Emotional Wellbeing
When a setting promotes positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, children are better able to understand and express their feelings. This builds confidence and emotional resilience, supporting their learning.
For parents, having a baby is a big life event; it's natural to experience a range of emotions and reactions during and after the pregnancy. But if they start to have a big impact on how a parent is living their life, they might be experiencing a mental health problem. Around one in five women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth.
There is also a growing body of research around adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the link to poor outcomes in adulthood.
National Guidance
Future in Mind report: Promoting, protecting and improving our children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing by the Department of Health and NHS
Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Early Years guidance from NICE
Early Intervention Foundation champions and supports the use of effective early intervention to improve the lives of children and young people at risk of experiencing poor outcomes
The 1001 Critical Days Manifesto a cross-party manifesto
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy for Children and Young People in Hampshire 2019 - 2024
Advice and resources
Back to Basics is a local campaign that empowers parents and carers to support their child’s emotional wellbeing within the home by making small changes. The website has videos, posters, goal-setting cards, and assembly packs that can be shared with your children and families.
Mental Wellbeing Hampshire children and young people signposting and local support.
Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service support for children and families
Hampshire Substance Misuse Service support for people with an alcohol or drug problem
Five ways to wellbeing resources to help improve enjoyment of life, self-esteem and engagement with the world around you
The Wave Trust works to prevent and reduce key adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as child abuse, neglect and witnessing domestic violence
Postnatal Depression in Dads article from the NCT
Mental Health Problems and Pregnancy advice from the NHS
Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health andParenting with a mental health problem advice from MIND
The role of childcare professionals in supporting mental health and wellbeing in young people: a literature review the importance of early years and the role of the childcare professional supporting children’s health from PACEY
Early Years in Mind: free online network and resources for early years practitioners
Supporting Infant Mental Health advice from Young Minds
NHS Every Mind Matters Looking after a child or young person's mental health
Infant Mental Health information from the Institute of Health Visitors
Getting to know your baby videos from the Association for Infant Mental Health UK
Chat Health free text messaging service set up to support parents, carers and families of under 5s in Hampshire. The service is run by local health visitors. Text the dedicated number 07520 615720
PANTS (The underwear rule) guidance for Early Years from the NSPCC. The Talk PANTS campaign and materials encourage parents and carers to have simple conversations with their children which can help keep them safe from sexual abuse.
Emotional wellbeing and mental health resources by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Free e-learning
MindEd for the Early Years: free learning modules about mental health in young children
Solihull Approach - free online courses offering advice and practical tips to boost confidence as a parent, help navigate family life and strengthen relationships. Courses are available for parents and caregivers, as well as teachers and professionals working with children and young people.