In celebration of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, expectant parents, parents and caregivers of babies and infants (0–3 years) are invited to a free ‘Parents Connect’ event next week.
Organised by the Galway City Early Years group under the Galway Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), this special event brings together local organisations, experts and parents to highlight the vital role of early relationships in shaping a child’s wellbeing.
Attendees can enjoy a relaxed morning with tea, coffee and fun activities, meet other parents and access trusted information stands.
From 10:30am, guest speakers will share practical tips for supporting both parent and baby wellbeing.
Speakers include Catherine Maguire, Clinical Psychologist and Infant Mental Health Specialist and PhD Researcher at the School of Psychology, University of Galway (social and emotional development of babies and infants) and Karen Concannon, Community Sports Development Officer, Galway Sports Partnership, (movement and activity)
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday June 9 – Friday, June 13, and the ‘Parents Connect’ event will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30am at the Radisson Red hotel in Galway City.
Highlighting the week’s importance, guest speaker Catherine Maguire said, “The earliest relationships and experiences shape the quality of an infant and young child’s brain and supports their emotional wellbeing and lifelong health.”
“By also supporting our parents and caregivers, we help to lay the foundations for children to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore and learn.”
“Infant mental health is everyone’s business, and small positive changes can make a lasting difference.”
This event coincides with Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which shines a spotlight on the importance of early years and the support available to families.
Galway City Early Years group is made up of a range of local agencies including Ard Family Resource Centre; Galway CYPSC; Galway Childcare Committee; Galway City Partnership; Galway Sports Partnership; HSE’s Health Promotion and Improvement, Community Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health Nursing, and Young Parents Support Programme; Healthy Galway City, TULSA Family Services and University of Galway.
