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The purpose of this paper arose out of a Public Mental Health Network meeting in September 2015 and a suggestion then by the editor of the British Journal of Psychiatry. The British Journal of Psychiatry had just published an editorial by the chief medical officer for England that challenged the current concept of wellbeing, within health policy.

The analysis is structured around three key elements of the chief medical officer’s challenge to the concept of “wellbeing”: has wellbeing been scientifically defined? Does improving wellbeing prevent mental illness? Is there any robust, peer-reviewed evidence to support a wellbeing “approach” to mental health?

Wellbeing is definable provided there is recognition that it has multiple dimensions. At least some of these dimensions relate to health, with most published research focused on personal wellbeing.

This policy analysis addresses the three questions above, within the context of mental health improvement and training for public mental health.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the twenty-first century reach and impact of “happiness” work by one individual (Professor Lord Richard Layard).

The author approaches his work as a public health case study, with the caveat that the author knew this “Case” personally, which could influence the author’s assessment.

During 2005-2018, Richard Layard stimulated discussion of “happiness” as a field of study. This field now has global relevance to mental health, although its relationship to practice for population health is still debated.

Layard’s ideas are behind many initiatives, such as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies.

The purpose of this paper is to relate the health services’ prevention imperative to a new priority area, youth suicide.

The content is based on the latest UK policy documents and participation in recent events for policy-makers.

Suicide among young people is increasing, and traditional approaches are not reducing these deaths. Involving young people as researchers or trainers has been helpful, and policy-makers need to address the present social and cultural risk factors.

Evidence differs between countries, and a local context may be important.

In the UK, local profiles are being developed and there is an increasing need identified for relevant training for a wide range of professionals.

The participation of young people in developments may be emancipatory, for all concerned.

Because this year, young persons’ mental health will be an international priority, this may be the time to galvanise action for improved planning and resources for the prevention of youth suicide.