Infant Mental Health Awareness Week – 9th – 15th June 2025
What is Infant Mental Health?
Infant Mental Health is the term often used to describe the ability of a child during the first three years of life to:
- form close relationships;
- recognise and express emotions
- explore and learn about their environment
The infant brain is developing rapidly during these early years and children develop, grow and thrive in nurturing environments. This critical development between 0-3 years also includes the antenatal period.
The theme for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (IMHAW) 2025 is ‘Who is holding the baby?’
Why ‘Who is holding the baby?’
Not everyone bonds easily with their baby. Parents who are overwhelmed by trauma or struggling with mental or physical health difficulties, need support. This IMHAW we will highlight some of the invaluable services across the Belfast Trust area supporting babies and their families.
Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information throughout the week!
What’s on?
- Dad’s Emotional Health, Online Parent Seminar, Tuesday 10th June 11am-12pm – Encouraging Dads to recognise the importance of their mental health. Click here to register
- SIGNETS event for Health Visitors, Wednesday 11th June 10am-12pm, Spectrum Centre, Shankill Rd. Click here for more information.
- Mood Matters Parent and Baby Programme, Delivered online via Zoom, Wednesday 11th June 2025 7pm – 9pm Click here to register
- Children’s Emotional Health, Online Parent Seminar, Thursday 12th June 11am-12pm – Encouraging Parents to recognise the importance of their children’s mental health. Click here to register
- ‘Archie’s Adventures in Emotions’ The power of play – supporting children’s mental health, Wednesday 25th June, 12-1pm. Click here to register
Further support information:
- BHSCT Staff Parenting Portal
- Free access to Solihull Approach antenatal course Getting Ready for Baby Use access code: NIFAMILIES
- AWARE Looking After the Mental Health of you and Your Baby
- Evidence Based Parenting Programmes
For more information please contact:
Child Development Interventions Coordinator
Health Improvement Team