We are delighted to continue our support as a partner for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (#IMHAW17) taking place this week (12-16 June 2017).

200 organisations have come together this week to highlight national infant mental health week which focuses on raising awareness of the importance of giving every child the best possible start in life, beginning from conception.

Begin before birth is the theme of the week to particularly highlight the importance of supporting a healthy pregnancy experience for expectant parents and strengthening the opportunity for the next generation to have a best start in life.

Around 2.4 million babies will be born in the UK before 2020. This also represents our future workforce – the next generation to have their potential nurtured through family and community life – to become the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators.

IMH infographic

Early childhood development matters. By the time these babies are turn 3 the foundations for all learning and relationships have been formed. Their brain development in this time is critical to later success in life and school with around 100 billion neural connections being formed.

Dr Cheryll Adams CBE, executive director iHV, said:

“The link between emotional wellbeing, in the very first years of life, and later physical, mental and social health outcomes is now well evidenced. As a nation we should not hesitate in realigning investment and attention onto early childhood when it can make the greatest difference to future health, social care and fiscal spending and ensure that every child meets their potential.”

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 logo

Please do join the Twitter Chats taking place every evening this week, between 8-9pm on Twitter – just follow the hashtag #IMHAW17 and post your comments using the same hashtag to join the conversation.

IMH week Twitter Chats