12/06/2026
The Western Trust’s Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department recently held a very successful Infant Mental Health Conference at the Manor House Hotel, County Fermanagh. Many professionals and organisations were in attendance to put infant mental health at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Funded by the Public Health Agency, the 5th annual event aimed to raise awareness of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (8th-14th June 2026), focusing on this year’s theme, “Attunement” highlighting how attuned early relationships support babies development helping them feel safe and loved able to regulate their emotions, supporting good infant mental health.
The keynote speech came from Sally Hogg, who spoke about how
“Tuning in, noticing and responding to our babies is vital—it is perhaps the most important thing a caring adult can do for a baby, it’s also what we need to do as a society: to pay attention to what is happening for our babies, and to respond to their needs.”
Ms Maeve Linton, Cherish Sure Start Manager one of the organisations who took part commented,
“As a community-based organisation supporting families during their children’s earliest years, we know how important attunement is in helping babies feel safe, secure and understood. Events like this conference provide a valuable opportunity for services to come together, share learning and strengthen our collective commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life. At Cherish Sure Start, we see every day how responsive, nurturing relationships help babies and young children thrive. Attunement is at the heart of building strong emotional connections, and we were delighted to be part of this important event highlighting the vital role early relationships play in children’s lifelong wellbeing.”
A wide range of organisations hosted information stalls, offering attendees a snapshot of the support services and programmes available throughout the Western Trust area. Services included Lakeland Home Start; Attuned in Practice; Cherish Sure Start; Toybox (Early Years Organisation); Family Support NI; Pregnancy in Mind (NSPCC); Angel Eyes; Parents Participation Project (CiNI); Smartphone Free Childhood; Mindwise; Tiny Life; Western Trust Family Nurse Partnership; Health Visiting Team; Henry Project and Psychology Team.
Dr Priscilla Magee from the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership/WHSCT, one of the event organisers who works to ensure strong connectedness between statutory, community and voluntary services across the Western area, described the gathering as an important learning opportunity which will strengthen a shared approach to the delivery of consistent, collaborative support to families. Dr Magee continued,
“The Conference was about ensuring we are all mutually connected in our practice,” she said, “supporting families to be fully attentive, engaged and sensitive to the needs of others.”
Closing remarks came from Brian Leonard, PHA
“What happens during the early years is key to what happens in later life. Strong relationships between babies and their caregivers are the building blocks for healthy development. Promoting these responsive relationships supports a public health approach through building resilience, reducing the risk of future mental health difficulties and reducing health inequalities.”
Speaking about the success of the infant mental health event, Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator, Health Improvement Equality Involvement Department, Western Trust said:
“We are proud to have led the organisation of our fifth annual Infant Mental Health Conference. This event provides an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on infant mental health, a subject that is still too often overlooked despite its profound impact on lifelong health, wellbeing and development. By working together, we can help ensure that every baby has the best possible start in life and the opportunity to thrive.”