Evaluation of the Healthy Little Minds programme released

The Centre for Mental Health has release an evaluation of the Healthy Little Minds programme in Nottingham which delivers early support to strengthen parent-infant bonding and boost parents’ mental health. The programme also offers a “here for as long as you need us” approach, to family support services reassuring families that they can reach out whenever they are ready without fear of judgement.

The report finds that support from Healthy Little Minds led to significant reductions in anxiety and postnatal depression with parents reporting that they felt more connected to their children, with activities such as psychotherapy and baby massage helping unsure or anxious caregivers to feel more in tune with what their baby needed.

By offering flexible support, not limited by number of sessions or long waiting lists, the programme was shown to build strong, trusting relationships and deliver more effective care.

Read the full evaluation here.