
45,200
Sponsoring Forum
Health Working Group (HWG)
Topics
Health; Human Resources Development
Committee
SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)
Other Fora Involved
Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved
Proposing Economy(ies)
Thailand
Co-Sponsoring Economies
Brunei Darussalam; China; Indonesia; Malaysia; Russia; Chinese Taipei
Expected Start Date
01/10/2025
Expected Completion Date
31/12/2026
Project Proponent Name 1
Varoth Chotpitayasunondh
Job Title 1
Director, Bureau of Mental Health Literacy, Department of Mental Health
Organization 1
Ministry of Public Health
Telephone 1
(+66)988259002
Email 1
cheewanan.kao@gmail.com
Project Proponent Name 2
Not Applicable
Job Title 2
Not Applicable
Organization 2
Not Applicable
Telephone 2
Not Applicable
Email 2
Not Applicable
Declaration
Varoth Chotpitayasunondh
Project Summary
This project addresses the critical issue of mental health literacy in APEC communities. Despite increasing awareness, stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier, and many people lack knowledge about available mental health services. This initiative will empower key community leaders: public health officials, community activists, and social influencers by enhancing their capacity to communicate mental health information effectively. The project will conduct a 2-day workshop to collaboratively design a communication system promoting mental health literacy. Participants will gain knowledge on mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and how to guide others in accessing mental health services. By creating a sustainable network of mental health advocates, this project will drive positive social change, improve mental health outcomes, and contribute to the productivity and well- being of APEC economies by reducing the burden of untreated mental health issues on the workforce. Non-APEC participants, including local organizations and NGOs, may also be invited.
Relevance
Region
This project addresses the critical issue of mental health literacy in APEC communities, with a focus on reducing stigma and improving understanding of mental health, including promotion and prevention, screening, and access to services.
Despite growing awareness, many individuals still lack access to accurate information and pathways to care. This gap contributes to under-diagnosis, untreated conditions, and a workforce that is less resilient to mental health challenges.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and OECD (2023) report that mental
