The Western Health and Social Care Trust with partners including Sure Start, Libraries NI, local play groups, Action for Children and many more have been promoting the five key messages of the regional Infant Mental Health Strategy in the Western Outcomes area.
The five key messages of the Infant Mental Health Strategy are:
- No smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- Breastfeed your baby
- Read a story to your child everyday
- Give your child lots of love, affection and praise
- Have fun and play with your child
Kieran Downey, chair of the Western Outcomes Group and Director of Women and Children’s Services in Western HSC Trust has said ‘The evidence is overwhelming that children’s life experiences in early years directly impacts upon their mental, physical and emotional well-being in later years’.
Click here to read more about Infant Mental Health Week in the Western Outcomes Area
The Western Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with the Public Health Agency have produced a short guide providing detail of the five ways to support the development of your baby’s emotional health and well-being. Click here to read this guide