Features | Page 2 | Community Practitioner

Read the journal’s professional features, analysis, clinical updates and practice-related articles.

Let's end the postcode lottery

New research calls for five key actions to help community practitioners support women and families living with perinatal mental illness in Northern Ireland. Caroline Cunningham and Susan Galloway discuss.

Best practice

One of your own

Safeguarding nurse Caroline Waldron explores the role of the health practitioner as a corporate parent for looked-after children and care leavers, identifying practical steps.

Best practiceSafeguarding, Growth and development

Breastfeeding: the right support

Professor Sally Kendall MBE explores why breastfeeding rates are so low, and how health visitors can support mums to do more of it.

AnalysisInfant feeding

An early start

More babies are being born extremely premature. While these babies can often face health and developmental issues, their families can also be affected by anxiety and depression. So it’s vital that CPs offer support. Journalist and mum of twins born prematurely Linsey Wynton reports.

AdviceMental Health, Growth and development

My child, my choice. A healthy motto?

Most parents believe they know what’s best for their children, but on education, parents and schools can come into conflict. What’s the best way forward, and how might you help? Journalist Georgina Wintersgill reports.

AnalysisEducation, Growth and development

Closing the word gap

Wendy Nicholson MBE explains how Public Health England and the Department for Education are working to equip socially disadvantaged children with the speech, language and communication needs they require to fulfil their true potential.

Best practiceProfessional, Education, Growth and development

p41-43-elderly-woman-singing-with-micro-shutterstock-1260652234.jpg

A postive note

Research is now exploring the link beween singing and better health more rigorously, says journalist Rima Evans.

Best practiceHealth and wellbeing, Mental Health

When the screaming won't stop

Colic and persistent crying can be distressing for babies and parents alike, so what is the latest thinking on the causes
and the best way to deal with it?

Behaviour

Finding a calm balance

A stressful working life can impact on families’ health and wellbeing, too. How can CPs support parents in a meaningful and non-judgmental way? Journalist Rima Evans reports.

AdviceEmployment, Health and wellbeing, Professional

Unfit for life?

Physical inactivity among the UK’s children is at crisis point. What can be done? Journalist Georgina Wintersgill reports.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Nutrition, Growth and development

A lifeline for struggling parents

Carole Sutton looks at the evidence on parent training programmes delivered by phone and internet to support troubled young children.

Best practiceSafeguarding, Behaviour, Growth and development

Brexit Britain: the state we're in

Maddie Grounds of the Immigration Advice Service predicts the NHS facing staff and funding shortages whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.

AnalysisEmployment, Jobs, Professional

Clinical: get the message on MS

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting adults. Changeable yet incurable, it can take years to manifest fully. But children can develop it too, writes journalist John Windell.

ClinicalImmunisation & illness, Growth and development

Protect from poison

RoSPA’s acting public health adviser Ashley Martin explains how you can help reduce accidental poisoning in under-fives.

AdviceSafeguarding

Young & lonely

Why is loneliness affecting children as young as 10, and what can be done to help tackle it? Journalist Georgina Fuller reports.

AdviceHealth and wellbeing, Safeguarding, Mental Health

Sorry, we're closed: Northern Ireland Government shutdown

The government shutdown in Northern Ireland is having far-reaching effects on community practice and the health of the nation. Journalist Linsey Wynton investigates.

Employment, Jobs, Professional

The value of situational leadership

University lecturer Elaine Walls lifts the lid on how situational leadership teaching methods are helping to equip community practitioners with the skills they need in the field.

AdviceEmployment, Jobs, Professional