The aim of the present study was to assess the preventive and promotion activities in the mental health area in 12 Slovenian regions. In addition, some of sociodemographic and health indicators related to increased probability of mental health problems were analysed in order to estimate the amount of preventive/promotion programmes in the regions with highest threats to mental health.

301 mental health services have been assessed according to their promotion and preventive activities in the mental health area. Services were surveyed according to their implemented activities, prevention types, funding sources, target groups, addressed risk and preventive factors and available staff at services.

98% of assessed services were involved in one or more preventive and/or promotion activity. The selective primary prevention approach prevailed, whereas services mainly focused on major mood disorders and addiction. The most common types of activities were: individual / group counselling, lecture, workshop and media appearance, where the plan of support, interpersonal conflicts and organised lifestyle as addressed risk and protective factors predominated. In the preventive/promotion programmes were the most represented social workers, psychologists and volunteers. In the contrast with the scarcity of activities in Zasavska and Savinjska region, the most abundant choice of programmes was found in Osrednjeslovenska and Obalno-kraška region.

Our study indicated that considerable differences appeared between Slovenian regions in the view of diversity and extent of preventive / promotion activities since availability and variety of this activities were particularly scarce in the regions with highest threats to mental health.