Attendees gain unique insight at Infant Mental Health Forum
A group of attendees at the Mayo Infant Mental Health Forum event that took place at the Atlantic Technological University at the end of February
Mayo Infant Mental Health Forum (IMHF) recently held an event at the Atlantic Technological University in association with the Early and Active Years subgroup of Mayo Children’s and Young People's Service Committee.
Around 145 people, ranging from clinicians, managers and providers of services to parents and children in the 0-3 years age cohort, from HSE, Tusla and Mayo University Hospital, attended the event.
Presentations included updates on Mayo IMHF’s journey to date and the development of a Mayo Infant Mental Health network.
Attendees heard about the Preparing for Life Programme currently being piloted by Tusla Family Support Service in Mayo. They also heard about the Circle of Security, which is an attachment-based parenting programme and evaluation of the groups that have been delivered thus far across the county from HSE and Tusla.
Among other highlights was the Building the Brain Architecture Game, which saw attendees engage in a table-top game to gain a compelling perspective on the powerful role of experiences on early brain development.
“The atmosphere was engaging and enthusiastic. We look forward to further developing the connections this event has helped to establish and the continued collaborative efforts to raise awareness about IMH and supporting frontline workers with children and families in early years' services to bring an IMH lens to practice,” said a member of the organising committee.
“Mayo Baby Week will run again this year from June 10 to 16 to celebrate International Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. It will have a community focus for parents and families as well as a service provider focus,” the spokesperson added.
