A new report aims to highlight the importance of mental health during the first three years of life. Insights in infant
mental health in Northern Ireland has been written by the National Children’s Bureau on behalf of the Public Health Agency.
For early years and community practitioners, the report provides a summary of research stressing the importance of
this period of life. It provides information on relevant policy and regional data, evidence on what works in service delivery, and case studies presenting the range of services available.
For families, the report highlights the services available to support them, with a focus on healthy social and emotional development in early life which strongly influences future wellbeing, relationships and education.
‘Support for parents and carers, for the infant themselves, for the parent-infant relationship, and indeed for practitioners working with families, are all reflected and essential,’ said senior research manager at the National Children’s Bureau Claire Dorris. ‘Infant mental health really is “everyone’s business”.’
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