EPIC collects, reviews and shares practices relating to children and families from across the EU. We assess each practice for their existing evidence base and categorise them on one out of three different levels: Best, Promising and Emerging. Detailed descriptions of the meaning of each can be found here.

Below we feature some practices on the EPIC website that focus on promoting mental health in children.

• Zippy’s Friends – Implemented internationally (including in Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia)

Zippy’s Friends is a programme that aims to  help children between six and eight cope better with everyday adversities and prevent psychological problems. The intervention works by increasing the range of coping skills that children have. The programme centres on an imaginary stick insect called Zippy and three other characters, their friends and family, and their everyday ups and downs. Through the stories, children explore themes on communication, relationships, conflict resolution and emotions. The programme lasts for 24 weeks and is administered through schools. The practice has a strong base of evidence for its efficacy from evaluations conducted in Denmark, Ireland, and Lithuania.

• Functional Family Therapy – Implemented internationally (including in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands and Sweden)

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an intervention based on recognising risk and protective factors involved in the development of behaviour problems by children and teenagers. The intervention is targeted at children aged between 11 and 18.  The intervention is based on the idea that change is possible and focuses on improving  communication between young people and their family and encourages the application of  these communication skills to other life situations.

The intervention has strong evidence of effectiveness through evaluation trials in Norway and Ireland.

• European Early Promotion Project – Implemented in Europe (including Cyprus, Finland and Greece)

The European Early Promotion Project (EEPP) was a service in operation between 1999 and 2014 that aimed to promote good mental health in children aged 2 and under and prevent the later onset of psychosocial problems. The service engaged primary healthcare professionals to work with families and parents to adapt to their new parenting situations. It aimed to promote psychosocial wellbeing and development of infants with risk of mental health problems. The service was integrated into primary health care systems in the capitals of Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Serbia and the UK.