We have fifteen Member States. All have their own approach to these issues. While there is a very strong cultural dimension to our approaches and experiences in mental health, there are still lessons to be learned from one another. This is where the real value added of Community action lies - learning from one another successes and failures. The focus on pre-school age developments of this project is of prime importance for the later healthy development of children and their families.
Parental influence plays a key role in the mental health of a child.
It has been proven that early attention and care is essential. This in turn has decisive and long-lasting effects on how people develop and learn, how they control their own emotions and how they cope with stress. Supporting the development of self-esteem and providing a good basic of security during the years of growing up are essential for any child. Another project supported within the framework of the health promotion program was the clarification and determination of key concepts in mental health and mental health promotion. For taking this project forward a European network for Mental Health Policy was established to collect information about existing relevant databases, information systems and indicators and to give recommendations concerning data collection.