Promoting mental health and healthy childhood development.
It is also estimated that between 8% and 14% of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder, with 50% of mental disorders in adults beginning before the age of 14.
In childhood, mental health is particularly critical and linked to personality development, emotional and relational management skills, the ability to learn, and the biological tools for a healthy life.
Mental health problems disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, those living in poverty, babies and children exposed to abuse or neglect, and new mothers at risk of depression, made worse as a result of COVID-19. Anxiety and depression disorders can have profound and long-term effects, not only on the individual but also on their children, reinforcing a cycle of mental illness and social disadvantage.
The Growing Minds initiative aims at promoting mental health and childhood development by empowering institutions, professionals and carers.
It also aims to help mitigate risk factors and enhance protective factors of mental health and introduce positive changes in the lives of children and their families.
We support innovative, high-potential projects that tackle the complex challenges faced by children. We also support the well-being and resilience of families, particularly those at risk, to make sure that every child can have and has the best possible start in life.
Maternal mental health is crucial for the neurobiological development of the child. Supporting mental health during pregnancy and postpartum is vital not only to prevent future problems, but also to bring long-term benefits for the child’s health, education and social well-being.
Bonds of trust between carers and children are crucial for healthy development. The absence of these bonds can result in developmental risks and emotional and behavioural problems. We seek to strengthen parent-child relationships up to the age of three in order to increase the chances of success.
Adversity in childhood can have a profound influence on future mental health. Art and culture are powerful tools in this approach, with proven benefits for the cognitive, emotional and physical development of children between the ages of 3 and 12.
PROJECTS |
End date |
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Using an innovative approach based on a universal digital screening platform and coping strategies inspired by cognitive-behavioural techniques. Area of intervention: Maternal and Child Health |
Sept 2025 |
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Focusing on the risk of symptoms of postpartum depression. Includes the flagging, training, monitoring and discussion of cases through a digital pathway. Area of intervention: Maternal and Child Health |
Dec 2025 |
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Offering family support from pregnancy to the first stages of a child’s life, including interactions between the mom-to-be and the family setting, and between the parents and the baby. Area of intervention: Maternal and Child Health |
Oct 2025 |
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Making mental health support groups available before and after childbirth, along with parenting programmes focused on improving maternal mental health and nurturing bonds of trust between mother and child. Area of intervention: Maternal and Child Health |
Dec 2026 |
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Integrating education, health and protection. Includes mental health screening and intervention for socially vulnerable children. Area of intervention: Attachment and Development |
Sep 2026 |
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Forming bonds of trust and fostering children’s social and emotional development, using a universal access model and specialised face-to-face intervention. Area of intervention: Attachment and Development |
Sep 2026 |
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Adaptation of the DROPI parenthood programme to at-risk families, including single-parent families, victims of neglect and domestic violence, who have been flagged for promotion and protection measures. Area of intervention: Attachment and Development |
Sep 2025 |
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Promoting emotional regulation and parent-child relationships and reducing parental stress, based on the principles of conscious parenting. Area of intervention: Attachment and Development |
Sep 2026 |
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Art workshops, community galleries, cultural visits and psychological support to promote the social and emotional development, self-esteem and mental health of children in social housing districts. Area of intervention: Childhood adversity |
Aug 2025 |
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Integrated, holistic and territorial approach, through artistic dance practices and social-emotional development. Area of intervention: Childhood adversity |
Sep 2025 |
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Helping children to express themselves, while developing focus, concentration, cognitive stimulation, emotional regulation, relaxation and creativity. Area of intervention: Childhood adversity |
Jul 2026 |
