ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the case for building a new agenda for mental health promotion, drawing on the growing literature on social capital, as a rationale for placing mental health at the center of a new public health debate. Primary care also has the potential to provide a referral and support service to increase awareness of and access to existing sources of support within the community, including self-help, advocacy, user groups, voluntary agencies, as well as creative, leisure, sporting and educational facilities. Campaigns or mass media interventions, particularly if supported by local community action, can have a measurable impact on knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions. The basic principles of service provision in all sectors can themselves be process indicators for mental health promotion-notably in relation to access, inclusion, user/client involvement, clarity about how decisions are made, seamless provision and cultural sensitivity.
