Adapting to life with a baby is a challenge for every parent, Healthy Little Minds can help.

The first 1001 days are critical; a baby’s brain grows and develops at an astonishing rate during this time. The brain is more open to, and dependent on, outside influence than it ever will be again, highlighting the importance of the parent infant relationship.

Being pregnant and having a baby can be a special and memorable time in a parent’s life, but it can be a difficult time too. Different emotions, experiences and expectations can get in the way and affect how parents feel about themselves, and how they feel about their baby.

Too many new babies experience complex relationship difficulties with their primary carers and without specialised support these unresolved problems can affect future outcomes. It is estimated that at least 1 in 3 of children in Nottingham City will experience attachment difficulties with their parent or caregiver; highlighting the need for a service locally to provide support for these families.

Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC) is funding a new Parent Infant Relationship (PIR) service in partnership with Nottingham City Council (Early Help and CAMHS). After consultation with parents this new service has been named Healthy Little Minds, launching September 2022.

Support for infant emotional wellbeing has not been widely available for families, with approximately 42% of CAMHS services unable to offer specific interventions for children under the age of 2. The Healthy Little Minds team are really pleased to be introducing this type of support in Nottingham, working closely with the existing Targeted CAMHS service to bridge the gap in support for this age group.

“We are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for babies in Nottingham, and are privileged to capture the voices of those seldom heard. We aim to work in partnership with the community to provide support that is meaningful and responsive. Drawing on our collective skills and expertise to enhance the most important relationships in a baby’s life, we have a unique opportunity to shine a light on the complex and dynamic world that they inhabit. ”

The Healthy Little Minds Team

Healthy Little Minds will provide specialised support and services initially to families in the SSBC wards of Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green and Arboretum, and St Ann’s. The team will deliver specialist evidence-based services including therapeutic activities in group or one to one sessions.

Families will be empowered through their involvement in different levels of support, online, home visits and attending groups. Support will vary from signposting, getting help, getting more intensive support and guided referrals into other services.

“I am delighted that this service will be available to SSBC families from September. Whilst becoming a parent has many joys there can also be difficulties. Parents have told us that whilst the majority feel they have good relationships with their babies, 1 in 5 felt they had difficulties which they needed more support with*. We know that the pandemic has resulted in increased difficulties for families, so the timing of this additional support is even more welcome. This is one of only 40 Parent Relationship services nationally, so I am so pleased we are able to bring this service to families in 4 wards in Nottingham with the aspiration that, when we can demonstrate how successful Healthy Little Minds is, it could be made available to all Nottingham families.”

Alison Poxon, Project Manager SSBC (*parent consultation 2020)

The team are now accepting referrals for families from 28 weeks of pregnancy to 2 years, who reside in the SSBC areas of Nottingham City – Bulwell, Aspley, St Anns, Hyson Green & Arboretum.

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