No Parent Alone: CAMHI participates in the WHO Event again this year

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On Saturday, June 6, the World Health Organization (WHO), through its Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, held Growing Healthier Together for the second consecutive year — this time at the Kifissia Grove. The open-to-all event, dedicated to the mental health of children and adolescents, was organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Kifissia and with the support of the Ministry of Health. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., families, professionals, and organizations from across Greece shared the same space with a common goal: to make visible the importance of mental health from the earliest years of life.

Visitors were happy to be photographed as part of our campaign, rallying around the message "Supporting Parents to See Beyond Every Challenge."
Visitors were happy to be photographed as part of our campaign, rallying around the message "Supporting Parents to See Beyond Every Challenge."



The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) was present in connection with our campaign "Supporting Parents to See Beyond Every Challenge" . The campaign is aimed at parents who observe, empathize, and want to support their child, but are not sure how to find reliable information or how to navigate a mental health difficulty.

Visitors to CAMHI's booth had the opportunity to take part in an interactive puzzle activity on the theme of parental support, take photos with their children in front of our banner, and leave with small, practical gifts. The CAMHI team informed them about the dedicated Parents' digital space on CAMHI's website — a resource offering evidence-based guides and tools, written in plain language, for every parent who wants to recognize signs of difficulty, communicate in ways that build trust, and know when to seek help.


Members of our team at CAMHI's booth, where an interactive activity took place with visitors and gifts were distributed.
Members of our team at CAMHI's booth, where an interactive activity took place with visitors and gifts were distributed.


Why we need to focus on the mental health of children and young people

According to WHO data, growing numbers of children and adolescents are facing mental health challenges. Recent figures show that:

  • mental health problems in the 0–19 age group have increased by one third over the past 15 years;
  • 1 in 10 adolescents reports having experienced bullying; and
  • 1 in 4 girls aged 15–19 lives with a mental health disorder.

Overall, approximately 1 in 7 children and adolescents in Europe lives with a mental health disorder. Behind every statistic is a young person — a daughter, a son, a classmate, or a friend — who needs understanding, support, and access to quality care. Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, and affects young people's ability to learn, grow, and participate actively in their communities.

Strengthening the quality of mental health services and promoting mental health are key priorities under WHO's Second European Programme of Work 2026–2030. Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting families and communities are essential conditions for improving the mental health and well-being of all children and adolescents. Growing Healthier Together contributes to this effort.