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This article reports on a literature review of interventions specifically identified as emanating from a mental health promotion (as opposed to prevention) paradigm. A number of recurring debates in the field were identified, including language and terminology, defining ‘mental health’, models of mental health promotion, the use of overgeneralised concepts, values, beliefs and assumptions implicit in mental health promotion interventions, and diversity in what gets called mental health promotion and who does mental health promotion. The paper concludes by highlighting key issues critical to the future development of mental health promotion: the implications of mental health promotion being at an embryonic stage of development, the need for greater reflexivity, the need for integration, and issues concerning professional identity and practice in the mental health promotion field.

This paper aims to describe the development activity undertaken by a primary care mental team and public health specialists in Glasgow aimed at expanding the capacity of the primary care team to tackle health inequalities in the local area.

In association with the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH), a partnership between National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow University, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, work was undertaken to address inequalities within mental health in the context of service provision.

In an attempt to progress work on inequalities, a suitable model was required and the approach offered by the GCPH was a valuable starting point. Through a systematic consideration of available approaches, and the baseline position, it was possible to begin to reflect on potential interventions, and to consider ways in which outcomes could be measured and reviewed. This process, which evolved in discussion within the team and senior management, became an important starting point for longer term action. It provided a means of beginning to grapple with the impact of inequalities on service provision, and was an important first step in prioritizing possible approaches.

The team is considering further collaboration with GCPH to explore how they might assess the extent of mental health and well‐being concerns in their population and the implications for future service development.

The concept of utilising greenspace to promote and maintain mental health predates the development of almost all current treatment modalities. Although the use of greenspace as a therapeutic tool decreased throughout the 20th century, research in this area has grown exponentially over the last 20 years. This review examines the theory and increasing evidence base behind the psychological, social and physical health benefits of viewing and interacting with greenspace, and considers some of the common methodological limitations within the literature.Those who use secondary and tertiary care mental health services typically experience secondary problems due to reduced levels of social and physical activity. This review argues that the holistic benefits of greenspace make ecotherapy particularly appropriate for such a population. The review recommends that the effects of ecotherapy on those who use secondary and tertiary mental health care services be explored as part of an effort to redress the absence in the literature of quality studies in this area for this population.