a baby holding a red balloon smiling
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week takes place next week

Free activities on offer to mark Infant Mental Health Awareness Week

Next week is Infant Mental Health Awareness Week and Hull City Council’s Early Help teams have put on a series of free events for parents and children.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 9 – 15 June and this year’s theme is ‘Who is holding the baby’.

Infant mental health is an often overlooked and misunderstood subject – people may wonder how mental health issues can affect those so young. Infant mental health describes the social and emotional wellbeing and development of children in the earliest years of life. This includes their ability to form close relationships, recognise and express emotions and explore and learn about their environment.

Research shows that the experiences and relationships babies have in the earliest years of life influence their development. Having a positive start in life brings benefits that can be seen in a child’s later life.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week provides the opportunity to discuss the importance of supporting babies’ mental health and wellbeing.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is co-ordinated each year by the Parent-Infant Foundation.

Pauline Turner, the Director of Children and Family Services at Hull City Council, said: “I hope families in Hull will consider coming along to a session at one of the many Family Hubs across the city. The sessions promote baby development, as well as nurture the bond between parent and child.”

See details about the sessions below:

DateFamily HubSession
Monday 9 June 9.30 – 10.30amPriory Family Hub, Priory RoadSensory Session – sensory play and promoting discussions of parent – infant relationships in a safe space
Monday 9June 1.30 – 2.30pmOctagon Family Hub, Walker StreetBaby Time – sensory play session including singing and music
Tuesday 10 June 1.30 – 2.30pmRainbow Family Hub, Wheeler StreetRainbows and Sprinkles – a play session which includes sensory play, messy or physical themed activities – suitable for 0-24 months.
Tuesday 10 June 10.30 – 11.30am   Tuesday 10 June 1.00 – 2.30pm        Lemon Tree Family Hub, Lothian Way, Bransholme   Marfleet Family Hub, Preston RoadBaby and Me – includes sensory sessions, where babies explore their senses through lights and sound. GroBrain which focuses on bonding, attachment and a baby’s brain development and infant massage to promote bonding and learning the health benefits of massage
Wednesday 11June 10 – 10.45amLemon Tree Family Hub, Lothian Way, BransholmeBaby Sing and Play – play session for babies including sensory play, singing and movement to music. 0-1 years
Thursday 12 June 10 – 11.15amParks Family Hub, Courtway RoadTiny Explorers – sensory activities, messy play, treasure baskets, singing and parachute. For children aged 0-2 years
Friday 13 June 10 – 11amLittle Stars Family Hub, Preston RoadMessy Stars – session encourages sensory play to support relationship building and brain development
Friday 13 June 10 – 11amAcorns Family Hub, Nestor GroveDiscover and Play – a range of messy and sensory play where babies can explore the environment.  A great session to bond with your baby whilst making memories

The 0-19 Health Visiting team are available for any families who are worried about their baby’s development, or their relationship with their baby. They have child health clinics across the city during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. Families can contact their named health visitor or call the service on (01482) 259600.

Visit Hull’s Family Hubs website for more information about the wide range of support they offer during pregnancy and throughout the first 1001 days of a child’s life: www.familyhubshull.org.uk.

An image of a previous Big Malarkey event in Hull, and the artwork for this year's Grow Festival.