13/02/2025
Our Speech and Language Therapists in Surestart, recently launched two programmes to promote positive parent and baby interaction and the early communication skills of babies.
The Speech and Language Therapy Team (SLT) presented their 4 week, Ready, Steady, Sing and Play Baby Programme for parents and babies which is based on the most recent research in baby brain development.
Emer Maguire, local Comedian and Science Communicator presented the Chatting Time, Bite Size Videos for parents. These videos were developed originally by Belfast Surestart, Speech and Language Therapists. This resource can be accessed by clicking here
Kate Crossan, Lead Speech and Language Therapist for Western Trust Surestart explained,
“These programmes are aimed at promoting positive baby brain development in a fun and engaging way. They show how parents can help their baby develop by singing, smiling, talking and playing with their babies. They encourage parents to respond to and communicate with their babies.”
The event was attended by professionals from Speech and Language Therapy, 9 Surestart Teams, Western Trust Best Start in Life working group, Health Visiting, Health Improvement, Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), Public Health Agency and representatives of the community and voluntary sector.
Speakers
Kate Crossan Lead SLT for Surestart, Kevin Duggan, Social Care Commissioning Lead for Early Years SPPG; Emma Mullan SLT; Tricia Davidson, Communication Assistant; Emer Maguire, local Comedian and Science Communicator. Also pictured are members of the Western Trust Best Start in Life Group Hilary Campbell and Joyce McKittrick, Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator; Ruth Sedgewick Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy NI Officer and Sheena Pierce, Childcare Partnership, SPPG.