The “excellent” work of Derry’s Lifestart Foundation in providing high-quality parental support has been praised in the House of Commons.
Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan is supporting Britain’s first Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (6-10 June 2016), which aims to raise a greater understanding for policy makers, professionals and parents why giving every baby the best possible start in life matters to the life chances of children and families.
"Infant mental health" refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally throughout the early years beginning in the antenatal period.
Mr Durkan has also supported recommendations in the ‘1001 Critical Days Manifesto’ which aim to ensure every baby has the best possible start in life.
The Foyle MP, who is a member of the ‘1001 Critical Days’ All-Party Parliamentary Group, said: “I am delighted to support the first ever Infant Mental Health Awareness Week – and will continue to do all I can to shine a spotlight on why infant mental health is so important as a preventative public health strategy for future generations.
“I have also praised the excellent work of Derry’s Lifestart Foundation in the House of Commons in providing high-quality parental support to produce better development outcomes for children – not least in terms of mental health.”
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