Small moments, big impact: how everyday connections shape your baby’s future
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance early relationships play in shaping babies’ mental health, development and future wellbeing this Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until 14 June.
One initiative which has been developed to support families across Northern Ireland in this is, the Connect with Me programme, which is helping parents build strong, nurturing relationships with their babies during the critical first 1,001 days of life. Developed through a unique collaboration between parents from East Belfast Sure Start, Speech and Language Therapists from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, EastSide Learning Community, and the PHA, the initiative includes the ‘Connect with Me’ baby book, a parent/carer resource guide, a 4–6-week programme for delivery in groups, and a staff training package.
Deirdre Ward, Interim Lead for Starting Well at the PHA, said: “Research shows that what parents do during the first three years has a lasting impact on a child’s development, with secure relationships playing a key role in building emotional resilience, learning ability and long-term health outcomes.
“While adversity and stress during pregnancy and early childhood can have lasting effects, early intervention can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes. Supporting families at the earliest stages helps build emotional security, resilience and healthy development.
“The Connect with Me programme highlights how simple, everyday interactions between parents and babies can make a powerful difference, empowering families to build strong connections that support lifelong health and wellbeing with simple, practical tools.”
Originally developed in East Belfast to address a gap in speech, language and communication resources for babies, the programme has grown from local parent and baby groups into a resource that aims to be utilised across early years groups in HSC, community and voluntary sectors.
Co-produced with parents, the resource aims to help parents understand how everyday interactions – from talking and singing to playing and cuddling – actively support their baby’s brain development. The programme takes complex neuroscience and translates it into simple, practical actions that can easily be built into daily routines. It focuses on strengthening attuned relationships between parents and children, helping to build the brain connections that underpin good mental health, communication and learning.
This work aligns with the PHA’s Starting Well priority, which supports families to look after their physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Karla Kerr, a first-time mum from Belfast, attends a range of Sure Start groups with her six-month-old son Odhrán.
Speaking about her experience with the Connect with Me programme, she talks about how the programme helped her understand how to connect with Odhrán in a more meaningful way: “I would have acknowledged his babbles but I wouldn’t have known to repeat it back to him. I now pause and wait for his reply to make it like a little conversation.”
“I use the ideas provided throughout the day, such as singing songs during nappy changes. They are all simple things I might have already known, but the programme really reinforces how important these moments are. The ideas are easy to use, don’t cost anything, and make such a difference. It’s also been great listening to other parents and learning together.”
Rebecca Carey, Speech and Language Therapist with East Belfast Sure Start, added: “The first few years are when a baby’s brain develops most rapidly, and early interactions lay the foundations for their future mental health, learning and relationships.
“The Connect with Me programme does what it says on the tin, it’s all about connection – providing spaces and sharing simple ideas of ways for parents and their babies to connect. We chat, we giggle, we sing and there’s lots of cuddling, all during simple interactions and activities that can then be done any time anywhere!
“What stands out most is seeing parents realise just how powerful these small interactions are. It builds their confidence and helps them see that creating positive change and seeing those light-bulb moments when they realise ‘it is this simple’ and ‘I can do this’.”
The Connect with Me initiative has been shortlisted for the Advancing Healthcare Awards UK 2026, recognising its innovative and collaborative approach. The initiative aims to support stronger speech, language and communication skills, improved health and education outcomes, and more resilient communities, while continuing to promote infant and parental mental health across Northern Ireland.
ENDS