For several years, the Contatto Association and Niguarda Hospital have worked closely together to support families where a parent experiences mental health issues. In 2023, we embraced an even more ambitious mission by joining the European Project “Let’s Talk About Children” (LTC). Through this initiative, we aim to extend the reach of the LTC method across Europe, bringing vital support to as many families as possible.
In June 2023, our dedicated team embarked on a transformative journey, training to become LTC method practitioners. This evidence-based intervention focuses on enhancing the well-being of children within families facing mental health challenges. During this phase, we honed new skills that empower us to support better the families we encounter in the mental health department of Niguarda Hospital.
The LTC method is a groundbreaking psycho-educational and preventive approach. It helps us recognize the strengths inherent in every family, despite the obstacles they may face. By identifying and bolstering these strengths, while also addressing vulnerabilities, we foster mutual understanding and strengthen the resilience of family members.
Our decision to implement this method within the mental health field stems from a desire to shine a light on children who often go unnoticed by care services that primarily focus on their parents. Early intervention is key—by addressing the needs of these children early on, we can mitigate the potential negative effects of intergenerational transmission of mental health issues.
After a successful initial phase of mastering these new skills, we advanced to the next step of the project in March 2024. Thanks to the continued support of the University of Turku, our team reached a significant milestone in September 2024—we became certified trainers of the LTC method. Our mission now is to introduce this innovative method to multiple mental health departments across Northern Italy. We are confident that this preventive approach to children’s psychological well-being will soon become a cornerstone of mental health services.
To further this mission, we organized a roundtable discussion on October 18, bringing together diverse organizations such as UNICEF, AIAS, CEIPES, and Regione Lombardia. This forum provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on how to prioritize children’s psychological well-being across various fields. Together, we aim to draw attention to these often-overlooked children and promote the widespread adoption of the LTC method.
Let’s take care of the children today, to ensure a brighter future for tomorrow’s adults.