More than 450 people from statutory, voluntary and community sectors came together at the Speak Up For Babies conference to share insights on improving outcomes for infant mental health.
Stress and adversity in the first three years of a child’s life can have an ongoing negative impact on their physical and mental health. Early intervention can create a vital social and emotional foundation to allow them to live healthy lives.
Going forward, the government’s Mental Health Strategy will aim to create provision for infants in mental health services. The Department of Education also continues to support infants’ social and emotional development through the Sure Start and Tiny Life schemes.
‘Our mission at NCB [National Children’s Bureau] is to build better childhoods for every child and a focus on the first 1001 days is absolutely critical,’ said Frances Lyons, Northern Ireland director, NCB. ‘While we welcome a much overdue programme for government, it is essential that specific needs of babies, infants and their families are fully considered in its implementation.’
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