Western Trust promote Best Start in Life campaign

by Gráinne Connolly

Last week marked Infant Mental Health Week which raises awareness of the five key Infant Mental Health messages. 

These messages have been introduced for all parents of babies and young children to live by, these are: 

No smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, breasteed your baby, read a story to your child every day, give your child lots of love, affection and praise and have fun and play with your child. 

There is approximately 3,000 babies born every year in the Western Trust, which the trust is committed to ensuring has the best start in life. 

They recognise the significance of the early year (0-3) to a child's life and it's brain development; which includes their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing through to adulthood. 

Sheena Funston, Western Trust Child Development Interventions Coordinator said: 

"The Western Trust is committed to supporting the early year's agenda. 

"Infant Mental Health week showcases a range of examples of how investment in innovative parenting programmes for early years in the Western Trust area ensures the health and wellbeing of those taking part. 

"In the Western Trust area there are approximately 3,000 babies born each year. We want to ensure each of these babies are given the best start in life through the development of these programmes with both statutory and voluntary/ community sectors."

A number of events and programmes were held over last week to encourage living by the five key messages, across the Western Trust area. 

You can also find out more in this video posted on The Western Health and Social Care Trust facebook page: